Artwork Descriptions

The Basics

Time-based media includes any artwork that has a temporal dimension including video, film, slide, audio, or computer-based works. In this section, we focus on audio-only, video-only, and audio-video artworks that are pre-recorded. Time-based artworks that are live call for slightly different features such as Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) and ASL. These features allow for disabled people - especially those who are d/Dear, hard of hearing, blind, low-vision, and who have certain cognitive disabilities and/or sensory processing differences - to equitably engage with your artwork. As previously mentioned, it is more advantageous for you as a n artist to view these features as iterative versions or accompaniments to the artwork, instead of tacked-on accommodations. Features to consider including are as follows:

Sound Description

Similar to an image description, Sound Description contains 50 to 100 words (roughly 250 to 500 characters) with a description of essential audio information needed to understand the content These descriptions function as an alternative to auditory information for people who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, as well as some folks who have cognitive disabilities and/or sensory processing differences. Read through the section Guidelines for Writing Artwork Descriptions for Visual Art to get an idea of how to write a sound description - many of the same guidelines apply, with the exception of tips that refer specifically to vision information.

Video Description

Again, like an image description, Video description is a 50 to 100 word (roughly 250 to 500 characters) statement that provides a snapshot summary, including essential visual information needed to understand the content. These descriptions function as an alternative to visual information for people who are blind or low-vision, as well as some folks who have cognitive disabilities and/or sensory processing differences. As with Sound Description, Read through the section Guidelines for Writing Artwork Descriptions for Visual Art to get an idea of how to write a video description - many of the same guidelines apply, just remember to incorporate the added element of audio information (unless your video is silent, of course.)

Creative Approaches to Artwork Description: Time Based Media

Quinn West is a Chinese American artist based in the Chicago suburbs. Quinn is motivated by concept art, the act of telling stories through things that are created. Past experience plays a big key in their art and the styles that are rendered against canvas and different mediums. There is a strong balance between traditional practices and digital art. Quinn enjoys the way each outlet allows them to capture both the themes important to them and to society around them. Their main focus is the theme of accessibility and Disability, molded in a way of understanding and communication. 

West also includes Artwork (Image) Descriptions with all of their artwork. If you are interested in viewing an example of a Video Description take a look at their Demo Reel 2021 webpage.