Choosing A Name For An Art Piece

Choosing A Name For An Art Piece

Choosing a name for an art piece can be a daunting task but it  can also deepen the viewer’s connection to your work. The process should begin with deep thought — look closely at your piece and consider what it expresses.  What does the piece say to you?  Does it invoke happiness, sadness or thoughts of yesterday. Think about the subject matter, the emotions it conveys, and the story or idea behind it. These ideas can be the start of a powerful title.

Grab A Notebook And Begin Writing Ideas Down

Start at the beginning.  Brainstorm words or phrases that capture the essence of the artwork.   Write them down in a notebook and keep that notebook for future art projects.  You might write down an idea and it might not be right for the current work of art, but, who knows.  It might be the perfect name for the next piece that you create.  Focus on themes, emotions, colors, and feelings that stand out. Don’t worry about coming up with the perfect title at thie beginning of this process; just let ideas flow. You might find that a single word, a descriptive phrase, or even a question fits best.  I love to look at magazine article titles.  Though I don’t use those titles for my art, they can sometimes provide inspiration for my art pieces.

What Direction Are You Headed In?

There are many directions you can take when naming your work. Some artists choose exact titles that describe exactly what’s seen in the piece. Others go for emotional or metaphorical names that evoke a mood or deeper meaning. Many times, it might take a few days or even weeks to come up with the perfect title. Some titles are descriptive and suggest a backstory, while others are as simple as a single impactful word.

Run Your Titles By Others

Once you have a few titles that you like, say them aloud and see which one sounds great to you. Another suggestion, run your top titles by a friend or even by another artist.  Many times, a friend, relative or another artist might have great input for you to consider.  A good title often feels like a natural extension of the work—it doesn’t explain the art, but it enhances the viewer’s experience of it. Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to sit with a title for a while before making a final choice.

If you’re working on a specific piece now, I can help you brainstorm a few name options based on its style, message, or mood.  Email me at carolyn@whitakerfineart.com