Purchasing a piece
of art is a commitment and when someone is about the make that choice, they
will observe the painting for a long time, they will also find the small tag
with the title. The reason for this is to find a connection between themselves
and the art. The primary point of connection for the buyer is the look of the
painting, the next is the title. This is often where a buyer who is undecided
make a connection and decides to purchase your work. We will look at some ideas
to keep in mind when creating titles that can help sell your works of art.
Often, we try to restate what the painting is already
communicating to the audience. You will need to think of the title as an
additional part of the art which provides something new. Choose a title that is
different than the art, not less. What you need is for the title of the artwork
to offer a new experience that is refreshingly different.
Connect the feelings to the
title
Instead of a title which is retelling of your art, it is important
to identify the key feeling you experience or want to convey. Then choose words
or phrases for a title to conjure up the same feeling. For example, if your art
is showing green grass against a blue sky, instead of the title being
"grass" it can be "breeze" which can relate to the feeling
of lying in the grass on a spring day?
It is necessary to have a title, be it literal or abstract to be
as encompassing and expansive as possible. If the title is expansive, there is
room for the viewer to have their own interpretation. For example, if your
painting is a series of red shapes, instead of titling it "Red
Shapes" you can call it "Crimson Storm" they by leaving room for
interpretation. By allowing others to find their own meaning in your work is
also likely increase the chances of someone personally interpreting your work
and eventually purchasing the art.
Always remember a good title:
· Will provide insight in to your inspiration for the art work.
· Allows the viewer to bring his or her own meaning and interpretation of the work
· Will be original
· It will be memorable and catchy
So, the next time you set out to name a finished
work or to purchase a piece, always remember to look at the title?
Manesha Peiris (2022)