Self Branding?

[Jonathan]

Feel free to put in your two cents!

I remember someone saying something about using a hybrid of their initials (like my avatar) and I believe it's true it's like the "cool" thing to do these days... What do you guys think of it I am really considering getting rid of it but why I don't is because why not brand yourself that will never change especially if you are doing freelance? It just makes logical sense to me. I am not referring to solely in my avatar I am talking about logos for yourself of on artwork and website portfolios etc.

[Barry Obama]

lucky for me my real name is odd enough to stand out and looks good as a logotype since its balanced lettering wise. Bobby Dixon designed a logo for me about 7 years ago that I have used on everything. Everyone should have a simple 'classic' name...I personally dont like 'wacky' ones, made up ones as they seem to date rapidly. your logo looks great. use it never change it.

[Jonathan]

Well thank you! Btw is your real name Barry Obama!?

[Barry Obama]

no

[squeegeethree]

The concept of branding seems outmoded. The only way it actually works is if there is something of actual value behind the brand that people can identify. Come up with a kickass product/service then worrying about branding, it's a waste of time the other way around IMO.

Edit: I don't care for initials unless they spell something dirty.

[crosshair]

Lit cigarette is a pretty timeless method. I'd start there.

[mikeage]

Yeah, sometimes having a good short (and odd enough) name makes it easy.
My real name is odd enough to stick out, but at 15 letters it's a bit big for self-branding. Damn Germans.

[Barry Obama]

The concept of branding seems outmoded. The only way it actually works is if there is something of actual value behind the brand that people can identify. Come up with a kickass product/service then worrying about branding, it's a waste of time the other way around IMO.

Edit: I don't care for initials unless they spell something dirty.

I will disagree. Branding is everything.

[weaponsofmassdesign]

I did try and work that out once, but my name happens to be the same as a Tony award winning set designer and some famous underwater photographer. Oddly enough, we all kind of have the same look physically (or I am starting to look that way as I approach their age) so I went with what I did a while ago and have kept to it regardless of how dated it seems at this point.

[hartman]

Although I don't think what you have is bad, I certainly wouldn't design something based on a current trend, even if you weren't trying to be trendy. As you said, the initial hybrid seems to be a popular thing and may come across as being unimaginative and eventually outdated.

Of course having the goods to back it up and make it relevant is the most important thing, but I don't think having a recognizable brand (or whatever) is a bad thing.