This Question Has Attracted Many Different Replies
Shakespeare quipped “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. That’s true. However, when it comes to titles of art we may be considering it from the perspective. The words in a title may be powerful art marketing tools.
On social media I posed the question: “Do you give a lot of thought to your titles?” I received a huge response to my question. What do you think? How important are titles of artwork?
This article includes my professional opinion followed by responses from art professionals. Please tell me what you think about the subject in a comment below the article. You may also want to read “How Artists Choose Titles for Their Art”.
Why I Generally Prefer Titles
As a writer, curator and art marketing consultant I am an advocate of artists using titles for many different reasons. I’m pleased that the majority of artists I know prefer to use titles and put a lot of thought into giving titles to individual pieces as well as their series.
On a simple practical level, artwork on your art website that has a title serves as a good reference. If a potential art buyer wants to discuss a work of art having access to a title makes it convenient for them to discuss it. Instead of asking about “the photograph with buildings and purple sky that is in your travel series on your website” it’s easier to ask if “Sunset Over Manhattan” is available for purchase and what the price is.
As a juror of theme related art exhibitions I like titles because they add to the purpose of the show. Are they necessary for me to appreciate a work of art? The answer is absolutely not! However, they do hold value.
As an arts writer the titles artists give their art works informs me about what lurks inside the artist’s creative mind and what inspires them. A title offers another key to open the door to an artist’s intention and unique expression. This is especially helpful when an artist asks me to write an Art Review.
As a career coach I view descriptive titles as powerful promotional tools. Buying art is often an emotional experience for the buyer. Descriptive words that are in sync with the artist’s aim will often conjure emotional reactions.
The art of naming titles of individual works of art and titles of series may be one of the most underused art marketing/sales tools. From an art business person’s perspective, it’s part of the artist’s branding message.
Do Titles of Art Matter?
We Asked Art Professionals for Their Thoughts on The Subject
Gail Green, founder and principle owner of Gail Green Interiors (gailgreeninteriors.com), wrote on the LinkedIn thread, “Titles capture the essence of the picture or story. To me, it’s where poetic license is issued to the creator to be witty, pithy, and clever.”
Elliot Appel (elliotpaints.com) offered this great idea in a comment that you can also see below: “Sometimes I like to pick a small, hidden, insignificant part of the painting and make that the title. People may look closer at the painting to find the significance of the title.” His painting “Broadway Rhythm” is a good example of his point.
Charlotte Shroyer (charlotteshroyer.com) stated, “Viewers of my work say over and over again: ‘The titles add to the mystery of the work.’ I like to include a bit of mystery in the painting and the title so that viewers think about their personal perception of the piece. Titles often just appear as I paint as do the people on my canvases — a wonderful part of the creative process that emanates from deep within.”
Artist Keith Morant (1948-2022) stated, “This is a very interesting topic with me and I tend to agree with you in that titles are an important part of an artwork. However, when putting a name to a painting myself, I try not to be too specific. Usually with me, the title comes as the work evolves. Sometimes a title will be as abstract as the work itself e.g. ‘Neuressence’, an unknown word that comes out of my activity and neural activity in the creation.”
Terri Lloyd (terrilloyd.net) agreed, “Titles, to me, are extremely important. They are the “You Are Here” mark on the map of what it is I/the artist is attempting to say or have the viewer experience. I can understand an “Untitled #” series if the statement is clearly communicated about what the artist is exploring. But in my own case, one really needs the title to point the viewer in the right direction.”
Janet Burgos (janetbrugosart.wordpress.com) responded to this discussion I started in another group on LinkedIn. “I think titles provide a clue (to those who need it) as to the subject matter. I have no problem with a viewer seeing something very different than what I intended. I also find it a lot more stimulating to have something to go on even if you don’t agree on it. I enjoy titling both visual art and written work. My vote is for titles. (I find untitled #1 thru untitled #20 dull.) On the other hand when I look at a piece of art, the title is the last thing I look at.”
Susan Marx (susanmarxart.com) also commented on the thread: “I don’t think a painting should need a title to explain the painting. I would love to call all my paintings “untitled” and let the viewer see what he/she sees, without the need for words so that it is a solely visual experience. But since I cannot do that since the paintings need to be identified, I usually choose formal titles or the place where I painted them.”
Michael Amrose (michaelamrose.com) is a photographer who uses numbers instead of words for his titles. “As an abstract photographer, I use color, shapes, form, textures and movement to resonate with the viewer on a deep, unconscious and emotional level. Using a descriptive title, however, creates a narrative or story line that causes the viewer to consciously process the photograph. The descriptive title objectifies the viewer’s perception or interpretation of the image. As such, I am guiding the viewer to think rather than allowing the viewer to feel.”
Just because an artist chooses not to provide a title on their art work doesn’t mean they are ignoring the viewer. Perhaps they want to step out of our way and let us enjoy the visual, emotional, and intellectual journey without any interference.
