Can an artist have a pen name?

It’s quite common for artists from all mediums to use pseudonyms. However, there can be legal repercussions. Before signing off with a pen name, you should carefully consider why you may use it, how to protect your real identity, and the risks involved.

How do I make an artist pen name?

A pseudonym can be as hard to select as naming a character, especially when you are the character. You could simply use their middle name, a nickname, or initials as your pen name. The only reason many authors change only their last name at conferences is that they do not need to remember what their first name is.

What is a good pen name?

The simplest pen name would be a variation of your own name, such as a middle name, nickname, or initials. Many authors change only their last name so they don’t have to remember what first name to use at conferences.

What do you call an artist’s name?

A stage name—sometimes referred to as a pseudonym, artist name, or a nom de guerre—is a professional name that a performer adopts to publicly represent themselves as an artist. A stage name can contain parts of the person’s legal name, or be a completely different name.

Why do artists use fake names?

A performer will often take a stage name because their real name is considered unattractive, dull, or unintentionally amusing; projects an undesired image; is difficult to pronounce or spell; or is already being used by another notable individual, including names that are not exactly the same but still too similar.

Can I copyright a pen name?

Under U.S. law you can’t copyright a name, real or fictitious. Copyrights protect authorship, such as short stories, poems, or novels. You can register a manuscript under a pen name at the copyright office (www.copyright.gov). You’ll have to provide some information, including your real address.

Should I use my name for my art?

Consider Using Your Own Name Remember, it’s all about branding. One of your biggest selling points as a fine artist is that your art isn’t mass-produced, so going with your own name instead of something anyone could choose illustrates the unique value of your art.

Should I copyright my pen name?

Nicknames and other diminutive forms of legal names are not considered fictitious. If you write under a pseudonym but want to be identified by your legal name in the Copyright Office’s records, you should provide your legal name and your pseudonym on your application for copyright registration.

Should I trademark my pen name?

Having your pen name trademarked doesn’t mean other people can’t use it at all. There may be people whose legal given name is your pen name, and they aren’t infringing your trademark. However, trademark registration does mean you can prevent someone else from using the same name as their pen name.