diff --git a/creator-keys/src/lib.rs b/creator-keys/src/lib.rs
index c9e1d90..c9be411 100644
--- a/creator-keys/src/lib.rs
+++ b/creator-keys/src/lib.rs
@@ -257,6 +257,24 @@ pub fn read_key_balance(env: &Env, creator: &Address) -> u32 {
         .unwrap_or(0)
 }
 
+/// Reads an empty string for use as a default in read-only view methods.
+///
+/// Use this helper wherever an empty string is needed to maintain consistency
+/// and reduce duplication of string allocation logic.
+pub fn read_none_string(env: &Env) -> String {
+    String::from_str(env, "")
+}
+
+/// Reads the handle for a creator, returning an empty string for unregistered creators.
+///
+/// Use this helper wherever repeated handle read logic is needed to maintain
+/// missing-handle behavior consistency across the contract.
+pub fn read_creator_handle(env: &Env, creator: &Address) -> String {
+    read_creator_profile(env, creator)
+        .map(|p| p.handle)
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| read_none_string(env))
+}
+
 fn read_protocol_fee_config(env: &Env) -> Option<fee::FeeConfig> {
     env.storage()
         .persistent()
@@ -491,7 +509,7 @@ impl CreatorKeysContract {
             },
             None => CreatorDetailsView {
                 creator,
-                handle: String::from_str(&env, ""),
+                handle: read_none_string(&env),
                 supply: 0,
                 is_registered: false,
             },