Connect Through Your Art: A Practical Guide to Talking About What You Make
What do you say when someone asks what you do? You get the feeling they want a succinct answer before moving on.
But if you say "I'm an artist!", you're still not done. Now you'll need to answer, "That's interesting! What kind of work do you make?"
If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself rambling. "Well, I was trained in ceramics, then I worked in healthcare for 20 years, now I've taught myself to paint..." By this time, the poor person who asked is either nodding politely while thinking about their next drink, or has wandered off mid-sentence.
Don’t get caught with nothing to say about your art!
Learn easy ways to describe what you do and feel good about it.
Having smooth things to say at parties is the least of the reasons why you want to get better at talking about your work. The biggest reason is so that YOU know what you do, with clarity and confidence. That's the first step in connecting your work with the rest of the world. If you don't know how to explain it, neither will anyone else.
By the end of our time together today, we're going to simplify this process and get clear about what we do, who we are, and why it matters.
THE PROBLEM: STRUGGLING TO DEFINE YOUR CREATIVE IDENTITY
Many artists struggle to articulate what they do in a clear, compelling way. This challenge shows up as:
- Identity confusion:
You might work across different mediums, making it difficult to distill your creative practice into a simple description. Or maybe you’re switching from one career or role to another.
- Imposter syndrome:
Without a clear way to talk about your work, you might question whether you're "really" an artist at all, especially when you’re just getting started.
- Missed opportunities:
If you can't effectively communicate your creative practice, you'll miss connections with potential collaborators and supporters. This is what has compelled me recently to get more clear about my current artwork and practice. It is the catalyst to entering your work in shows, meeting potential collectors, and even just successfully promoting and selling your work.
- Evolution and growth:
Your creative practice naturally evolves. When I first applied for my studio in 2020, I had to write an artist statement. Reading it now, I've totally outgrown it, because the things I thought I'd focus on have fallen away as my skills and confidence have grown. I realized I need to simplify what my work conveys, rather than talking about specific subject matter or techniques.
This is why it's important to reassess your art practice regularly, especially when you're just starting out. But don't wait for the perfect concept—action creates clarity. It's a circle.
When you can talk confidently about your work, you validate your own creative identity while inviting others to connect with what you do.
For others to appreciate your work, it helps to have a clear way of discussing it.
This opens doors to growth and success, however you define that goal in your own art.
THE SOLUTION: REFLECTING ON YOUR ARTISTIC IDENTITY
First, a word for beginning artists. Even Taylor Swift followed the wise advice "Fake it 'Til You Make It!" Moving from my identity as a doctor, it took me years to confidently answer, "I'm an artist." But I finally figured out, I had to practice like I want to play in the game! If I want to be an artist, I need to go into rooms where artists are, read what artists read, and learn techniques from artists I admire.
Before you can confidently talk about your art, you need clarity about your own practice and identity. Here’s an action-focused summary with clear steps towards developing your own voice and message.
1. Core Identity Reflection Exercises
- Visual Creative Timeline:
Chart your artistic journey. Gather images of your work over time and note what themes, colors, or techniques consistently appear.
Once when preparing for an exhibit, I solved a shortage of new work by digging up artwork from childhood through college years. Seeing the progression—and what remained consistent in my style—gave me a renewed way to discuss my work.
- Values Exploration:
What principles guide your creative choices? What matters most in your practice? To find your own personal core values, try the exercise at www.think2perform.com where you can print a list of values or get a values card deck. It’s great, I’ve made my whole family do this!
- Evolution Assessment:
Compare your earliest artist statements with your current practice. What concepts have you abandoned? What new directions are emerging?
When you know what you want to say, it’s easier to speak up and connect with others over your art!
2. Articulating Your Artistic Language
Now, translate your reflections into language that resonates:
- Answer these key questions:
1. What do you make?
Focus on tangible aspects: "I create porcelain pottery with sculptural elements..."
2. Why do you make it?
Hone in on your motivation: "...that explores the relationship between nature and human experience..."
3. How is your approach unique?
What distinguishes your work: "...combining wheel-throwing with hand-built alterations..."
4. Who is it for?
Describe your audience: "...for people who value handmade objects in their daily lives..."
5. What impact do you hope it has?
For example: "...bringing moments of beauty and connection to everyday rituals."
- Finding Your Keywords:
Identify 5-7 distinctive words that authentically describe your work (e.g., "textural," "vibrant," "botanical"). Use these consistently in your descriptions.
3. Crafting Multi-Level Descriptions
Different situations call for different levels of detail:
- 30-second introduction (2-3 sentences):
"I'm a ceramic artist. I make wheel-thrown and altered functional porcelain pottery with sculptural elements inspired by botanical and aquatic aspects of nature."
- 2-minute explanation:
Add brief mentions of your background, current project, and artistic influences.
- 5-minute detailed description:
Include technical aspects, conceptual framework, and your position within broader artistic conversations.
4. Practice and Refinement
- Record yourself speaking your descriptions and listen for clarity and authenticity.
- Update regularly as your work evolves.
- Embrace the cycle: Making art informs how you talk about it, which clarifies what you make next.
DEEPENING YOUR ARTISTIC VOICE
The most meaningful conversations about art include elements of story:
- Your creative origin story:
What sparked your initial interest in your medium?
- Your creative process:
I keep a regular studio rhythm—throwing on Mondays, teaching and painting on Tuesdays, trimming and glazing on Wednesdays, business aspects on Thursdays, and "Finish up Fridays" for completing projects and getting work out into the world.
If direct description falls short, try metaphor and analogy:
- "My paintings are like weather systems—layers of atmosphere building toward an emotional climate."
- "If Vassily Kandinsky and Georgia O’Keefe collaborated, it might look like my current body of work."
Speaking From the Heart
At the art center where my studio is located, I was unexpectedly asked for an interview during an exhibit. With no time to prepare, I spoke from the gut. Her last question was, "What's the overall message you want to share with your work?"
I heard myself saying that underneath it all, I want to share the message that anyone can make art, and I hope my work and my story get people fired up about making their own art.
This taught me something important: when you connect with the true purpose behind your creative practice, the words come naturally.
FAQ: Common Challenges
Q: What if my work spans multiple mediums?
A: Focus on underlying themes: "Whether I'm working in ceramics or painting, I'm exploring patterns in natural systems."
Q: How do I talk about work that's still evolving?
A: Embrace the evolution! "My current work is an investigation into textile traditions, though the forms are still emerging."
Q: What if I'm just starting out?
A: Own where you are: "I'm in the early stages of developing a practice that examines..."
NEXT ACTION:
Quick Win:
Spend 20 minutes journaling responses to the five key questions about what you make and why it matters.
Solid Solution:
Create your 30-second, 2-minute, and 5-minute descriptions based on your reflections.
Treat Yourself:
Schedule a coffee date with a creative friend. Order that latte or espresso martini to help loosen up, and intentionally share about a recent piece you've been working on. There's nothing like real-world practice in a relaxed setting!
Summary
Learning to talk about your art isn't about impressing others—it's about clarifying your own artistic identity and opening doors to meaningful connections. By reflecting on your creative practice, developing clear language, and crafting descriptions for various situations, you'll gain confidence to share your artistic vision authentically.
With Enthusiasm for Life and Art,
Heidi
Resources and References:
Seth Godin: “The Practice: Shipping Creative Work” (2020)
Resources for Values exercises and Card Deck: http://www.think2perform.com