I just started 1099 contract work...do I need a DBA?

I work a full time job for a telecom company, and on the side I started assisting a toy company with moderating their social media and helping out at conventions.  I paid for my convention tickets, I paid for recording equipment to help with product reviews, I plan on traveling in the next month to help with an out of state convention.  In order to claim the travel, equipment, and other expenses, can I do that just as myself, or would I need to set up a DBA in order to file and claim?

I apologize, I am really dumb with this stuff.