Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

Phil, I'm pretty sure that most grown adults in the US could work out what Kreatief means. What's more, it's likely that all the text will be in English. Anyway, this sort of thing didn't stop ToysRUs using the Russian letter for their vowel "A", did it?

Hello everyone,

I am extremely grateful and appreciative of all your comments so far. Thank you for your input. This is all really helpful!

Steve - Thank you for your input/concern. I'd love for this discussion to be based on the name rather than diving deep into discussions on taxes, etc. However, for my particular situation, being a freelance vfx artist, I have taken the advice from my advisor, as well as other artists who have already become incorporated seriously. Some artists have used their own name, and told me it was a mistake, and a bigger hassle. The exact details of why, I do not have off hand. However, I see my adviser in a few weeks and will get that answer for you when I see him again. Becoming incorporated is new for me, so I am still learning all the in's and out's of it. I look forward to any future input you might want to offer in the meantime.


Moriarty - Thank you for your suggestions. Things that make me stand out/make me special to someone hiring me, and are also the reason I am hired again are the following:

1. Keen eye for detail, color, & lighting, and the ability to blend various elements together.

That is very important in compositing, to get all the different elements to match/blend into the same world. The various elements could be matte paintings, effects like smoke, fire, water, etc. The ability to make it real and seamless, where it's hard to tell what shots have effects added, and what shots have not been touched at all is important.

2. Fast, skillful, and efficient.
3. Team player/communicator/great client skills
4. Advanced skills in my field/Senior level
5. Knowledge of various advanced software packages

** When I am hired, it is mainly by word of mouth and referrals from others that I have worked for or with in the past. On occasion, I will get a call from someone who has seen my demo reel online (1-3 minute video of my best work featuring my skills). Either I have emailed my online link to them, or they came across it from linked in. But mainly my work comes from word of mouth. When I am hired, I usually work on-site at a studio location, as a freelance employee.

Also some thoughts on the name suggestions. After hearing the opinions from some of the others, maybe they have a point being careful about it being too German. I don't necessarily want to sound German. However, I do still like the spelling of Kreativ. It's really not a far stretch from the US spelling of the word Creative. So many words now are changed by a letter or two to be 'catchy, unique, differernt.' Take the letter Z for example. So many words now, are replacing the S with Z. Like smarty pantz, kidz, etc. If you didn't realize it is the German spelling, it might just come across as a fun/different was to spell it from a "C" to a "K."



mgoodman - ** My primary target are film/production studios that hire freelance artists to work in house at their studio locations. The VFX work that I do is mainly for commercials. However, I occasionally create VFX for episodic tv shows and movies as well.

** Studios pick an artist based on:

1. their work shown in a 1-3 minute video demo reel, that showcases their best skills with compositing and vfx. Either online, or on a dvd.

2. And/or word of mouth of an artists reputation of skill level, and how their personality is (able to work with a team or by themselves, or able to work amiably/well with clients).

3. and also by the rate per hour that a freelance artist charges to be hired.

** I'd say the most important from the three above, that studios use to hire, are based off of an artists skill and likeability. They must be good at what they do, and must have a great personality/people skills to get along with a team of artists, and also be able to communicate and be present with clients. They must be able to follow through with tasks asked of them, in a timely manor, and make deadlines efficiently.

Jay & Phil - Thank you for your input as well. You both make excellent points. I wonder what your thoughts are on the following:

I want to throw out there an example of a name that I find very clever and fun. This is just an example, not something I think works for my situation. So Gordan Ramsey (Chef Ramsey) has a new production company that handles all of his audio visual content. It is called One Potato Two Potato. It is a familiar, catchy phrase, and it relates to food (which is his thing), even though it is his production company. I love it for him.

I'm not sure how to describe the above for me, but if there was something similar with cleverness that could relate to my situation in the same way, that the above does for Ramsey, I think that would be perfect. I think what I really love about the above is the unique cleverness, but it's simple and relateable to the main focus they are trying to get across (which in his case is food/cooking).

I will keep thinking on all of your comments and suggestions. I will post any ideas I come up with for your opinions. And of course, will get opinions from others in my industry/field for their two cents on my name as well. I welcome any additional thoughts/ideas you may have. And thank you all again for your help so far! It is very much appreciated.

Best,

-Joy

Joy - My intention was not to show concern over your private affairs and I certainly have no wish to delve into any tax discussions.

My interests are in branding. My experience is that in many situations artists (of the kinds) are successfully branded by using their own names. Any artist will always own their name - their signature.

How you choose to brand (name) yourself should primarily be about marketing considerations - which are revenue-side-of-the-business-equation considerations. You should clearly understand any legal/tax advice before eliminating an option that may be a your first choice.

-Steve