Art Naming: Simple Ways to Title Your Work and Use Art Terms

When you finish a painting, sculpture, or digital piece, the first question that pops up is: "What do I call this?" A good title does more than label your work – it gives viewers a clue, sets the mood, and can even boost search traffic. Below you’ll find easy steps to pick a title that works and a cheat‑sheet of everyday art terms you’ll hear on galleries, blogs, and social media.

Why a Good Title Matters

Think of a title as the first handshake with your audience. If it’s confusing or bland, people might scroll past. A clear, catchy title tells a story in a few words and makes your art easier to find online. Search engines love keywords, so including words like "abstract," "landscape," or "portrait" can help the right crowd discover your piece.

Titles also guide interpretation. A work called “Morning Light” nudges the viewer to look for bright tones, while “Untitled #5” puts the focus squarely on the visual itself. Decide whether you want to direct the vibe or leave it open – both are valid, just be consistent.

Common Art Terms and How to Use Them

Knowing the right words makes you sound confident when you talk about your own work or discuss others. Here are the basics you’ll run into most often:

Medium: The material you use – oil paint, watercolor, digital, mixed media, etc. Mention it in the title if it adds interest, like “Digital Collage: City Pulse.”

Style: The overall look – abstract, realism, impressionism, street art. Pairing style with subject can make a strong title: “Abstract Landscape” or “Realist Portrait of a Stranger.”

Series: If the piece is part of a group, add a number: “Series A – 03.” This shows continuity and helps collectors track your progress.

Edition: For prints, indicate the print run, e.g., “Edition 12/50.” This tells buyers about rarity.

Theme: The underlying idea – “Memory,” “Growth,” “Urban Decay.” A theme word can tie multiple works together: “Memory – Fragmented.”

Mix and match these elements to create a title that feels right. For example, a watercolor landscape you made for a summer show could be called “Summer Landscape – Watercolor.” It tells medium, subject, and season in one bite.

Need a quick brainstorm? Write down three things that stand out in your piece – color, feeling, and subject. Then combine the strongest two. "Crimson Calm" (color + feeling) or "Midnight City" (time + subject) often work well.

Finally, test your title. Say it out loud, check if it’s easy to spell, and search it on Google. If you see a lot of unrelated results, tweak it a bit. Adding a unique twist – your name, a date, or a location – can help your work stand out.

Now you have a straightforward way to name your art and drop the right terms in conversation. Use these tips on your next piece, and you’ll see more clicks, more interest, and a clearer voice for your creative side.