How nice to have a community to turn to when I need a suggestion regarding whether or not to add a signature to a photo for sale. I belong to an alumnae group in Hawaii and they’ve asked for gift donations for a silent auction that will raise scholarship money at a Panhellenic luncheon. I’ve never signed my work I post here, but have been asked to sign the mat for photos that will go into a gallery in Lunenburg. Given that I’m undecided as to whether to send a canvas or a photo (just matted, as cost for mailing to the Islands is a bit pricy) how should I sign or not sign? If I make a canvas, do I add a signature (I’ve photographed my handwritten name and like using that) What about a print that will be hung on the wall? Add a subtle signature to the photo itself, never add a signature to a photo for sale. Or only sign a mat? I might also ask at this same time, how would you sign the prints that are made on metal? (I’ve purchased a couple of those and love the way they look...quite modern.) Is it better to add a truly handwritten signature to an item like that (as I saw in a show in Hawaii)? All input would be greatly appreciated as I want to do this as soon as possible. Thank you so much in advance for your qualified assistance!
I am in favor of the back in the case of a canvas and on the matt especially if double matted. I do not sign my work on the piece, but I attach a signture to the back with my card and bio. :)
One word of warning as I am in the exact same situation. I had decided to sign in the lower corner, a small subtle signature with the year. They had asked for a 20X30 size. Unfortunately, when it was blown up (and I had them frame at the same time), the signature came out HUGE! So I'm keeping that one (expensive mistake) and re-doing it. I do think your signature belongs on it. I think putting your name on the back is an alternative and that is what I've done in the past for photos at the gallery on Beaver Island. I've also hand signed the mat, but then that means you have to do that before the framing and it has to be matted. So, I'm going to an art shop this weekend with the photo on a drive with the signature, but have them mock up what it will look like in case i have to change it (I'm also bringing my computer) so that the signature is small and has to be sought out -- not that it will jump out. Of course, I'm no expert on this -- this is the first one I've donated for an auction.
@allie912@melston@darylo@taffy Thank you all for this much-needed advice! (Taffy, having read about the signature being blown up, I'll never forget THAT one! Really good to know!) Combining some of the suggestions, I think that if I can have a canvas sent directly to them, I may make a photo card showing the picture on the left with my signature and little bio on the right. I have a friend who would attach it. I really like the idea of always including that, Daryl. If I have "hands on" with the finished piece before mailing it, I like the idea of signing the back, and if it's a matted print, to sign the mat. Marci and Allison, I agree, if I'm to
present myself as an artist, than I need to sign in some fashion. I know how much I like having that on the pieces I buy, so thank you all! I think I know what steps to take from here!
Louise, this sounds like a very nice thing you're doing, great stuff!
I'm glad you didnt go with the idea of signing the front of it... end of the day what i'd ask myself is two things :
1. Does the signature detract from the item. Adding a watermark or signature doesnt always add something and somestimes is very distracting
2. Does the client deserve to purchase an item with a signature on it?
Weezi, I hand sign all my work. I did some research on the best type of pen and color to use. (I'm not home so I can't go look at my pen!) Over time and trial, I've decided on silver metallic and I sign the bottom right-hand corner of every piece I have printed for sale. I've also learned that, when you know the purchaser, they also enjoy knowing a bit about the piece. They've told me it makes them feel more connected to their choice of art as well as artist.
@toast Thanks so much for the advice! I do want to keep the signature from detracting. I've decided to order the metal print since I think they're attractive, it might be an easy choice for someone shopping a silent auction, doesn't need framing and non-photographers might not have seen this item. Regarding (2), I feel that if someone wants to purchase my art offering, it deserves to be signed for them in some fashion. @voiceprintz I did see signatures on art in Hawaii done in the silver metallic pen,,,I could just do my initial signature as my name is so long and not all that interesting! I do like knowing about the artist or writer and when purchasing from them, nearly always ask to take their photo with the item. Since I (sadly) won't be in attendance, I do like Daryl's idea of the card with photo, bio and signature.
Thank you both so much for the advice and assistance. (I've received advice here from each of you whose work I've come to know and admire!) @Weezilou@darylo@melston@allie912 Again, thank you all!
@darylo I really like that idea, Daryl -- it solves the problem of the size of the signature which was an expensive mistake as I really didn't like it there. Where do you have those made or do you just do it? Is there a template? Thanks for the suggestion!
@taffy@darylo As I order 5x7 greeting cards (blank) from Shutterfly when they offer 10-Free, I have one with the same photo on the front as the image I ordered today. In this instance, I thought I'd add a short thank you to the recipient for bidding in the auction to receive (this) picture and sign the card. I could add an insert with a bio. I thought you might like the idea of a thank you note as well, Taffy.
@taffy I just do it. Also I make custom cards with free Avery online templates of the actual photo with my contact info and sometimes I put price...so it functions as a business card! And you can make a whole sheet with multiple photos
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present myself as an artist, than I need to sign in some fashion. I know how much I like having that on the pieces I buy, so thank you all! I think I know what steps to take from here!
To all of you, your advice is most appreciated!
I'm glad you didnt go with the idea of signing the front of it... end of the day what i'd ask myself is two things :
1. Does the signature detract from the item. Adding a watermark or signature doesnt always add something and somestimes is very distracting
2. Does the client deserve to purchase an item with a signature on it?
Thank you both so much for the advice and assistance. (I've received advice here from each of you whose work I've come to know and admire!)
@Weezilou @darylo @melston @allie912 Again, thank you all!