Abstract vs. Concrete Titles
Selections from Loose Joints
In titling your Softcover Photobook, your broad options are between an abstract or concrete title. In my experience, abstract titles are more alluring and enduring. The best title I’ve ever read is i can’t stand to see you cry by Rahim Fortune, published by Loose Joints. Like I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, both are incredibly powerful symbolic titles.
For the photographer of family life, there is an opportunity with each product, process, presentation, font, copywriting and printed product to align oneself more with the Art World or the world of Mommyland. Choose accordingly. Within the art book world, both abstract and concrete titles are used successfully. My Mother, My Son by Mary Frey is a good example of a concrete title which retains power. The work is strong, the title is simple.
Titling your work is both personal and objective. Any direction of taste may be pursued; the measure is not one taste over another (loud vs. quiet) but meaningful vs. empty. Say something. A list of good examples:
Abstract Titles
Concrete Titles