What should I name my crafting business? The Art of Naming Your Creative Venture

So you've decided to launch your creative business or experience. Amazing! Your head is buzzing with ideas, you've got the skills, and you're ready to share your talents with the world. But now you might be asking yourself, "What should I name my crafting business?"

If you're anything like me, naming your creative venture might be causing you more stress than expected. It's like naming a child, except this child is your livelihood and professional identity all wrapped into one. No pressure, right?

Why Names Matter (But Not As Much As You Think)

Here's the thing that took me way too long to learn: your brand name matters, but probably not for the reasons you think.

A great name won't save a mediocre business, and a "meh" name won't sink an amazing one. Think about some of the biggest brands out there, Apple, Amazon, Google. Pretty random words that gained meaning through what the companies actually delivered.

Still, your name is often the first impression people get, so it's worth putting some thought into it. Just don't let it become a roadblock that prevents you from moving forward.

Approach 1: Go Personal With Your Own Name

Using your own name is a classic approach that works beautifully for many creative professionals. Whether it's "Anne Holgers Photography" or simply "Anne Holgers Creative," this approach has several advantages:

Pros:

• Instant authenticity, it's uniquely yours (unless you have a generic name)

• Flexibility to pivot or expand services without outgrowing your name

• Perfect for personal brands where YOU are the selling point

• Eliminates the risk of your business name sounding dated in a few years

Cons:

• If your name is difficult to spell or pronounce, it might create friction

• Some people feel uncomfortable with the personal spotlight

• If you have long-term plans to build a large team or sell the business someday, a personal name might limit your options

Approach 2: Create Something Evocative

The alternative is to develop a name that captures the essence of what you do or how you want people to feel. This approach lets you craft something with specific meaning and energy.

When I was brainstorming names for my own business, I wanted something that conveyed imagination, relaxed attitude, craftsmanship, and livelihoods. After pages of scribbles and several cups of coffee, I landed on my shortlist. I have to admit, I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep this name, but for now I'm cool with it.

Naming Process to try

If you're stuck, here's an effective process:

1. Brain dump without judgment. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down every word that relates to your work, your values, your aesthetic, and things you love. Don't filter yourself!

2. Look for patterns and combinations. Circle words that resonate and try mixing them in unexpected ways.

3. Add a word that describes your industry. For example, Creations, Studio, Boutique, Shop, Tutiorials, Creative, etc.

4. Say them out loud. A name might look great on paper but feel awkward when spoken. Practice introducing yourself with each potential name.

5. Check availability. Before you fall completely in love with a name, do a Google search and domain name check. You should also check your country's federal trademark database to see if the names you like are available. There's nothing worse than designing your whole brand identity only to discover someone else is already using your perfect name.

6. Sleep on it. Your subconscious often has excellent insights if you give it time to process.

Practical Checks Before You Commit

Once you have a name you're excited about, run through this quick checklist:

• The acronym test: What do the initials spell? Is it offensive?

• The confusion test: Is it easily misheard or misspelled?

• The translation test: Does it mean something unintentional in another language?

• The future test: Will this name still work if your business evolves?

When to Just Make the Decision Already

If you're three weeks into the naming process with fifteen spreadsheets and mood boards for each potential name, then stop. You're overthinking it.

Set yourself a deadline. Give yourself 48 hours max to make the final call, then move on to actually building your business. Remember that many successful companies have changed their names as they evolved (PayPal was once "Confinity," if you can believe it).

The truth is, whatever name you choose will grow into its meaning through your work. The most important thing is to start creating and sharing your gifts with the world. The perfect name is the one that gets you moving forward.

What creative venture are you naming? Drop your ideas in the comments, sometimes an outside perspective is just what you need to find clarity!