You can learn a lot from art by understanding the thinking that goes into the framing of the artists ideas and the eventual making and presentation of their bodies of work.

how is this relevant in a critical elements of a corporate setting? well in influencing communication, decision-making, and overall perception that is how. The way information is presented can significantly affect how it is received and interpreted by customers, stakeholders, employees, and clients in other words both b2c, b2b and even c2b in job hunting. additionally c2c as your customers talk online and in person.

1. Influence Perception: The framing of a narrative shapes how people perceive issues, products, and services. By choosing specific images, words or contexts, corporate communicators can highlight benefits and drawbacks, guiding stakeholders to a desired understanding or reaction. This is exactly what artists do when they are making an artwork. It might sound alien to think an artist thinks the same way as a business/government/charity (i’m sure the same is true conversely). truth is they are not dissimilar at all if you really think about it.

2. Enhance Clarity: A well-framed suggestion allows a viewer/listener to clarify complex ideas. In corporate communications, where decisions are can be based on subjective information, a clear vision/voice ensures that key points are emphasised, making it easier for audiences to grasp and retain essential details.

3. Encourage Engagement: Effective framing of an idea can capture the attention and interest of stakeholders. By presenting information in a visually relatable and compelling manner, corporations can foster greater engagement, encouraging participation from employees and dialogue with existing as well as potential customers.

4. Shape Decision-Making: In a corporate environment, the vocalising of facts plays a crucial role in decision-making processes. the presentation of visual intelligence can influence executives and teams to consider threats as well as fostering innovation and growth.

5. Build Trust and Credibility: Consistent and transparent messaging contribute to building trust within a corporate culture. When stakeholders perceive information is presented honestly and thoughtfully, it enhances the organisation’s credibility and promotes loyalty among employees and clients. Artists instinctively consider this when they are producing serious bodies of work. in thinking about the idea they produce something that says what they want it to say with honesty whilst allowing a viewer to also layer their own interpretation on it making it feel personal to someone else too. this then speaks to the end person but from the “artist’s mouth” engaging relatability and credibility which in turn may promote loyalty from collectors, patrons, fans…..

6. demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity: global corporations, must consider cultural differences Tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audiences is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to build rapport across different markets. This is as true with the arts as it is for governments and corporations. Often however it is the charities and artists who will vocalise what governments and corporations fear to say even when they know something is the right thing to call out or action to take. That said, the artist too can fear calling out truths as they too may be cut off from benefactors or just not be published/distributed because of censorship and fear of loss of earnings….

In summary, the arts are really important and individuals as well as corporations, governments and charities can learn a lot from artists and this sector by really understanding the considerations that are made when making artworks and curating shows. In doing so you too can effectively create the shaping of perceptions to enhance communication, drive engagement, influence decision-making, build trust, and take into account cultural sensitivity etc., and in turn attract partners, business, employment opportunities, respect, work/live in an inspiring environment, etc.,

By prioritising thoughtful investigation of the arts, individuals as well as corporations can navigate challenges more successfully and create a harmonious home and workplace culture as well as considerations for what sort of legacy or imprint on society/work/family; (put anything you think is appropriate here) will follow as a result of actions taken.

So back to the image at the beginning of this post. the Mona Lisa painting. "Mona" in the name "Mona Lisa" is an Italian abbreviation for "ma donna," which means "my lady" or "ma'am". It's a polite form of address.  The painting's full title is Mona Lisa, but it's also known by the Italian name La Gioconda and the French name La Joconde. La Gioconda and La Joconde come from the Italian word for "jocund," which means "happy" or "jovial". It's also a pun on the last name of Lisa's husband, Francesco del Giocondo. 

The painting is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. It's thought to have been commissioned to celebrate the birth of their second son.

why did he paint with her smile that way? The story goes that da Vinci wanted her to smile wider, but she refused. She did not want the joy she felt for her new baby to erase the pain she felt from losing [one prior]. There in her half smile is her half joy. I can only imagine how she felt if she was doing so whilst still mourning the loss of a child. I am sure many people today can relate to this feeling, if not in relating to the loss of a child then maybe thinking to a time when being asked to smile whilst posing for a photograph that they don’t really want to participate in for whatever reason!

What did leonardo da vinci really want to say in this painting? One theory is that the model for the portrait was Leonardo's longtime apprentice and suspected lover, Gian Giacomo Caprotti, also known by the nickname Salai. The other theory is that the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait of Leonardo as a woman. Neither of these theories is well received by most art historians. If however any of the theories are true do you relate to this and can you see it’s effects and relevance on society today?

alternatively, Did Leonardo even think his painting would outlive him and his sitter when he first painted it? Do you consider such questions in life let alone when you are working?

any thoughts? please get in touch. signing out Joanna Black