Do Titles Really Matter in Animal Artwork?

Do Titles Really Matter in Animal Artwork?

When we create an artwork, our attention is usually on the visual story, colour, values, composition, and emotion. However, once the piece is complete, another element can shape how it’s received: the title.

Titles are powerful. They can spark curiosity, stir emotion, and give the viewer a glimpse into the artist’s intent. But how much do they really matter? Let’s explore.

The Power of Words

Words hold incredible influence. A well-chosen title can instantly shift how someone perceives your artwork, revealing emotion, meaning, or context before a viewer even studies the piece closely.

Titles allow you to communicate something the artwork alone might only suggest, helping your audience connect more deeply with your vision.

A Glimpse into the Artist’s Mind

Your title offers a window into your inspiration. It can express the emotions, ideas, or experiences that motivated your work, or even convey a broader narrative, such as conservation, awareness, or a connection with nature.

In wildlife art, this is especially meaningful. The correct title can tell a story: where you saw the animal, how it made you feel, and what message you hope to share about its world.

Storytelling Through Titles

Titles and imagery work hand in hand to tell a cohesive story. Sometimes, a title emerges as you create; other times, it sets the tone before the first mark is made.

Either way, it’s part of your artistic expression, guiding both your creative process and how others engage with your work.

When ‘Untitled’ Works

Leaving a piece untitled is also a valid choice. It invites your audience to bring their own interpretation and emotion, allowing for a more personal and open-ended experience.

This can be especially effective for abstract or evocative works where the viewer’s response is central.

Titles as a Practical Tool

Beyond creativity, titles serve a very practical purpose. They help you catalogue, track, and organise your body of work, especially if you create a series or recurring theme.

Following a consistent naming structure can give your collection a professional, cohesive look, a valuable detail when exhibiting or selling.

Potential Pitfalls

While titles add depth, they can sometimes lead the viewer in an unexpected direction.
A humorous title might clash with a more emotional subject, or an abstract title may leave viewers puzzled.

This doesn’t mean you should hold back your creativity; just that it’s worth considering how your audience might interpret your choice. In a recent gallery exhibition of mine where the artwork was numbered and accompanied by a room sheet with the artwork details, a viewer refused the room sheet, saying he would like to view the artwork first before he read the titles, so that he could interpret the work based on his response to it before he saw the titles.

Clever, Memorable Titles

Clever or light-hearted titles can add charm and make your artwork memorable. A witty or thoughtful title can brighten someone’s day and create a connection that lasts beyond the first glance.

Famous Examples

Think of The Mona Lisa, a title inseparable from its identity. To the extent that someone may have a ‘Mona Lisa’ smile.
In contrast, Jackson Pollock’s use of numbers as titles created neutrality, allowing his viewers to approach his work without preconceptions.

These examples remind us that every title choice, from poetic to factual, communicates something unique.

Titles in Wildlife Art

In wildlife art, titles can serve as a bridge between the artist and the audience.
They help share your inspiration, perhaps the moment of encounter, the animal’s personality, the environment or a message about conservation.

A thoughtful title can transform a realistic drawing into a powerful story, one that resonates emotionally and encourages the viewer to engage on a deeper level.

'Road to Oblivion'. The African Wild Dog is Africa's most endangered predator, and this drawing was titled to evoke the emotion of seeing this species fade to oblivion unless drastic measures are taken to secure its sustainability.

So, do titles matter?
Yes, they matter deeply.

A title is an extension of your creative voice. It can clarify meaning, share your story, and forge a connection between you and your audience. Whether poetic, factual, or left open-ended, your choice should be intentional.

After all, a great title doesn’t just name an artwork; it enriches its story.

Need Help Naming Your Next Piece?

Finding the right title can be time-consuming and requires thought, so I've created a simple tool to help!

Try the Animal Artwork Title Helper app, designed to inspire creative, meaningful titles for your animal and wildlife artworks.

It’s easy to use, filled with ideas, prompts, and structure to help you find the perfect title that captures your story.

Download the Animal Artwork Title Helper App for free here. https://katejenvey.com/freebies