Creating Your Title and Artist Statement

The Basics to Title and Artist Statements

In Reflections, each entry must have a title and artist statement. Further requirements include:

• Titles and artist statements must be unique. Don't reuse either for multiple entries.

• Statements should be between 10 and 100 words.

• Titles can be inspired by the theme, but should not copy the theme.

• Titles and statements must reflect the student's age and/or support needs. Any guidance provided by an adult (e.g., teacher, parent, guardian) should be minimal and non-artistic. 

Tips and Tricks to Express Your Creative Vision 

In Reflections, judges focus on how well you use your artistic vision and process to portray the theme and your unique interpretation, so the most successful entries have:

• A creative title that highlights your artwork and theme.
  
  

• An artist statement that explains your artwork, your take on the theme, your creative process and key elements of your piece.

Entry Titles

Titles help viewers understand what you're trying to say with your artwork. A good title tells the story of your piece and starts to explain your interpretation of the theme.

Title Tips

Titles can take many different forms and share information in unique ways, including: 

• Specific: Include names, locations, seasons, etc.

• Playful: Include a play on words, jokes, pun, rhythm, etc.

• Literal: Include a brief, but exact, description of the piece like color, materials, etc.

If struggling to create an artwork title, look at your art and consider the following:

• Think about this: How can you describe your subject matter or theme in a different way?

• Reflect on your feelings: What emotions or thoughts did you have while creating or looking at your piece?

• Consider the viewer's perspective: What might viewers think or feel when they see your artwork?

• Recall conversations: What words or phrases came up when you discussed your piece with a friend, teacher or family member?

• Tap into memories: What memories describe your piece or are associated with the theme or your artwork?

Entry Artist Statement 

An artist statement provides more complete context and descriptions for your inspiration, creative process in crafting the piece and your interpretation of the Reflections theme.

Artist Statement Tips

While a title is general and means to peak a viewer’s interest, your artist statement should describe your artwork and prioritize details related to the Reflections theme or the student's interpretation. Consider the following:

• Explain your artwork: Describe how specific parts or elements relate to the Reflections theme or your interpretation.

• Share your decisions: Explain why you made certain choices to connect your piece to the theme.

• Highlight key elements: Talk about metaphors, sequences or patterns that are important to the theme.

• Describe personal connections: Share any personal experiences that inspired your interpretation of the theme.

If struggling to create your artist statement, consider these suggestions:

• Think about this: What questions might a viewer have about your artwork? How would you answer them?

• Consider your goals: What do you hope people feel or think when they see your art? What actions do you want them to take?

• Reflect on influences: Are there any cultural or traditional elements in your piece? How would your artwork be different without them?

• Describe your process: What steps did you take to create your artwork? Which parts were the most challenging or rewarding?

• Imagine you're the viewer: Pretend you're not the artist. How would you describe the piece? What do you like, dislike or find confusing?

• Talk it out: Describe your artwork and interpretation of the theme to a friend, teacher or family member. Record the conversation or take notes.

• Detail your artwork: Write a detailed description of your piece, including materials, subjects and your favorite parts.

Please note that New Jersey PTA is following all National PTA guidelines for Reflections submissions. The information above is directly from the following National PTA website: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry#statement