How to Write an Art Haiku

An artist’s job is to capture a moment. Sometimes we use a brush; sometimes we use 17 syllables. A haiku is a Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to look at your artwork and condense its "soul" into a poem.

Here are some examples of haikus I've written:

Step 1: The "5-7-5" Framework

First, the technical basics. A haiku follows a strict structure:

• Line 1: 5 Syllables

• Line 2: 7 Syllables

• Line 3: 5 Syllables

Tip: If you’re stuck, clap out the beats of the words! Snow-flake (2), Win-ter (2), Glit-ter-ing (3).

Step 2: Choose Your Visual Subject

Look at one of your drawings. Don't try to describe everything in it. Instead, pick the one thing that stands out most.

• Is it the coldness of the snow?

• The silence of a forest?

• The bright colors of a character's hair?

Step 3: Brainstorming "Vibe" Words

Write down a list of words related to your drawing. For example, if you are looking at a winter scene:

• Cold, white, soft, falling, hush, biting, ice. Now, look for the "Kigo" (a seasonal word). Haikus traditionally reference a season to set the mood instantly.

Step 4: Drafting the Lines (The "Red Thread")

Let’s try to build one based on a winter drawing:

• Line 1 (The Setting): White snow hits the ground (5)

• Line 2 (The Action): Floating softly from the sky (7)

• Line 3 (The Feeling): Winter is finally here (5)

Step 5: Refine and "Artify"

The first draft is often a bit plain. Replace common words with "artistic" ones to match your drawing style.

• Revised: Silver crystals fall (5) Dancing on the frozen wind (7) Quiet winter sleep (5)

By writing a haiku for your art, you force yourself to understand the core emotion of your work. It’s a great exercise for any artist to improve their storytelling!