Need help with a business name

[Blukoo]

I'm thinking about setting up a business in photo and image editing with a bit of photography and graphic design thrown in on the side.

I intend on using the name "Blukoo" and adding something like "Image Editing" "Photo Editing" "Photo Manipulation".... blah blah blah.
And other ideas are welcome.

Also, what do you think about the name Blukoo? I know its an odd word, but I think its one that sticks in your head. And the extra bonus is, blukoo.co.uk/.com isn't taken yet.

Any advice, suggestions or tips would be very much appreciated.

[Scho]

just be boring and use your name

if it's just you, they will be hiring and dealing with you anyway so there isn't much point if you ask me.

[Blukoo]

I've always been told that using your own name as a business name is less professional, and i agree with that.

(With a few obvious exceptions)

Edited by Blukoo on Tuesday 10th June 14:30

[AndWhy]

Blukoo said:

I've always been told that using your own name as a business name is less professional, and i agree with that.

I don't agree. Neither do most car dealers I know who use their own name rather than hide behind a business identity that can be removed or reinvented at any point.

But still, back to topic, what about "... digital images/ imagery"; IMO connotes a broad spectrum. Either that or specify each element you offer. "... photography and design" or "... graphics and photography".

In fact, I'm leaning towards suggesting you separate each element. Blukoo Photography, Blukoo Images, Blukoo Design etc.

[Blukoo]

The reason i'd prefer to stay away from my name using my name is, i've never really thought it was a catchy name. People often forget it.
Plus, if this business idea goes sour, then its just the business name and not my name going sour along with it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of "digital images" as that pretty much covers the areas i'd work in, and it doesn't sound to specific.

[Scho]

Blukoo said:

I've always been told that using your own name as a business name is less professional, and i agree with that.

(With a few obvious exceptions)

Edited by Blukoo on Tuesday 10th June 14:30

i think it's a bit different in the creative industries. most photographers use their name because (like you) they are the business.for the same reason graphic designers that i know use their name,

conversely, groups of designers or firms usually use a company name.

interesting idea for a business tho

what kinds of client do you think you'd be dealing with?

[Scho]

Aitken Imaging?

there's allways deed poll if it all goes tits up!!!

i was previously known as alphonso fernado lopez.

Edited by Scho on Tuesday 10th June 15:09

[Blukoo]

Scho said:

interesting idea for a business tho

what kinds of client do you think you'd be dealing with?

Well, just recently I did some work from "sam.r" from here.
He had a few pictures of round abouts that needed tidying up. He was hoping to manage the sponsorship of the round abouts and just needed a few mock-up pictures to see what potential they had.

Here are 2 examples. (I've scaled these down as they were originally at more than 2000px)




I still have not recieved payment from him yet though

[Scho]

great stuff!

very well done.

did you put 30 days payment terms on your invoice?

[Blukoo]

Scho said:

great stuff!

very well done.

did you put 30 days payment terms on your invoice?

Thanks.

Unfortunately it was all done on 'favour' terms as first contact was made on PH. Since I wasn't operating as a business i didn't send him an invoice or anything like that. Stupidly i even sent him the full size images before any payment.
I thought since I was good enough to work on the images for 5-6 hrs he'd be happy enough to part with £25 (not exactly a huge sum).

Ah well, you live and learn...

I pitched the idea of using the name blukoo to a few people on another forum, and they started saying they were going to register it. I panicked and registered 'blukoo.co.uk'
So It looks like i'll be going with that name. Which i'm happy enough with. After all, its the name i use for everything else. Including my dA account (www.blukoo.deviantart.com)

Someone there suggested, Blukoo Studios... what do you think of that?

Edited by Blukoo on Tuesday 10th June 15:50

[Scho]

i think you should just use Blukoo imaging,

studio's sounds over the top.

[hugoagogo]

imaging sounds good

are you going to use a blue coo in your logo then?

[Blukoo]

Funnily enough, thats kinda how the name came about.
I was having a drunken conversation with my mate about a rival drink for redbull. Thought about blue cow, then blucoo, then blukoo. Ever since then i've liked the name.

I haven't really thought about a logo yet.

[arej]

Something along the lines of Blukoo Digital Imagery I think sounds alright and covers what you have mentioned.

[Simpo Two]

Blukoo said:

it was all done on 'favour' terms...

...i even sent him the full size images before any payment.

Favour means free. If you want to be paid for something you have to agree a price in advance

You'll need to sort this out before starting up in business!

[Blukoo]

I know that, but we discussed a price. I gave him my paypal details, then i've not heard from him again. He seemed like a genuine guy too...

If I set up a business, then i'll run things more professionally.

[Simpo Two]

Blukoo said:

He seemed like a genuine guy too...

I did some work for Sam earlier in the year. Half a day's product shots in studio, paid on the day, everyone happy. So hopefully he's just busy and you'll work it out soon!

[sam.r]

Hi all - how embarrassing!

I'll do that payment now

Very good work at a good price and very quick turnaround!

Sorry for the delay Murray!

[Blukoo]

Payment recieved, and with a little extra too
Thank you very much sam, and sorry for doubting you.

[Scho]

Blukoo said:

Payment recieved, and with a little extra too
Thank you very much sam, and sorry for doubting you.

i've seen so much bhing on pistonheads recently it's refreshing to see this happen!

good man.