After making several hundred paintings, here’s the question I get asked the most: “How do you go about naming your paintings?”
So I’ve decided to share with you a few tips for naming your works of art (paintings, drawings, sculptures, watercolors, etc.).
Why create a table title?
I think it’s very important to create and find a relevant title for your painting. This is the first step in identifying the artist and providing further information about your work.
Many hesitate because, just like when they have to sign their painting, they feel they lack legitimacy.
If this is your case, I recommend that you urgently discover my article on impostor syndrome.
How to create a table title
Tip 1: Create a descriptive title
This is one of the simplest methods. To help the public and provide additional information about your work, you can use a few words to describe your composition.
For example, for a painting depicting a beach, with very warm colors, you can simply use the title: “Sunny summer day”.
Tip #2: Create a list of ideas
The list of ideas is an excellent way to create a powerful, impactful headline.
Just like in a brainstorming session, take your board and write down all the words that pop into your head at the sight of it.
You’ll end up with a list of keywords of varying relevance. At this stage, all you need to do is streamline the text to keep the most impactful words to help you compose your title.
Tip 3: Create a title based on emotions
It’s very powerful to communicate emotions in a headline. It can be :
- An emotion transcribed in your painting
- Your state of mind before and during creation
This additional information can be very important in understanding and reading your work.
To caricature this concept, here’s an example of a title: “Acharnement passionné” (Passionate frustration).
Tip 4: Use numbered headings
If you’re not inspired – and you’re not the only one – you can use a system that involves numbering your works.
Be careful, however, not to conflict with your numbering if you’re making series.
For example, you create a series and number it like this:
Tour n°2, Tour n°3, Tour n°4 (etc.)
Tip 5: Use synonyms
To avoid reusing the same titles, you can use synonyms.
For example, I used the word “calm” in a previous painting and I’d like to use it again. I’ll simply look up synonyms for the word “calm” :
Calm > appeasement, relaxation, relief, peace, quietude, serenity, tranquility
Tip 6: Personalize your title
Don’t be afraid to personalize your titles.
What I love about practicing art is that, in the end, there aren’t really any rules. And the same goes for your title.
You can also create a unique word from scratch, by combining the tips above.
Let me explain: You can take a word corresponding to an emotion and a descriptive element of your work. You “break” these words and by concatenation create a new word.
Example: Gris & Passion could become: “Grission”.
Tip 7: Ask those around you for help
You can easily delegate this task by polling the people around you.
And there’s a powerful way to do it: Social networks!
For example, post a photo of your painting on Facebook and ask your friends and family what title you’d like them to give it.
Believe me, your family and friends will play along and you’ll get plenty of title suggestions.
Creating a table title: my opinion
I’ve given you a few tips on how to name your works, but there are plenty of others.
Once again, I recommend doing things from the heart and with simplicity.
The most important thing is to find a name that appeals to you and matches the message conveyed by your work.
What about you?
How do you define the titles of your works? Please feel free to share your testimonial in the comments at the bottom of this article. Thank you in advance.
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