Hey All,

Just been talking to another model today lol

I asked her about stage names as I know with the agencies almost everyone uses one but I didn't always know why. She advised me about the implications of people "googling" your name (which employers often do when they get your CV) and so on.

I've decided I think it's time I got one and I was torn between one that is similar to my own name and means something to me or one that's sexy like a porn star alias!!!

I've settled on....

LEIGHANN LEWIS

The Irish spelling of my 1st name (the English think Irishness is so cool and unusual haha) and Lewis is my actual surname except my Grandad took on Reilly to say thank you to the family who adopted him as a child. But my brother is called Lewis (to carry on the name) so we can't use Lewis Lewis

There are some major probems associated with doing this - firstly, the fact that you get a reputation - a good one - with your own name and then you become "unknown" as it were. Secondly, it's confusing, as I often moan myself about not knowing what to call girls on this site lol. Lastly, you have to change everything from usernames on sites liek this to my website address to my business cards?!

What's everyone's opinion on stage names/alias'?

My websites almost ready to upload so I need to decide soon!! I think I'm veering towards changing it because I feel I've reached a different level professionally and I'd liek to dissacoiate myself with my earlier stage, but also mainly, because I have a personal professional career life that doesn't involve topless modelling! So I don't want to be googled and have tons of stuff coming up, the odd page or two is fine, but it might be better to have two sides to you, like Katie Price AKA Jordan?

Lx

you should do the thing where you take ur first pets name and your mothers maiden name lol

one of my friends was suki bond. mines just crap. jealous haha.

 xx

yeh that made me Suzie McCarthy

Irish AND sexy maybe it would work lol

Lx

Re: the coloured part.

If topless modelling is something you don't want to be associated with, why do it in the first place?

I would be of the opinion that you, and numerous photographers worked hard to get your portfolio and name the credibility it has now, so why would you do yourself a disservice by becoming dis-associated with the "old" you??

it's not about an "old" you it's a different you. it's not that i don't want to be associated with it but in future, when i'm too old to model and no longer do, it is easier to explain a sideline career in modelling that doesn't use your real name.

ask anyone doing it, most don't use their real names. i was one of the few who did. and anyway people always have to go "Leanne with the 3's and 4's" because that's the only way i could Leanne on the websites lol so my real name isn't technically recognised as in Leanne Reilly.

i'm of the same mindset, i don't agree with people modelling and then changing their mind or hiding it! i'm not ashamed of it, my boss and the charity i work for support all my work, but there are other things girls in the business have told me that yo uwouldn't initially think of -

e.g. go on holiday/working trip to america and they'll search your name. if they know you're a model they'll hound you. as wil lthe tax man and i think i'm right in saying not too many girls here have themselves down as self-employed eh?! lol

so i think you've taken my point incorrectly there and picked up on one bit. but yes, when i'm 40 and working even more closely with the police, i'd like to be able to explain that i had an "alter-ego" as this is not, at the end of the day, my career and police security checks will look up leanne reilly and not leighann lewis, if that makes sense

I was told as soon as i started modelling to think of a 'stage name' so that i could not be googled though i never really understood why as i don't do higher than lingerie although i suppose it is a good idea so as if anyone did type me into google my images wouldn't appear- clothed or not.

I do work under Charlotte-lee...how i got it was... my name is Lisa Chalotte...and some of my family call my Lee for short.

I like the fact that i can go under a different name as if anyone strange contacts me i always use Charlotte when emailing anyone im not sure of. But i do think there is a downside as sometimes i think people get confused of what to call me.

I think it is a good idea for you Leanne as now you've got yourself out there your images are more likely to show up if anyone does a search on you & I'm sure if you decide in years to come to go for a teaching job or something working with kids I'm sure they wouldn't like to see pics of you naked on internet (as sexy as they are lol).

Lisa

I was wondering where the new name came from when I came across it elsewhere! Now I know!

I think you've raised an important point of discussion. I've often wondered what would happen if neighbours and other locals googled my own name and came across my work featuring models, whether clothed or nude. The only reason it's an issue for me is that I live in a rather conservative neighbourhood and I do the odd family shoot, with every intention of doing more in the future. I know that some of these people would probably not be too comfortable working with a photographer whom they know has done nude shoots. Right now I simply take the view that if they have a problem with it, then it's their problem and I don't even give it a second thought. But maybe I ought to be thinking longer term myself. I'll be watching this discussion with interest. I think it's as relevant for photographers as it is for models!

- Thorsten. 

Thanks for your imput Thorsten! Yes I think the problem is that you don't think about it until you start to become more known in certain circles and, although i want people to know i am the 2 people it seems to be the done thing to keep your 2 careers seperate and take on another name. i've been amazed at the lack of replies on web models considering so many people do use alias names there, even if they're just nicknames etc. maybe it is quite a serious preofessional issue and because we're so laid back here we don't know about it or adhere to it maybe?

I think it's fascinating personally!

Lx

I must admit, the main reason I've always used my real name on any modelling related site is because I want models to know that I've got nothing to hide. When they come across my persona on the WWW it's the real me their dealing with and not some creep that's got ulterior motives that needs to hide behind a fancy sounding username or nickname.

But now you've got me thinking! And that's always a dangerous thing There are very valid reasons for adopting a pseudonym and artists have been doing it for decades. Mind you, the thought of having to come up with an original creative and interesting pseudonym isn't something I relish so maybe I'll just stay me!   

I used to be someone else. I am so glad I did it because i dont do the work I used to and it is not associated now. I now use my own name because i only do clothed lifestyle or similar.

Def a good idea especially if you go mainsteam - Tesco do not want a glamour model. Mind you be careful you don't get caught out because you could get in a lot of trouble, best to be honest.