Comments on: Insist that you are listed with the name you prefer

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:22:17 +0000

Alyson, Thank-you for this advice! I try to be so fair and understanding of others that many times I am not firm with what is best for me and my career. Your advice is much needed, no more compromising my career!

By: Jill Rumoshosky Werner

Jill Rumoshosky Werner — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:10:41 +0000

Alyson, thank you so much for bringing attention to this problem. I’ve tried all the tricks you’ve suggested and sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Many times, I’ve only learned about the name change after the publicity has already gone out. This occurs so frequently that I always write a note on my entry forms to please use all three names, but it still doesn’t seem to have much effect. Barbara, I totally agree about high end shows being the worst name changers, particularly shows at museums. I even had a problem with this last Fall at a local art museum (one that Alyson knows quite well). In every case this has happened to me, multiple written and verbal requests to various people were required before they got the message and sometimes, that still hasn’t been enough. It’s nice to know I’m not the only person having problems with this!

By: Michael Lynn Adams

Michael Lynn Adams — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:31:50 +0000

It is so hard to get your name known, it is frustrating when you cannot get the right (full name) published. My name, Michael Adams, is one of the most common names around, at least in my region. I know three others personally and at least three more have been friends of friends. So when I started promoting myself as an artist it was an obvious choice to use my middle name, Lynn, as part of my full name. It is a bit unusual and memorable. In art circles my goal is to have my first name known as “Michael Lynn.” So now I always write “Michael Lynn” as my first name in art-related forms. Seems to work especially with online forms, much to my surprise.

By: Barbara J Carter

Barbara J Carter — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:45:52 +0000

It’s funny, the lower end shows I do are better about this. They specifically ask for your business name (like “Kathy’s Kountry Krafts”). They can deal with any name you throw at them. The problem shows are the higher end shows. They expect a first name and a last name, period. There’s no space for anything else on their forms. They print out official booth signs for everyone and refuse to deviate from their formula. At least in my case it’s only a middle initial. But it is annoying.

By: Lana

Lana — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:30:26 +0000

I’m always on top of this, mostly because no one seems able to get “Lana” right. Is it so hard, really? After all, it’s just “anal” backwards! *L*

By: Sheila Mahanke Barnes

Sheila Mahanke Barnes — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:03:38 +0000

Thanks, Alyson. Excellent advice. I guess it’s another case of me not being gutsy enough to stand up for myself, that “be nice” thing many of our mother’s instill in us. These are very helpful steps to follow. I particularly like your reminding us to “write with kindness.” No need to yell, but firmness is allowed, right? No more letting it slide!