Why Did Jackson Pollock Use Numbers Instead of Words?
Many artists, like Michael, especially those who work in a series, prefer to use numbers. Numbers are cerebral and I realize that is probably the artist’s intention. Jackson Pollock gave his pictures conventional titles but changed to numbers. He commented: “…look passively and try to receive what the painting has to offer and not bring a subject matter or preconceived idea of what they are to be looking for.” Pollock’s wife, Lee Krasner, said Pollock “used to give his pictures conventional titles… but now he simply numbers them. Numbers are neutral. They make people look at a picture for what it is – pure painting.”
After all, you may ask, is it the artist’s responsibility to take us by the hand and give us word clues? Not to mention, trying to pick their titles can be as intimidating and time consuming as having to write their artist’s statements.
Furthermore, I think the wrong titles may actually produce negative results. I’ve seen many inappropriate, lackluster and confusing titles, haven’t you?
Perhaps William Shakespeare said it best: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. The names of things do not affect what they really are in essence, however they may affect what they mean to us and what they say about the artist. As one who advises artists to use all the marketing and promotional tools they can it is important how they title their art.
Whether artists use words, phrases or numbers — they are making decisions about how they choose to communicate with the viewer. And, at the end of the day it is their choice to make.
You may also want to read “How Artists Choose Titles for Their Art”.
If You Want Me to Write An Art Review For You 
My titles are an extension of creative understanding for the viewer buyer holder owner or observer… Art is the truth about the emotional creative connection of life of the artist for the historical statement for anyone who is interested.
I plan my titles to suggest a general idea of what I am saying in a particular image. Sometimes a title will pop into my head as I am working which affects my creative process. When someone asks me what I mean I ask: “ what do your memories, your life, your experience, etc., suggest what this picture means.
Although the titles I give to my works appear unusual, since I use mostly initials that describe the origins of the image. Without those titles I would not be able to relate them to their origins, I would not know where they come from. My works on the cosmos very much like in astronomy, I use numbers and initials. example 1.1,cs24,w,w1,m2
Hariclia, thank you for sharing your methods for choosing titles. It’s interesting to know the reasons why you choose numbers rather than words.
Yes, I believe titles are very important in conveying the idea, concept and intent of a “visual” work of art, to the public at large.
My art is mostly figurative, surrealistic “Narrative Art”. Because of that, the title comes before the picture. I usually can’t begin work before knowing what I wish to express and how I am going to do it. And that includes thinking about the most appropriate title to convey my idea.
For works of art that are mostly abstract, perhaps the title is less important.
Thank you Daniel for sharing your approach to titling your art and including your website. Your artwork is captivating. I love your use of symbolism and the way you describe your paintings. By doing so you draw us in and deliver a very special experience for the viewer.
The importance of titles was brought home to me when the gallery curator of one of my solo exhibitions thought my titles were negatively provocative and could the gallery change them. The gallery was in another city and I was in a stage of ill health, taking opioid painkillers and I said yes. When my head was clearer and I read the ‘new’ titles I realized my mistake.
A work depicting male fear of real females I called “Gynophobia 6” was retitled “Dream”. While I painted an aberration the gallery had titled it as an aspiration..There were similar changes that warped the intentions of my work so I asked the gallery to close the exhibition.
In the simplest way I find titles are important for me for recalling the image. Being a non-objective painter I use to use numbers and when I got juried into exhibitions I couldn’t recall the image when given the number. If I do use numbers I make sure that I have a printed image next to that number for recall.
Renee, to write a book or poetry and not title it is A sense of incomplete. As an artist of series or Individual themed pieces.. all arrive from The heart. The title is the subtle entry. I use thesaurus always… and work to leave the viewer To define a piece , therefore, memorable but not Giving a story.
A lover of words, lyrics and poetry.. I keep a list Of a word or phrase… that is positive yet not Defining. It’s obviously a fini prior to cataloging ..
Great discussion.
Renee, I would just like to thank you for all the amazing information to be found on this site. I started painting about 23 months ago. I decided 9 months ago to put my art for sale in local coffee shops to see if there was a market for it. I’ve sold 21 paintings since then and have to deliver paintings to a gallery next week. They have given me a LARGE space as they are impressed by the paintings and the sale success. I am a little overwhelmed as I realize I now need to take this seriously but had now idea where to start. I found this site and I’m so grateful to have so much of what I need to know in one place, Thank you. It is so very much appreciated. I look forward to learning as much as I can from you.
Dear Karin, Thank you for your kind words and sharing info about your newly found passion and success as an artist. Enjoy exploring the site for solutions to any of your art business and marketing needs. Should you want personalized assistance let me know if I can help you in a private phone consultation. Wishing you continued creative bliss and success, Renee
So interesting……. I keep a book that I add words and phrases to continually that evoke an emotion within me.
