Creative Ways to Title Your Artwork and Capture Attention

Karen Hanna
Apr 30
9 min read

An effective title can offer insight into the meaning of your artwork

An excellent title can significantly influence how your audience views your artwork. Are you aware of the essential elements to consider when naming your piece? Ideally, a title should hint at a theme or concept featured in your work. I've noticed artists on Facebook seeking title suggestions for their artwork, yet we all know we must select a title ourselves. I hadn't given it much thought before, but as I researched the topic of naming or titling my artwork, I realized that not only does the artwork need to be well-crafted, but so does its title. Why, you might ask? Because it can be the key to selling your artwork. A strong title can make a difference in how your audience perceives your creation. Ideally, a title should hint at a

theme or concept highlighted in your work and should be reflected in the title. It should guide your audience's approach to the artwork and captivate their interest. Remember, the title should serve as an entry point to your artwork, not as a full explanation of its narrative. Both the title and the artwork should allow the audience to construct their own interpretation of the story your piece communicates. A compelling title can intrigue your audience even before they fully absorb your work.

The Evolution of Artwork Titles

In earlier times, artwork was created for an elite audience and thus lacked formalized names. There was no mass production. Titles emerged later in history as artwork became more accessible. As titles or names became more common, paintings received titles based on simple descriptions of their subject matter. Many artworks do not have their original names, as they were titled by curators or even public opinion. Up to the 19th century, names were merely descriptions of the painting's subject. As art began to be exhibited more, the need for an agreed-upon title emerged in a Western context in the 18th century, marking the beginning of cataloging artwork. In modern times, titles of artwork are usually chosen by the artist, though many may still be assigned by galleries, art dealers, or private collectors. A proper art title is considered the default for modern works. The title of your artwork can impact its aesthetic interpretation and its reception, especially when shown in an exhibit or gallery. So let's explore the do's and don'ts of titling your artwork.

Ideas for the Title

There are numerous ways to craft a title that complements your painting. In the 90s, some artists opted for what was considered obscure. Look up Damien Hirst's artwork and pay attention to his titles; often, they are the most intriguing aspect of his work. Literature is another excellent source for finding an inspiring title. Some authors naturally provide titles that could inspire your artwork. Carson McCullers is a great example, with titles like "The Ballad of a Sad Cafe," "Clean as a Pig," or "The Square Root of Wonderful." Creating a title like his might prompt the audience to pause and explore what your painting is about. Additionally, consider the name of a literary character, such as Sherlock Holmes, Scarlett O'Hara, or Juliet, as there is an endless array of characters to choose from. Instead of a lengthy statement, a single word can also make a powerful impact. Keep in mind that if your painting is complex, you might not want to pair it with an equally complex title.

Sometimes using a title that perplexes your audience can make for someone really taking the time to study your painting. You know the ind of title that can mean everything or nothing. When someone looks at your artwor they are trying to make a connection to it. A title can be the starting point to pick a buyer or collectors interest. It can help an undecided buyer make a purchase.

Do's and Don'ts of Titles

Many of us consider titling our artwork as an afterthought. Some artists select a title first and use it as inspiration for their creation. Some artists opt for humorous or provocative titles, while others prefer titles that intrigue and confuse people, drawing them in. There isn't a definitive right way to name a painting, but there are certain do's and don'ts.

An effective title can boost the marketability and allure of your artwork. In today's world, your artwork needs not only to be of high quality but also to have a title that aids in selling it while narrating a story. Creating a title requires some consideration. Avoid redundancy; don't simply restate what your painting already expresses. Instead, aim to link the emotion of your artwork to the title. Use words or phrases that reflect your feelings during the creation process. For instance, if you've painted a landscape with flowers swaying in the wind, you might title your artwork "Breeze."

You want your artwork, whether literary or abstract, to be expansive. Avoid calling your artwork "Untitled," as many art buyers find this uninspiring and it makes it harder for them to remember your piece. While there are exceptions, such as Mark Rothko's painting titled "Untitled" that sold for $66 million in 2014, it's generally not advisable to use numbers in your titles. Art buyers prefer to feel special when purchasing a painting, and a title like "No. 24" may suggest that there are 23 other similar pieces, detracting from the uniqueness of their purchase. A good title should provide insight into your inspiration, whether it's the color scheme, subject, or venue of your artwork. If you're working on a themed exhibition or series, consider naming your pieces in line with that theme. A well-chosen title can convey the thoughts, emotions, or inspiration behind your work, making it memorable. Finally, ensure your title is expansive, allowing viewers to find their own inspiration. Enabling others to derive personal meaning from your artwork is not only generous but also increases the likelihood of a sale.

Artist Title Generator

My brain tends to freeze when it comes to coming up with titles. I recommend jotting down or noting a good title on your phone whenever you think of one. You might prefer not to spend time brainstorming for a title or asking others to name your artwork, as they may not understand the emotions or story behind why you created it.

Think about using an artwork generator for help. I haven't personally tried it yet, but I'm excited to try it out. I've researched a bit, and there are many generator websites you can explore to find one that matches your preferences.

These tools are created to motivate artists and creators. The majority appear to be free to use. You might consider searching for an artwork name generator online to explore your options. Here are a few to help you begin.

writecream.com

vondy.com

artisticstatement.com

fantasynamegenerators.com

If you're involved in fantasy art, intuitive painting, or mixed media, you might like the fantasy name generator to craft the perfect title for your fantasy landscape, floral work, or any other creation.

