Wholesale Matting

Does anyone know the proper way to sign photography that is being put for sale. Do I sign on the mat ? Pencil?

I'm putting my work in an art show; and wasn't sure if there was a "proper" way to sign photographs. Thanks for any suggestions; this is my first show, any I didn't know if there were any hard and fast rules. Some will be hanging; and some will be in bins, (I just wanted to look as professional as I can) !!!!!!

Public Comments

1. on the mat, with a pencil directly under the print and the way I was told to do it was like this aligned to the left edge of the print: The title of the print centered under the print: date, month and year only aligned to the right edge of the print: your signature keep it small, it shouldn't distract from the print itself
2. Generally speaking you sign it on the mat with a pencil. You can use artist pens as well. As long as the ink is will not damage the matting over time. If you are using dark colored matting then an artist pen in a contrasting color would be good. You wouldn't be able to see the pencil. Some colors you may want to try would be silver or gold. Silver is a nice touch on a black mat with a black and white picture. You should also sign the back of the mounting. Include your name, date and title of the piece and any other info you want.
3. You may want to talk to an artists at one of your local art galleries. I have two photos and both have the artists name signed at the lower right hand corner just under the photo on the matte in pencil. I have one Cibachrome where the artist signed using what looks like acrylic paint on the lower right hand side of the photo itself. I have three serigraphs and the artists signed them in the margin at the lower right hand corner of the piece and all the pieces of acrylic art I have, has the artists signature on the piece itself on the lower right hand side of the art.
4. The problem with signing on the matte is that the signature and the print are on separate boards. Ansel Adams mounted his photos to board, then signed that board beneath the print. Problems occasionally arise when the photos have to be remounted on new boards, sans signature. A better was is to sign the actual print in pencil beneath the image - right side is standard - then overmatte the print with an opening that is larger than the print, allowing the signature to show. It's professional looking AND allows the actual print to be signed. Most of the original prints I have purchased were done this way.
5. While you a see a lot of photos with signatures on the mat, that is not a very good way to go. Often, the mat becomes damaged, stained, bent, etc. and they get replaced. If you do, then the signature is also tossed out. The most common practise for quality prints is to print on oversized paper, and sign below the picture on the right hand side. When it gets matted, you oversize the mat cutout so that the signature is seen as well.