What to Say Instead of “What Is It?” — Encouraging Creativity Through Conversation

When your child proudly holds up their artwork, the first words out of your mouth might be:
“What is it?”

It’s an easy reflex—we want to show interest and understand what we’re looking at! But for a lot of kids, that question can cause hesitation or self-doubt. If they weren’t trying to draw something “realistic,” they might feel like they did it wrong.

​At Orange Easel, we see this moment all the time in the studio. And it’s a powerful one. Because with just a few different words, parents and teachers can help kids feel proud, confident, and creative.

​Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

When we ask “What is it?”, we’re often focusing on recognition—trying to name what we see. But kids’ art isn’t always about making something recognizable. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with color, exploring texture, or expressing emotion.
By shifting the conversation away from naming and toward noticing, we help children see that their creative choices matter.

​ What to Say Instead

• “Tell me about your picture.”
  Opens the door for storytelling and gives them ownership of their ideas.
  
• “I love those colors—what made you choose them?”
  Shows genuine curiosity and helps kids think about their artistic decisions.
  
• “You used so many interesting lines!”
  Teaches kids to reflect on technique rather than correctness.
  
• “Which part was your favorite to make?”
  Helps them identify what felt fun or meaningful.
  
• “I notice you filled the whole page!”
  Acknowledges effort and observation, not accuracy.
  
• “That looks like you worked really hard on it.”
  Reinforces persistence, not perfection.
  

Why These Words Matter

These simple changes spark richer conversations about art—and confidence.
When kids know their ideas are valued, they take more creative risks, stay curious longer, and start to think like artists.
That’s the goal here at Orange Easel: building a generation of confident, expressive creators who aren’t afraid to share their vision.
​

​Try It at Home

Next time your child creates something, pause before asking questions. Look closely. Notice the effort, the choices, the joy. Then start your sentence with:
👉 “I notice…” or “Tell me about…”
Those two little phrases change everything.

Whether you’re at the kitchen table or in our studio, every time you talk about art with your child, you’re helping shape how they see themselves as a creator.
Let’s make sure they see what we see--an artist.

Want to keep these conversation ideas handy?
👉 Download our free one-page printable »