What information should I put on the back of a metal fine art print?
Asked 5/29/2015
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2 answers
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I’m starting to sell my photographs as metal prints. Since there’s no mat or white border to sign, I’m thinking of adding a small sticker on the back with identifying information. I’m not planning to sell limited editions, but I would like to sign and number larger prints as open editions.
What information is typically worth including on the back of the print? For example: title, artist name, signature, date printed, date photographed, print format/size, copyright, or edition information. Is a certificate of authenticity necessary for open editions, or only if a buyer requests one?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
I've grappled with this for awhile now and haven't found any consistent answers online, so I've muddled along with my own system. It may/may not be "right" but I offer it in case it's helpful.
My prints are plaque-mounted (on wood), and only as I need them (i.e. I don't do any runs of prints, I only produce them individually as needed). I write on the back of the mounted print, using a fine-tipped Sharpie, in four lines of text: -title (inside quotation marks) -year - sometimes this is two years - see below -my signature -my name, printed
Year: if the difference between when I took the original photo differs by more than a year from the date I first made this print version, I'll include both - e.g.: 2015 / 2009 - means printed version was made in 2015 but original photo taken in 2009. If there's a year or less difference then I just use the date of the print. If I change the image to make a new version of the print, then I use the new year instead of the original print year. If not - i.e. if it's just a reprint without any changes, then I stick with the original print date.
I don't bother with copyright info - I assume my signature and the date are covering that adequately.
Originally by user26722. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user26722
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For an open-edition metal print, keep it simple and consistent. Based on common practice in the answers, the most useful items are:
- title of the image
- your signature
- your printed name
- date printed
- optionally, the capture year if it differs meaningfully from the print year
- if you want, mark it as an open edition rather than using limited-edition numbering
If you ever do limited editions, then include the print number and edition size. For open editions, numbering isn’t really necessary, though you can label them as open edition.
A separate certificate of authenticity is not usually needed for open editions unless a buyer asks for one. The print itself can carry the essential identification.
Since this is a metal print, a back sticker is a practical option; a more permanent marking is even better if possible. Care instructions can be on a separate label or included with packaging.
Copyright wording and detailed format info are optional, not essential, if the print is already signed and clearly identified.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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