What's in a title?
Episode 74: What’s in a title?
What’s in a name? This week Laura and Peter discuss choosing a title for your artwork; why it’s important, how a title can help or hinder a work and whether there are any secrets to a good title.
Titles serve a practical purpose as a means of identifying work. It is vital to identify each artwork for your own record keeping, for buyers to be able to ask for it, and to track it when the artwork is out with galleries and shows. If you prefer to avoid descriptive titles, use a system of numbers and abstract titles eg. Form 1/2/3 etc. But be consistent. Don’t just use ‘Untitled’ - it’ll be a nightmare to keep records.
Makers, like jewellers, often choose a title for a collection of work and then number the pieces in the collection and this system works well if you make multiples. Using a general title followed by a specific is a good way of grouping a series of works eg. ‘Light study: Early’, ‘Light Study: Bright’ etc.
Titles make the work memorable, but be careful to consider the impact of your title. Rather than identifying a particular location with the title of a landscape, giving it a title that draws attention to another aspect such as weather or season will widen its appeal.
On the flip side, a title can be a powerful way of conveying a message through the artwork if you want to raise awareness about a particular issue. The most innocent artwork can become shocking with the right title.
Always run your titles past someone else to check you haven’t unconsciously repeated a famous title or misused a word. Play with the word order and see if the title scans well and makes the right impact.
The Takeaway
A good title can help with your administration, sales and intrigue the buyer. Get a second opinion and remember that simplicity is key!
Let us know which podcasts you enjoy and those you find helpful for your art. We’d love to hear about some guilty listens too! You can use the contact form here or catch up with us on social media at Ask an Artist Podcast.
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
