When I first started microstock I decided on the username that first came to mind (the name in my email address I have used for years).  I didn't really believe you could make money with Microstock so I didn't give it much thought.  But as time has passed I wonder. 

Surely buyers wouldn't bypass my images based on my name, but is dragon_fang too unprofessional?  If I used my real name, Richard Nelson, I would be competing with Richard Nelson Bolles (a famous author) among many others and I would never find any of my pictures in use on google.

So let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on a new name for me, fire them at me.  I've been called every name in the book, so let them fly!

*just don't try too many rhymes with Ricky, as it can get dirty pretty quickly

Id keep your username if I were you

It is memorable - you'd be surprised at the number of designers that keep a shortlist of photogrpahers' portfolios to check based on the username.

Clearview last I knew canstock can change a username - although that may have changed recently with all the major updates and upgrades.

not all will allow you to do it
those that will
is
dt
ft
fp
crestock
featurepics

those that wont do it
StockXpert
123rf
canstock

ss - keep same login etc but you can change the name displayed as copyright

rgds
Phil

THank you so much for sharing that, sure saved me TONS of time! Regards, Katrina

How can one change the username in iStock?  I had been thinking about this...

raise a support ticket or email contributer relations

Hi Dragon fang,

 I did the exact same thing when I did a test of 50 images for a year at Micro under Pictrough. After deciding to continue down the Micro trail we changed ours up to something that was easy to remember and had a ring that would stick in buyers minds. I do think if you have been in Micro a long time under that name you could loose some buyers that already know you by your first handle but if you are in it for the long run I think having a strong company name is a good idea. I don't think it has to be your own name. we use our own names In Macro and AVAVA in Micro just for a bit of separation from our other work and for the future of what we ever decide to do with these separate businesses. We also purchased the domain names just in case we ever need them. Hope this helps.

Best,
Jonathan

Thanks everyone, I was surprised to see this old thread active again.  Since I can't change it for all the sites I just prefer to keep it.