So... Pen Names?

[epiale]

I know I use a pen-name online for a multitude of reasons. My last name is the product of a mis-typing of an already very uncommon last name, so there are roughly 25 people in the world with the same last name as me. None share my first name. Finding me would be so easy it's not even funny should people know my real name, haha. As I've dealt with some really creepy people in the past it's partly a safety issue. It's also a way to make it harder for people I know irl to find my stuff should I want it hidden.

I also just identify with my pen name (Ethan Epiale) a lot more. Couldn't really explain why, I just do. It feels more like me, and thus works really well for my personal creative endeavors. : )

I do worry about the future and how I'm going to deal with financial stuff when I get there. I'm not sure there are many effective ways to keep your name off financial transactions, and that's kind of an issue. >_>

[theseasick]

My pen name evolved into my online name. I love it. It will be my name for all my work forever. Sea Sick!!!!!!!

[bmacbride]

I use a pen name specifically to separate my artwork from my personal life. I'm not comfortable with my friends or family being able to access my artwork or my internet presence freely. It's quite close to my legal name, anyways, just not close enough for people I know to recognize that it's me. I like the privacy and anonymity a pen name provides. A personalized alias is also somewhat fulfilling in a creative sense... it's like a name that people immediately and exclusively associate with your creativity. Feels nice.

[scythe]

My name is actually fairly common. I'm definitely not the only person to pop up in a search. There are even a few others who art artists. But really, I just think a level of anonymity is a healthy and important part of going about the internet. When I first started posting art online I used my real name and I kind of regret that. I always feel as though I have to watch what I say when using my real name lest one of my 'harmful opinions' bring the wrath of the offenditrons down upon me. These days all you need to do is disagree with someone on the net to put your identity, family and work life at risk.

Plus pens names are cool and add to the mystery.

**throws down smoke bomb and disappears **

[joannekwan]

Just did a Google search of my name, totally not the only Joanne Kwan out there. Maybe I'll tarnish the others' names. lol

[komatachia]

Honestly, there is little downside to starting off with a pen name. There are plenty of cool names you can think up of, and if you ever want to associate yourself you can do so later. It also gives you the freedom of writing stuff in the future that you might not want to be associated with your name, if that ever becomes an issue.

The other route you can go is write under multiple pen names, one of which may be your own name. Eg an unknown pen name for the stories you don't actually want associated.

As for me, I have multiple pen names and internet aliases for various things. Mostly for my own organizational purposes rather than hiding anything.

[cheeznh]

I have been using a pen name because I was originally drawing comics for a Japanese audience. I didn't want people to rate my work as "pretty good for a gaijin (foreigner)" - I'm half Japanese but my last name is foreign. So I made a pen name out of my husband's last name + Cheezburgers (I was really into lolcats at the time).

I've kept it because I want to avoid confusion within my meager readership.
HOWEVER... Now that I do shows in the US, it is a bit embarrassing introducing myself to people. Sometimes I slip up my real name!

[Peej]

I'm kinda unsure what a pen name actually is. Is it like a nick-name that one signs their work, autographs, etc.?
I usually sign my strips with Peej as it's a nick-name I picked up.

But, having said that, my real name is used for the copyright notice on my site.

How far can one go with a pen name? Is it legally binding for example?
Would you include your real name at all in a book?
Does it have down sides?

[starlightcityentert]

I write under a pen name, but not really to protect my identity, I just like having a pen name

i do wear a mask though

[TristanJensen]

I get why people would have a pen name, but to be honest I kind of like my name. And my current username for... everywhere, Kallehmono, is just kind of weird and I'd never use it as a pen name. Its a possibility but an unlikely one.

[ashriott]

I'm using a pen name not because of legal issues but more just for kicks LOL Though I'd say 5% of it is due to privacy. At the same time I don't really care if it gets revealed, you know??

Over the years in the world wide web, I've change my pen name a gazillion times as I switched through forums, blogs, chats... So it was kind of hard to settle for one.

[hades]

My name isn't necessarily unique but not exactly common ether.
Although I like how unisex it is compared to most names, I have the same situation as @bmacbride. I want to keep my online art career very separate from my family and personal life. I have family members that would not agree with what I draw or what I write and I rather they just not see them. Due to this I've been under the alias Hades for quite a few years now.