What is the best way to write my name in Katakana?

[AlbertSiegel]

Albert Siegel??

I want to make a business card in Japanese.. anyone have any good tips or templates?

[NeoNecroNomiCron]

[AlbertSiegel]

well.. yes, my name really is Albert Siegel. But it is siegel and not siegal.. I have the Jewish spelling. Thank you so much for the help! I see that the Katakana you have for me is a bit off... Nice joke though

[NeoNecroNomiCron]

As reccomended to me earlier it is best not to use templates. rather create stuff yourself! shock! Anyway my CV turned out pretty darn sexy, I am also making a business card in the same theme as it was so good.

[Socratesabroad]

Just providing my opinion here. I've had both company namecards and personal namecards (to give to clients as a freelance translator).

The spelling of your name is, for all intents and purposes, irrelevant. The sound is what the katakana will be based upon. And you definitely want something that Japanese people can read easily and pronounce without difficulty.

Since you share the same (phonetic) name as a well-known celebrity, use that to your advantage. An easily recognizable name is never a disadvantage.

As for the appearance, traditional works best. Sure, a photo of yourself or a picture is OK if you're a graphic designer, otherwise just stick to the basics. Add a logo only if you're with a major company or a smaller company that hopes to be one.

I had personal cards made up at Tokyu Hands with a thicker (and more expensive) paper in cream/off-white and writing in an older stlye font running vertically. The cards have always impressed the Japanese as they look very simple and yet very tasteful.