Titling a piece of artwork can be a challenging and rewarding part of the creative process. The proper title can elevate your piece and captivate audiences. A good title pushes the themes or story behind your career to the forefront, allowing the viewer to make connections while leaving room for their interpretation. The next question is, how to title your art?
Why title your art?
Given the amount of effort you’re spending on this part, understanding the underlying “why” is important. It will not only help you feel your time on this part of the process is well spent but also will help you find the best title.
To put it succinctly, the purpose of titling an artwork is to create a unique identity for the work. This point arguably holds for almost any type of art, whether titling a painting, sculpture, book, music, movie, etc.
From a practical standpoint, the title will help increase the chances that art buyers will discover and purchase your work. Titles can also be a way to pay homage to an artistic influence or inspire a particular creative process. Artists like Jordan Wolfson take their time titling their art and consider what it means to them and how it will affect others. Many artists name their artwork after a feeling, place, or inspiration.
How to go about titling it?
A title is a brief word or phrase that captures the essence of the artwork. It provides a framework for the work, gives viewers hints and clues about how to approach it, and communicates the artist’s idea or vision of the piece, the first stage of the creative process. It should be interesting, engaging, and memorable – something people will want to remember and discuss.
A good title will also give viewers a reason to slow down and look closely at the piece. A good title can help you sell your work and increase its sales value. However, it is essential to consider how much time and effort you wish to spend on titling your art.
Titling your artwork is daunting and can take a long time. However, once you find a title that sounds, feels, and looks to your liking, this moment can be incredibly satisfying.
First, think about how you want your artwork to be interpreted by the audience. A good title pushes the themes or story behind your artwork to the fore, allowing the viewer to make connections while leaving room for their interpretation.
You can also consider several different approaches when choosing your title. One of the most straightforward art title ideas is to base it on the subject matter of your painting or drawing. This can be particularly effective for still life work, where the composition is carefully set up to convey a theme or story, or for landscape paintings, where the conditions are essential.
Another idea is to go for something personal, rousing curiosity in viewers. It can be as simple as a song’s lyrics that you’ve listened to while painting.
Do you need to title your art?
This debate has been around for a long time – To title or not to title. Some artists choose to leave their art untitled. Artists who leave their works untitled often do so because they feel that the title muddies the meaning of their art or interferes with their intention for the piece.
If you choose this route, ensure you have a way of talking about each piece to avoid confusion. For example, you might describe the colors or shapes in the artwork when talking about it.
Some art enthusiasts insist titles are essential. One reason is that providing a name for the item allows potential buyers to find it online. A good title can also help artwork stand out from the crowd and enable viewers to connect with its meaning.
Titling an artwork can be a simple process. The words might jump out at you as the artist right away. On the other hand, it might take time to come up with one.
Some paintings are titled “fire hydrant,” or a yellow circle is titled “a yellow circle.” When titling an artwork, the options are seemingly endless, yes, but try to avoid clichés. An overused phrase can evoke familiar emotional experiences that lack original thought.
A good title is a narrative that connects to the visual composition. Adjectives and adverbs add dimension to the identification and invite the viewer to look closely at your work.
The takeaway
The key is to choose a title that will draw the viewer in, make them think, and challenge their understanding of the artwork. Ideally, your title will do so in a way that is consistent with your artistic intent and brand.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these amazing three women in the arts.
Hi Christy, an interesting discussion about giving art titles. I never have issues giving anything a title, even people – smile!
Robbie, I can see you grinning now 😉 LOL
Putting a title on artwork really changes how we look at an art piece.
It adds dimension to it, right?!
Yes, it does!
🙌
I let my art speak to me and name it as such
Thanks for sharing what works for you, Matt
Truly incredible post. You just helped me reconsider what was not working and hasn’t been for a long time! Powerful article…
Wow, so glad to hear that – And thank you for sharing it on your blog too x
You got it!!! Shared on Linked In too! Great work!! ❤️
Wow thank you ~ I look forward to supporting one another ~ I subscribed yesterday to your lovely blog 🙂
Yeah! You got it! :))).
*And thank-you!!! Also supporting one another would be lovely. 😊
Wonderful! If you want to connect over on LinkedIn too, you can find me: Christy Birmingham-Reyes
Wonderful, going to your profile now! Thanks!
Just followed you!
Great, and I’ll do the same! ☀️
A fabulous post. I feel having a title is an important part of the creation process. I always title my work at the start – something simple, that describes what it is. By the time I have finished the work and written a bit about it, the title has usually changed to something with more feeling.
Sandra, I am humbled by your positive feedback here, as I consider you to be an extraordinary artist. Learning more about your creative process from your comment is wonderful!
I’m loving that “extraordinary artist” bit. Thank you so very much. x
It’s true! Your blue owl is fantastic.