What's in a name?

[diane555]

Hi all

I've only lived in the U.S for two years and am not at all familiar with all of the laws regarding the arts. I'm hoping someone may be able to answer this one or perhaps point me in the direction of a web site that may offer more advice regarding this.

Is it legal in the U.S. to use one's birth name even if your current legal name is one that you acquired through marriage? I certainly don't want to begin selling my work in this country using a name I don't plan to keep. Writers do this all the time, use two names, that is...so I'm thinking that it must be legal but just want to make sure I understand the rules before I start playing the game :D

Thanks in advance for any information.

Di

[Rose Queen]

I think the answer to this question varies from state to state, Diane, so you'll probably need to do some research on what your state's laws are.

At one time, married women in Hawaii were legally required to take their husbands' names! Don't try this at home today...

In California, you can use any name you like without legally changing it, so long as there is no intent to defraud. Whether the MasterCard people will issue you a credit card that says "Bozo the Clown" is another matter entirely...

[arlene]

For a business you can use any name you'd like. What I'd do is file for a tax id number under the name you're planning on selling your work under. Then you should have no problems getting a checking account, etc.

[diane555]

Thank you both for the information. I'll try some state searches regarding this. I actually don't mind using my current name for the actual business end of things...I just don't want to sign my work with that name.

Originally posted by arlene
For a business you can use any name you'd like. What I'd do is file for a tax id number under the name you're planning on selling your work under. Then you should have no problems getting a checking account, etc.

Thanks Arlene. That was one of my concerns. I certainly have ID with my birth name on it but was wondering if I'd need to file for a tax ID number. Was recently searching for a gov't site to do just that online if possible. In Canada we had a gov't site that was designed for small business/self employment that offered online applications ect. but I haven't been able to locate a U.S. one yet. Perhaps I'm using incorrect keywords in my search??

Thanks again.

Di

[paintergirl]

Interesting thread...

I use my first name and married name in day-to-day life, but started signing my paintings, promoting etc one year ago with my first name ( actually,just my first initial) maiden name and married name. I am not into hyphens but wanted to pay homage to my roots professionally.
I can't see it being a problem since it was your legal maiden name . Many women after divorce resume using their maiden names and just adjust the necessary paperwork accordingly.

Has me thinking, I will see what I can find on the net with regards to this.

[Christie]

In Canada, I used my married name for some things and my maiden name for one of my credit cards.

Recently (after 15 years!) I linked the two names together at the credit bureau so that my credit history would be available whatever name I was using.

[ligerwolve]

:cat: I have been using ligerwolve to sign my artwork with. I think it stops people copying my artwork because they can't figure out what it says. :( Well it's an idea any way and it has worked so far. Hope it helps someone else!

[jcpower]

Hi dianne, I was just browsing the threads, found this one and decided to make a comment. In Texas, the is an artist who uses a pseudonym as his artistic name. Since he is now some sort of a TV celebrity, he doesn't want people to buy his work just besause it has his name on it. So he created a whole new person, a little old lady to market his art under, and this name has no ties with his own. He has never mentioned this name in public so basically his art sells for what it is not because his name is on it.

I know this is a bit more extreme than what you have in mind, but I thought it might give you an idea of how the laws might work. Hope this helps.

[Ron Kensey]

In my opinion .. whichever name you use, make sure that you are consistant, that it is somewhat unique, and when you sign it, it is readable.

When I see an image I am intrequed with, I often go to the internet to see what I can find on the artist. You can pick up sales if people see your name on a painting and then have someway of finding you....

I think it would be sad if you started out using a married name and then later chose to change it .. for one reason or the other .. or vise versa ...

:)

[CarlyHardy]

I have used my maiden name several times for various reasons in my lifetime instead of my married name. The bank didn't care and neither did the business license department. (Georgia)

Carly is a shortened form of my name (a nickname), but I have a bank account with Carly on the account...the bank didn't care as long as I have the correct SSN on their records.

For a business account...ask the bank if you'll need a copy of a business license or a tax ID from the state. They may not require it.
carly

(anyone want to know who I really am? LOL)

[paintergirl]

Originally posted by CHClements


(anyone want to know who I really am? LOL)

Tell us , tell us! :D

[diane555]

Hi all

Sorry I haven't been back here in a few days. Thank you all so much for all the information.
Carly: I didn't think the bank would care either as long as I used my SSN number but thought I'd throw the question out there anyways.

I currently 'sign' my fabric pieces with a logo that I stitch into the piece but I suppose the back of the piece should have my actual name for just the reasons that Ron mentioned. I hadn't thought of that.Great info in this forum! I'll have to find more time to spend in here :D

Yes, Carly, do tell :D
Di

[baquitania]

Originally posted by CHClements
(anyone want to know who I really am? LOL)

Weren't you one of the original Charlie's Angels? Could have sworn there was a plucky southern one who's cover was artist by day, crime fighter by night...

B;)bby

[CarlyHardy]

If I tell you....I'll have to kill you!

c

[paintergirl]

Carlita?
Carly-Jean?
Carmel? :D

[RobinZ]

This is the link to the government website. You would get your tax i.d. through them.

http://www.state.pa.us/

[diane555]

Thank you so much for the link Robin. I've been searching for just that :)

Di