Name my ceramics Etsy store?

June 14, 2018 9:03 AM

I'd like to start an Etsy shop for my handmade ceramics, but I am stuck on a name. I make plant pots, hanging planters, mugs, bowls, and vases (examples 1, 2 , 3). I was thinking of possibly something plant related for the name but not sure if that would be too limiting? Other things that might help: I work in white and brown clay, mostly throwing on the wheel but some handbuilding.
posted by rmless to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

I think your name as per linked Instagram (Your Name Ceramics or Handmade By Your Name) would be really lovely! Personally, I would rather buy from a craftswoman than from a generically branded store.
posted by rada at 9:22 AM on June 14, 2018 [3 favorites]

I agree with rada. There are loads of cutely-named Etsy shops that make handmade ceramics, and it's hard to keep track of them all! Using your name seems like better branding in this case.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 9:25 AM on June 14, 2018 [1 favorite]

Yeah your name handmade is fine! I did not use my name in my Etsy shop because no one can remember or spell it. But if yours is easy then go for it!
posted by Crystalinne at 9:41 AM on June 14, 2018

[LastName]ware could also work.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:16 AM on June 14, 2018

Another vote for using your name. You might change the kind of work you do, so that a name based on your current style won't fit anymore.

Another possibility is something based on your current location or the place you're originally from. That could be a geographical feature, like the name of a local mountain or river.
posted by FencingGal at 10:28 AM on June 14, 2018

Yeah, a commercial artist (intentionally being vague here) i know who successfully has a full-time business with a commercial storefront operates under the branding [First name] [Last name] [Craft name]. People are buying the skilled work of a particular person.

In your case i’d lean toward [Your Instagram name (but spelled as two words and capitalized)] Ceramics.

I’d go with a local name only if it had unusual marketing value. For example, i’m Alaskan so an obviously-Alaskan-related name might do well if i was selling to tourists.
posted by D.C. at 12:59 PM on June 14, 2018

I know a number of professional potters, including some who are fairly well known in the field. The general convention for folks under 50 seems to be first name last name ceramics/pottery. Folks over 50 use their name or something tied to their particular geographic region, such as Small River Pottery (that is not a real name but that type).
posted by john_snow at 5:01 PM on June 14, 2018