HOW TO SELECT A GREAT TOPIC FOR YOUR ART PROJECT

A GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL ART STUDENTS

Whether you have been given a set starting point or can choose any topic, begin
brainstorming every possible relevant theme scene or subject.








BRAINSTORM

Traditions,
celebrations and
events

Natural forms, animals and
plants


Topics and political
issues

Portraiture and the human form

Objects things and the stuff of
ordinary lives
Ideas from literary text, music,
film and media
Possessions, adornment and
clothing
Interior
and
exterior
spaces
Hobbies, interests, and activities
Ideas from other visual
artists

Conceptual and theoretical ideas
Architecture and
manmade structures

Emotional and personal issues and
dilemmas

Seascapes, landscapes,
cityscapes

Public and private spaces
SELECT AN IDEA THAT HAS POTENTIAL AND EVALUATE

NO
Can you think of subject
matter (i.e. things to
draw, paint, photograph
or explore) for your
chosen topics?
RETURN TO
BRAINSTORMING
PHASE
START
YES
Will the subject matter
have visual appeal, with
variety of shape, texture
and surface?
YES
Will the subject matter
included complex three-
dimensional form
Are you a highly
skilled and
creative student,
who can excel
despite having a
limited topic?
NO
YES
NO
Can the subject
matter be
explored first-
hand?
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
Will your artwork, be
original, authentic, detailed
and personal if derived from
second-hand images?
NO
NO
YES
YES
Will the topic
be contentious,
controversial
or gutsy?
Are you choosing it to
just be controversial?
YES
YES
Is the topic cheesy,
superficial or surface deep?
NO
Do you have
a clever
approach to
this topic?
YES NO
Do you have a strong personal
connection to the topic/care about it
passionately?
Is this topic
common
amongst high
school art
students?
NO
Will you be able to sustain
interest in this topic for the
duration of your project?

NO YES
YES NO
Will you
approach the
topic in a novel
or fresh way?
NO
YES
Does your
teacher
support this
topic
choice?

NO
YES
GREAT TOPIC!