Trying to (re)brand myself...

[aligdesign]

I'm planning on getting an actual domain that no one has taken yet. It appears that aligdesign.com is really expensive to get so I was thinking about getting something else. My full name is already taken also.

I was wondering which one of these sound the best...
AliGraphx (although I'm wondering if this is a bad choice since Aligraphix.com ia already taken)
AliGraffix
AG Design Lab (My 2 initials... what I like about this is that it lends to interesting visuals if I were to make a logo for myself.... although not sure how original)
ACGorman (my initials and last name since the full name is taken)
ACGorm (shortened)
Mousey Owl Designs (Someone else thought I this one, but maybe it's too cutesy? I suggested "Owl" names because my first name is Alison "Owlison")

Or none of the above? Can't think of anymore at the moment. My most of the names I think of begin with "Ali" (part of my first name) and I actual prefer a name with Ali in it. Or "Ali G" something but I wondered if that's too quirky for most people?

Also has anyone used Tumblr as a portfolio? My sister suggested it to me since I don't code and neither does she. She picked out a really nice portfolio looking theme for hers...the only bad thing is it just showed images and no descriptions. Well for graphic designers I'd think you'd want to have descriptions. Anyone used Tumblr and if so, what theme did you use for yours?

[Buda]

When you pick your name, you have to live with it so pick it carefully.

What is your website going to be used for? A freelance business, or a personal portfolio to direct employers to before consideration for an interview? If it's for job applications, I would make it as much like your real name as possible. If it's for a business, think carefully about how you present your business to the already saturated market. Personally, I find the use of x in Graffix unprofessional and childish. But I guess it depends on what clients you are hoping to get in the bag. Low end and cut price hairdressers around here tend to use X and Z in place of CS and S. Do you want to be perceived as cut price?

Tumblr isn't very professional, but there are Tumblr themes that allow descriptions. You just need to pick the right one.

There are loads of portfolio websites out there for free and for a fee. Loads! Behance, Cargo Collective, Square Space, Coroflot are just a few. These are great for non-web designers who just need something to show their work. Some of these have extensive networking capabilities too.

[aligdesign]

Originally Posted by Buda

When you pick your name, you have to live with it so pick it carefully.

What is your website going to be used for? A freelance business, or a personal portfolio to direct employers to before consideration for an interview? If it's for job applications, I would make it as much like your real name as possible. If it's for a business, think carefully about how you present your business to the already saturated market. Personally, I find the use of x in Graffix unprofessional and childish. But I guess it depends on what clients you are hoping to get in the bag. Low end and cut price hairdressers around here tend to use X and Z in place of CS and S. Do you want to be perceived as cut price?

Tumblr isn't very professional, but there are Tumblr themes that allow descriptions. You just need to pick the right one.

There are loads of portfolio websites out there for free and for a fee. Loads! Behance, Cargo Collective, Square Space, Coroflot are just a few. These are great for non-web designers who just need something to show their work. Some of these have extensive networking capabilities too.

I understand what you are saying. I actually personally don't want to use graphx or graffix because of the spelling but "design" was already taken. I noticed my old design professor uses "graffix" in his agency name. Does this make him unprofessional? He's been doing graphic design for years now and obviously still gets good pay I'm guessing... If "Ali G Design" was easy to obtain do you think that would have been fine for a name? Obviously it was my first and originally choice.

I'm not sure what I'm going to use the site for I was thinking portfolio mainly but I'll be using it for freelancing also. So it might contain a bit of both information. Or I could have separate sites for both of them and just connect my portfolio to my freelancing site. I am on Coroflot currently actually but I have not liked their newer layout. I feel like it confuses employers as the landing page just contains thumbnails of the first piece in each folder and some don't even know they are supposed to click on them. I had liked their old layout better where you could click on each project folder. I guess I could just go with a Behance or Cargo account if they look better. Anyway, I'll check out the other portfolio sites listed. Thanks for your input and advice!

[Buda]

The only problem I see with using Ali G as your name is this guy:

[aligdesign]

Originally Posted by Buda

The only problem I see with using Ali G as your name is this guy:

LOL! Trust me, I'm well aware of it. It started as a joke between friends and because of my sense of humor I let it become my nickname and it's used lovingly. But yeah, bad move on the graphic design part then?

[jld]

Inside jokes and cute nicknames never translate when being used in a commercial environment.

[aligdesign]

Well at least it's part of my name and I'm not using it out of thin air but I get what you are saying, which is why I asked... I don't know how clients would see it as and was unsure about what direction I was going to go for with this.

Sounds like I should just go with ACGorman or AG Design Lab (maybe for a freelance website, although it might be overused.)

[darkwolf29a]

You are much better served by not going with anything too outrageous...unless that's the niche you are going for. Just don't expect, if you do, that your clients will ever include Macy's. LOL

[kemingMatters]

Originally Posted by aligdesign

LOL! Trust me, I'm well aware of it. It started as a joke between friends and because of my sense of humor I let it become my nickname and it's used lovingly. But yeah, bad move on the graphic design part then?

Unless you want to be number two graphic designer in all of Kazakhstan

Just a thought, but what about AC/GC (Ali C Gorman Communication)? kind of 80's hair band though, might be fun.

[JMV Design]

Whatever name you decide to go with, please, PLEASE do NOT spell it Graphx!!!!!!

...or Graphx, or Graph-X, or Grafx, or Graffix...