Well I'm starting work with a new agency this weekend and i am planning to change my name. Reasons being that i am trying to 'shake off' my clients from my old agency and start afresh as have had a few instances lately of clients coming to see me who i am connected to in some way (my best friends cousin for example and also someone i went to uni with
) I'm planning on a total reinvention and i find the thought of changing my name very exciting.
I actually posted a very similar thread to this a few days ago,if you have a search for it there is some good advice on their from the other ladies and gents.
I suppose it depends on your reasons for changing your name. Are you trying to loose a troublesome client for example? or are you trying to attract a different type of client and think a name change can help?I can see how as an independent some clients might not like a name change as they are used to thinking of you with the name you already have. I think most clients though have the sense deep down to realise that you are using a fake name (even if they might not let on to you about it) and if they really like you enough i cant see how changing your name would make them stop coming to see you.
I will let you know how my own name change goes (i have to decide on my new name before weekend) Fingers crossed.