Finding the right title for your art; it ain't always easy!
Marketing gurus will tell that people don't buy the "whatever" it is they are buying. Rather, they are buying the way the "whatever" makes them feel. Now this might not be true 100% of the time, but for items like art it's probably true 99% of the time.
The right title can play help connect the buyer to their feelings.
It's not always easy to find the right title.
Sometimes the right title will pop into your head while you are working on your piece. STOP AND WRITE IT DOWN, before you get all caught up in your work again and you forget what it was.
If a title doesn't come to you while you are working, here's where that studio log comes in handy. What did you write in your notes? Is there something in them that gives you a clue to what might be the best title?
If you're worried that your descriptions/notes might be too boring, use a Thesaurus to find a synonym.
Your titles can be;
- short and catchy
- descriptive
- color oriented
- trendy
- a play on words
- emotional
Most important;
- what do you want the viewer to know without telling them everything? That means keep it short.
- let the viewer find some meaning on their own.
Q. Can I call my piece "Untitled"?
A. Yes, but I think if it's a painting, it's better to call it a "study" if you can't come up with a title. Pottery and other craft items often don't have titles.
For example "Rooster Study", or "Beach and Sky Study". But remember, things titled study often sell for lower prices because the term study suggests it's quickly done and not fully developed. But sometimes that can be used (the lower price) to your advantage to sell a painting.
For example "Rooster Study", or "Beach and Sky Study". But remember, things titled study often sell for lower prices because the term study suggests it's quickly done and not fully developed. But sometimes that can be used (the lower price) to your advantage to sell a painting.
Exercise:
Look at your studio log notes and come up with two titles for at least three of your pieces.
The titles not used can be used for other pieces. :)
Note: Don't let the naming process stop you from showing your work. Not every title is going to be perfect. Sometimes the best you can do is the best you can do. If you're not sure about the title, don't put it on the back of your piece. You can change it later.
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