Hello! And welcome to the Naming community on crowdspring! We’ve created this guide to introduce you to the most important information you need to know as a Naming creative.
Because we value your time, we’ve broken this information up into easy-to-follow sections to make topics quick and easy to find. We ask that you read through all of this information at least once because as a Naming creative you are expected to know and abide by the information we share here.
Basic Naming Guidelines
When submitting entries to Naming projects, be sure to follow these basic guidelines:
Submit original, creative, thoughtful names.
Do your research to ensure that the name is not already in use. Submit names that have a meaning that relates to the info in the Creative Brief. If you can’t explain why you think a name is a good choice for this buyer- don’t submit that name.
Follow the Creative Brief.
The brief is your only real resource for understanding your client’s taste and needs.
Read it carefully and submit thoughtful names that follow the brief.
Check for an available domain.
Not all naming projects require a name with an available domain, but many do. If a domain is required, double-check to see whether the Buyer has requested a name to match the domain exactly or if a variation of the name is acceptable. Then make sure you check to see if the domain is available.
Explain your name entry and domain availability.
Use the comment box to explain your thinking behind the name- this is crucial in helping the Buyer understand your idea. Also explain which domain (the exact name or a variation of the name, or both) is available.
*Please specify whether the domain is currently unregistered or registered and available for purchase/auction.*
Submit each name in one project only.
If you submit the same name to two projects you run the risk of putting one buyer in the position where they cannot trademark their new name- because it is already taken by the Buyer in the other project.
It is also highly unlikely that the same name would be appropriate for both projects if you are truly submitting unique names inspired by the specifics of each buyer’s creative briefs. Do not submit the same name in two projects at the same time. Just don’t do it.
However, you can withdraw a name from one project if you find it is a better fit for a new project.
Limit each entry to one name.
This one is pretty self-explanatory! Submit only one name per entry. If you want to offer variations on spelling or letter spacing, you can mentioned this in your entry comments.
Be creative!
You have the best chance of being awarded if you submit creative, original names. And, the client is more likely to find a name they like if you submit thoughtful, creative, original names. It’s a win for everybody!
Naming Limit
Naming Creatives may submit up to 10 entries.
We put this limit in place to encourage participants to submit only their very best ideas; and, to limit the "flooding" of naming projects. Some of our most successful Naming creatives submit 3 or fewer names in a project.
Submit names with a variety of concepts.
We suggest submitting a variety of names. In other words, don’t submit 10 variations on the same concept. If the client doesn't like that one concept, they won’t rate any of your entries very highly. That’s important because...
How to remove the 10 entry limit:
If the client gives a creative a rating of 3 or higher on an entry in their project, then the 10 entry limit is removed and creatives are able to submit additional entries in that specific project.
Intellectual Property and Violations
We take the protection of intellectual property very seriously at crowdspring. We have to if we’re going to create an environment where it’s safe for creatives and clients to interact openly with confidence.
In order to maintain an even playing field, there are a few guidelines that all Naming creatives must follow. Failure to follow these guidelines constitutes a violation and may lead to the removal of your crowdspring account.
The following behaviors are considered violations:
Naming Creatives May Not:
1. Submit multiple names in one entry
2. Use the name entry field to submit a note to the buyer
3. Submit entries in projects run by someone you know or work with
4. Submit the name of a company or product that already exists
5. Submit the same name in more than one naming project at the same time
6. Submit names that are inappropriate or offensive
7. Fail to include a comment explaining the availability and/or cost of the domain if the project requires an exact domain
8. Fail to provide any explanation to the thought process behind the name
9. Try to sell a domain owned by the creative to the client for additional funds greater than the award amount
Creatives may submit domains they own if they are upfront with the client and tell them they own the name. The creative also must agree that if awarded they will transfer the rights to the domain over to the client at no additional cost.
How to Search for a Domain
If a Naming project requires an available domain, naming creatives need to check to verify that their idea is not already taken.
We don’t recommend some domain registration sites because they monitor searches and will register domains for themselves to make more of a profit. Not cool.
*We recommend all domain searches be done through Whois. To check for a domain click here.
Crowdspring's Standards of Conduct for Creatives
When working on crowdspring, you must demonstrate respect for your colleagues, buyers/clients, and the general public. These standards were developed in collaboration with the crowdspring community. If you ignore these standards, you will lose your right to work on crowdspring.
Creative's responsibility to clients/buyers
1.1 You should understand the client/buyer's requirements and appropriate design standards and do your very best at all times to comply with both. For example, if a client requires vector files, your final designs must be delivered in a vector format.
1.2 If you work on multiple projects, you should avoid conflicts of interest, such as submitting the same or similar designs simultaneously to multiple projects.
1.3 You should submit only original work. If you use any stock images in your designs, you must be certain that you have the right to use such images, and you must disclose this information to the buyer.
1.4 You should not accept instructions from clients if those instructions ask you to violate this code of conduct or another person's intellectual property rights (such as a request that you copy the elements of a design submitted by another creative).
1.5. When you work in crowdspring projects protected by an NDA, you must treat all work for clients/buyers as confidential. You may not use designs from NDA-protected projects in your portfolios on crowdspring or elsewhere without permission and you may not disclose information about those projects without the consent of the client/buyer.
1.6 You must not misuse private or public comment tools to undermine the reputation of a client/buyer. This community does not tolerate rude behavior or inappropriate comments.
Creative's responsibility to other creatives and the public
2.1 You should support fair and open competition in all projects.
2.2 You must never attempt, directly or indirectly, to compete with another creative by wrongful means. This community does not tolerate concept copying, insulting or negative comments, or otherwise unprofessional behavior.
2.3 You must, at all times, whether in private or public communications, be professional, objective and constructive when commenting on the work of another creative and must never denigrate the work or reputation of another creative. This community does not tolerate rude behavior or inappropriate comments.
2.4 You should not claim sole credit for a design which includes elements designed by other creatives. You should always disclose and identify your specific contribution to the design and whether portions of the design use elements created by someone else.
2.5 You should communicate truthfully in all situations and at all times.