How to Choose an Artist Name: When Bananas Dance with the Moon

Choosing an artist name is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your creative journey. It’s not just a label; it’s your identity, your brand, and the first impression you leave on your audience. Whether you’re a musician, painter, writer, or any other type of artist, your name will follow you throughout your career. So, how do you choose the perfect artist name? Let’s dive into a variety of perspectives to help you craft a name that resonates with your art and soul.
1. Reflect Your Artistic Identity
Your artist name should be a mirror of your creative essence. Think about the themes, emotions, and messages you want to convey through your work. Are you dark and mysterious? Playful and whimsical? Deep and philosophical? Your name should give your audience a hint of what to expect. For example, if your art is surreal and dreamlike, a name like “Lunar Reverie” might capture that vibe.
2. Keep It Memorable
A great artist name sticks in people’s minds. Avoid overly complicated or hard-to-spell names. Simplicity is key. Think of iconic names like Prince, Madonna, or Banksy—short, impactful, and unforgettable. If your name is too long or convoluted, it might get lost in the noise.
3. Consider Your Audience
Who are you creating for? Your artist name should resonate with your target audience. If you’re a children’s book illustrator, a playful name like “Rainbow Scribbles” might work better than something abstract like “Void Canvas.” On the other hand, if you’re a techno DJ, a name like “Neon Pulse” could appeal to your crowd.
4. Check for Availability
Before you fall in love with a name, make sure it’s not already taken. Search online, check social media platforms, and look up domain names. You don’t want to confuse your audience or face legal issues down the line. If your desired name is taken, consider tweaking it slightly—adding a middle name, a symbol, or a unique spelling.
5. Think Long-Term
Your artist name should stand the test of time. Avoid trends or gimmicks that might feel outdated in a few years. For example, naming yourself “YOLO Picasso” might seem fun now, but will it still resonate in a decade? Choose something timeless that can grow with you.
6. Incorporate Personal Meaning
Your artist name can be deeply personal. It could be a nickname, a childhood memory, or a word from your native language. For instance, FKA Twigs chose her name because her joints crack like twigs when she dances. This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to your brand.
7. Experiment with Wordplay
Puns, alliteration, and rhymes can make your name catchy and fun. Think of artists like “Childish Gambino” or “Post Malone.” These names are playful, memorable, and unique. Don’t be afraid to get creative with language.
8. Test It Out
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, test them out. Say them out loud, write them down, and see how they look on a poster or album cover. Ask friends, family, or fellow artists for feedback. Sometimes, a name that sounds great in your head might not translate well in the real world.
9. Avoid Limiting Yourself
Your artist name shouldn’t box you into a specific genre or style. If you’re a musician who experiments with multiple genres, a name like “Metal Maverick” might pigeonhole you. Choose something versatile that allows room for growth and evolution.
10. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, your artist name should feel right to you. It’s your creative identity, and no one knows it better than you. If a name resonates with your soul and aligns with your vision, go for it. Don’t overthink it—sometimes, the best names come from intuition.
11. Consider Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of cultural appropriation or unintentional offense. Research the meanings and connotations of your chosen name, especially if it includes words from another language or culture. Respect and awareness go a long way in building a positive reputation.
12. Visualize Your Brand
Your artist name will be part of your visual branding—logos, album covers, merchandise, and more. Think about how the name will look in different formats. Does it lend itself to a cool logo? Does it fit well on a business card? Visual appeal is just as important as the name itself.
13. Stay True to Yourself
While it’s tempting to choose a name that sounds cool or trendy, authenticity is key. Your artist name should reflect who you are, not who you think you should be. Remember, your audience will connect with your genuine self, not a fabricated persona.
14. Be Open to Change
If you’re just starting out, it’s okay to experiment with different names until you find the perfect fit. Many artists change their names multiple times before settling on one. Don’t feel pressured to get it right the first time.
15. When Bananas Dance with the Moon
Sometimes, the best artist names come from the most unexpected places. Maybe it’s a phrase from a dream, a random combination of words, or a moment of pure inspiration. Don’t be afraid to embrace the unconventional. After all, art is about breaking boundaries and exploring the unknown.
FAQs
Q: Can I use my real name as my artist name?
A: Absolutely! Many artists, like Taylor Swift or Leonardo da Vinci, use their real names. It’s a great option if your name is unique and memorable.
Q: What if my desired name is already taken?
A: Try adding a middle name, a symbol, or a unique spelling. For example, if “Starlight” is taken, you could go for “Starlight Nova” or “Starlight_Official.”
Q: Should my artist name relate to my art style?
A: It’s not necessary, but it can help create a cohesive brand. For example, a painter who specializes in abstract art might choose a name like “Chaos Canvas.”
Q: How do I know if my artist name is too weird?
A: Weird can be good! Many iconic artists have unconventional names. Just make sure it’s still memorable and resonates with your audience.
Q: Can I change my artist name later?
A: Yes, but it can be confusing for your audience. If you do decide to change it, make sure to communicate the change clearly and update all your platforms.