Artist’s Signature: 7 Mistakes That You Need To avoid

Artist’s Signature: 7 Mistakes That You Need To avoid

You don’t sign a work on canvas the same way you sign a work on paper. The reflexes are not the same. Today, I am interested in works on canvas, those associated with acrylic or oil paint.

How and Why to Sign Your Artwork?

The Signature and The Artist

The artist’s signature does not have the same function as the one used to sign an administrative document. The former seeks visibility and light, while the latter prefers to hide in the dark pages of personal files.

Don’t choose a signature just because it looks nice. Choose one that identifies you as an artist and promotes your art to the world. The line should flow naturally from your hand and be simple enough to decipher. The signature should not be an illegible scrawl that would become a hindrance to your reputation.

On the work of art, the signature asserts itself in all letters to promote the artist’s colours. Energy or vibration, the signature acknowledges who we are and contributes to the way we move forward in the world. The signature is a commitment, it carries the weight of the artist’s project.

Each signature corresponds to a personality. It changes, builds, softens, asserts itself over time and evolves during artistic development. It is not uncommon to see signatures change for many artists.

However, there are certain mistakes to be avoided when deciding to go into professional mode.

At the beginning of an artistic activity, one often commits, without knowing it, actions that go against the fundamental principles of the artist’s influence and notoriety.

Discover without further ado the most common mistakes when it comes to signing a work.

Mistake 1: Signing with A Biro

The ink of ballpoint pens, friction pens or other equivalents of Bic pens is not made to last, especially when exposed to sunlight. If you do not want to see your signature disappear over the years, the ideal is to use acrylic or oil paint to keep your signature on the work for a long time.

Mistake 2: Signing too Close to The Edge

Paintings are generally preferred to be framed. So remember to place your signature 5-10 CM from the edge to leave enough room for a possible frame, which could cover part of the edge and at the same time hide the artist’s signature.

Mistake 3: Signing on The Edge of The Painting

I know, many artists find it “stylish” to sign on the edge of the painting. Even if social networks have a lot to do with it, in the trends present in some artists’ studios. Have the right reflex, your signature must be visible in all situations and even in those where the painting would be framed.

Mistake 4: Signing on The Varnish

The signature is placed before the final stage of varnishing. In addition to protecting the full painting, the varnish also seals the signature to the artwork. It is the ultimate guarantee that the painting is not a fake.

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Mistake 5: Signing Only Initials

Be inspired by the great masters of the art world and not by amateur artists who post on social media. The work of art should be able to communicate itself and state the artist’s name in full to facilitate its dissemination. Put yourself in the shoes of the person who discovers your work and wants to know more about the artist. How will they find you if you give them access to your artist’s name in just two letters?

Mistake 6: Signing with Unreadable Handwriting

Signing illegibly or not signing at all is the same action. The signature is meant to convey the values of an artist and to say so openly! A 7-year-old child should be able to read you without any difficulty!

Mistake 7: Changing the Signature on Each Artwork

The calligraphy of your signature will evolve over the years, and this is normal!

If you have recently changed your artist’s signature, it will be indicative of an era. There is no need to modify all your paintings created in the past with the new signature.

The new signature has a particular vibration that reflects your artistic metamorphosis at the time. Each time a new signature presents itself to you, accept it as a normal phenomenon that reinforces your development.

Are You Looking to Enhance Your Signature?

Feel free to sign on dozens of sheets of paper to explore all the possibilities that come to mind. Use a black marker on white paper if you need to. Have fun finding a comfortable way to showcase your artist’s name.

Change the size of the letters, this will give personality to your signature without slowing down the time it takes to draw it. If your handwriting is messy or full of loops, emphasize one of the letters to make it more intense and clearer.

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AMYleePIC

Content provided by Amylee Paris

The passion of Amylee, fine artist and author is to share her paintings between galleries, art collectors and her community. Amylee is also recognized as one of the most influential French artist-entrepreneurs. Since 2009 she has mentored thousands of visual artists guiding them to thriving their art career.

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You can visit her colourful portfolio,follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazineby clicking here!