Here's some background on how it functions. You'll be prompted to describe your artwork, including visual elements and specific details, as well as provide an art style/medium, theme, or emotion to convey through a title. It seems that all the generators offer simple steps to help you create titles, often providing multiple options for you to choose from. You might wonder if these titles are AI-generated, and from what I can tell, the answer is yes. The titles are designed to evoke emotions, set a mood, or establish a theme. I believe that getting assistance with generating a title can save you time that you could use for creating your artwork, and it can also help you forge deeper connections with your audience with a name that evokes emotion, mystery, or inspires a potential buyer. So, if you're like me, ignite your creativity and overcome "name blocking" for your artwork. It's worth a try.

An Additional Tool for Your Creative Arsenal

Even if you don't run a small business selling your creative artwork, it's important to give your pieces a good title. A well-chosen title adds another dimension to how your work is perceived by the world. It should offer a hint at how your audience's attention is captured by your painting, aiding them in developing their own interpretation of your artwork. Take the time to complete this final step in the creation process. It provides an additional layer to your work, resulting in a more professional presentation.

Every Great Artwork Has a Title Behind It

We have now added another dimension to our creative artwork: a thoughtfully considered title. This is the first point of contact for potential buyers, along with the visual aspect of your artwork, influencing their perception. If your title can captivate potential buyers and draw them into the artwork through its theme, emotion, or mood, it will enable them to derive their own interpretation. A well-chosen title significantly increases the likelihood of someone connecting with and purchasing your art. Keep a list of titles that come to mind, creating a collection that can inspire you to find the perfect title for your work. Craft a thought-provoking title to engage your audience. Avoid naming your artwork by simply restating what it already communicates. Incorporate a theme, emotion, mood, or visual elements from your artwork. If you struggle with titling your work, consider using an art name generator for inspiration. Stay inspired, my friend.

Tips/Books

Books on Color Mixing

If you struggle with mixing colors and find it time-consuming, one of these reference books might be perfect for you. I own a couple of these books: one focuses on portraits, and the new color mixing guide covers nearly any color you might want to mix based on the subject. There are five books in the series by William F. Powell so far. Powell is an internationally acclaimed artist and one of America's leading colorists. His latest edition, "1500 Color Mixing Recipes," is a quick and easy guide for mixing colors when painting landscapes, portraits, and still life. Also in the series is "Color Mixing Recipes for Oil and Acrylics," featuring more than 450 color

combinations. No more guessing at colors, only to end up with a muddy mess. There's a convenient conversion chart to find acrylic equivalents for oils or acrylics.

Watercolor Color Mixing Recipes offers 450 color combinations. The recipes disclose the color proportions and dilution levels required. Consult the Color Guidance Index to find the subject you want to paint and locate the recipe number. For instance, to paint Eucalyptus bark, you'll find the colors to mix to achieve the desired hue.

Recipes for Mixing Colors in Landscapes. This includes over 400 recipes and a detailed reference section with more than 1500 landscape subjects that align with the highlighted color mixing swatches.

Portrait Color Mixing Recipes: Over 500 Combinations for Skin, Eyes, and Hair. This book is self-explanatory. If you've ever had difficulty mixing the perfect skin tone, this is the reference guide you need. Among all the editions, if a spiral version is available, I highly recommend choosing that one. Enjoy your mixing and discovery.

What I'm Working On

In a way, you could say my most significant project right now is myself. Some of you might have noticed that I didn't post my March blog. This post will serve for both March and April, as I currently lack the energy to research for an April blog, plus April is gone. For those who know me personally, I've always been fortunate with good health. Nothing major, just occasional pneumonia. I rarely catch a cold or the flu, and I even avoided COVID. However, March brought a life-threatening health crisis. I found myself waking up in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. When I regained consciousness in the emergency room, I was informed that I had an infected kidney stone that led to septic shock, causing my body to shut down. The septic shock was severely stressing my heart, resulting in a stress-induced heart attack. I had very little time left when they moved me from the ER to perform a procedure to place a stent in my left kidney. Three days later, they conducted a heart procedure. During my week-long hospital stay, they administered antibiotics through an IV. I owe my life to my daughter-in-law. Before passing out, I managed to send her a garbled text. She called, suspecting I might be having a stroke, and I'm told I answered the phone incoherently. I was unconscious when she arrived at my house and remained so as they loaded me into the ambulance. I regained consciousness somewhere during the 45-minute drive to the hospital. My son was on duty at the fire station when I texted my daughter-in-law. Had I texted him and he was at a fire, he might not have been able to respond for hours. I truly believe God was watching over me that night.

I'm taking time to rest. Septic shock has significantly drained my body, and only rest and time can help me recover. I've stepped away from social media because I didn't want to engage with it. This experience has prompted me to reevaluate my priorities. I'm thinking about the changes I need to make to achieve more balance and restore my health. Am I abandoning my art or business? No, but I need to adjust how I approach things. Even though I believed I was managing my self-care well, I likely need to implement some changes. I'll gradually return as my schedule permits. For now, I'm resting, attending Cardiac Physical Therapy three times a week, and ensuring I spend mornings on my front porch with a cup of tea while the dogs play. Sometimes, we rise early enough to watch the sunrise.

Life is good. If you saw me at the grocery store, you wouldn't guess that I'd experienced such a major event just a month ago. The whole situation feels surreal, and I'm grateful to have a daughter-in-law who came into town to check on me. I'm doing well and want to thank everyone who has supported me on Facebook and Instagram. I will be back. To those who have bought my art, thank you, and I hope you will continue to follow my blog. I hope life is treating you well, and I wish you all a great summer.