I love to start work by meditating or focusing on one of those phrases and that is usually the title of the work that evolves…….not always but most of the time.
I want viewers to know what the work means to me.
Ruth, Those are great ideas! Now I understand more about why your art is so dynamic and evolved.
I do a very similar thing. I write down or type in phrases and words that evoke emotion or thought and very often new work or even series will emerge from this one phrase or word. If it is a phrase of poetry I will write to the poet and ask for permission to use it as a title.
I’m liking and agree with Elliot Appel’s solution the best.. I struggle with titles, it has been suggested to name after the feelings I had whilst creating but to be honest, I just get on with it and don’t think too much at all!! Don’t know if this is the norm for some other artists but the titles would not be that exciting or appealing.
I believe a painting should be looked at first before the Title, after-all you either like it or you don’t! but I can see that a Title could provoke alot of thought and discussion from the viewer .
I prefer words to numbers but anything that is ‘too hard to figure out’ just looses my attention.
A title for me sometimes comes before the painting. I am an abstract artist and scientist, and I have synesthesia, a crossing of the senses. I paint concepts and music, so the title may be s song lyric or a physics concept. I love titles and I also share some of my inspiration to begin the dialogue.
Early in my art career I took the time to choose titles that represented my art. As my collection grew larger I became less fastidious about creating titles and solely focused on the artwork. During one holiday season, I sent out personalized greeting cards and received an email from a close friend reminding me that I had previously used this caption. This was my wakeup call! I now believe that titles are the accessory to a painting as a piece of jewelry is to a glorious outfit. Captions add appeal, intrigue and sometimes amusement to the painting and is a subtle wink from the artist.
Thank you Renee for sharing this advice, it is a wonderful reminder about the importance of detail😀
Lisa, as always you offer very a generous dose of wisdom and insight. Thank you!
Quote from above:
Perhaps William Shakespeare said it best: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.
To my mind Shakespeare says that no matter what name the flower “rose” has been given, it will always be sweet-smelling. In other words, no matter what title you give a painting, it will always be the painting it is. This seems to support the conclusion that titles are inconsequential.
Peter, That’s a very interesting point of view and who could argue with Shakespeare? I wonder, if you changed the title of your “Feathers” photographs to something like “Shoes” I think it would be just as beautiful but might send a different kind of message to the viewer. 🙂
Sometimes I like to pick a small, hidden, insignificant part of the painting and make that the title. People may look closer at the painting to find the significance of the title.
Elliot,
Wow! That’s a wonderful idea! I’ve added it to the article with a link to your website.
Have fun painting NYC and other locales.
Your biggest fan,
Renee
As President of an Art Society I curate our members exhibitions and Titles definitely mean something different to each Artist.
Here’s what I find:
Untitled is the unorganised Artist’s option when Entering their Art. They just choose on the day of delivery what they put in.
Long Drawn Out titles that Tell the full story or location of the Art are boring and also hard to fit on the Exhibition ID cards
Short and Sweet-Descriptive yet leaving it the viewers imagination to fill in the gaps is my best choice for a Title.
An Artist can add more information on an Authentication Label on the back of their Art for buyers if they want to narrate the work.
For my Abstract Artworks I use a Thesaurus to find an appropriate unusual word that relates to my work but doesn’t describe it.
For example I had a Black and Dark Pink Abstract – each viewer saw something different- Title- INCARNADINE- great conversation starter when you’ve used a n unfamiliar word.
Kerry, thank you for your insightful and experienced comment on the subject of titles of art. I’m nodding my head because as a curator my observations are very similar to yours. I like your idea of using a Thesaurus. Great title – Incarnadine!
Having created over 4000 paintings myself I’ve been back and forth many times on this issue. My only piece of advice is make sure the title is something that is coming from a place of self fascination and amusement rather than if you think it will sell better. Also as a general rule of thumb, enigmas will always take you on to creating the next one. Just title your art from the heart and let the chips fall where they may. Your genuinosity will shine through and the right people will connect with that truth.
Justin, every artist should take your advice. I agree, one should always remain authentic. “Title your art from your heart” makes a great mantra!
I like titles…….as a clue or entry point to enable the viewer a little ‘starter’ from which they can explore and put own interpretation on a painting. I agree that they should be a little non specific and mysterious, I have a preference for one word titles, agreeing that too many words can get in the way of allowing the painting to speak for itself. Also feel that Series J No..17 kind of titling somewhat sterile and smacks of mass production. I do however work in series but prefer to keep them to 5 or fewer, e.g Haze – I , Haze – II…….. This approach keeps identification simple for my own records as well as for viewers and those collating exhibition catalogues, short, sweet and simple!
Hi Angela, Thank you for your comment. I like your short, sweet, and simple approach to titles of art and about giving a clue yet leaving some mystery and interpretation for the viewer.