As mentioned before, I subscribe to the method mentioned by Bill Atkinson in LLVJ #15 (same as Michael's) for the *very few* prints that I do. That is to make my prints with a 1 inch border (or so) around all edges and then sign that border directly on the print in ink. When I mat the print, that signature is not visible. Following the advice of Bill and Michael, I then sign the mat in pencil. Using this method you have a signature which is typically NOT directly viewable but is still a part of the print proper, and a signature that is visible but is part of a detachable mat.
I also include a card on the back of the foamboard with the following info (once again borrowing....ok...stealing....from LLVJ #15):
C E R T I F I C A T E O F A U T H E N T I C I T Y
Thank you for purchasing a fine art print from Todd Klimek Photography.
This is an original photograph by Todd Klimek and is from an open edition of signed and matted prints.
This print was made in 2009 using an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer with Epson UltraChrome K3 inks with Vivid Magenta.
These facts pertain to your print and may also be important to conservation efforts for your art.
Edition: Open Image Number: ________
Actual Image Size: ________________________________
Mat size/ Standard Frame size: _____________________________
Type: Color B&W
Photo Location: __________________________________________
Year printed: 2009
Printer: Epson Stylus Pro 4880
Inkset: Epson UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta
Paper: _______________________________________________
Mat quality: Standard Archival
Foamboard quality: Standard Archival
Thank you!
And although this is most likely non-standard and a bit amateurish......it is what it is I suppose! Also I guess that since I actually haven't actually SOLD a single print yet (I've given several away)....my opinion is kinda immaterial. ;-)
Cheers....
Todd in Chicago
Jonathan - I'm somewhat old school and believe that a signature on a piece of otherwise machine made art really adds the proof of human touch. It's something I would like to see on a print that I just paid good money for, and as such, I thought it would be a good idea to include it on mine (kind of like the signature at the end of a printed letter - makes it feel less automated and more personal).
I think I am with atassy on this one. I feel like it's somewhat redundant to add a showing boarder as well as a matte and would much prefer to have the print end at the mattes beginning. Since my signature isn't nearly nice enough to be considered as art (few peoples are) I definitely think it shouldn't be directly on the print, but rather hidden away (after all, they're buying the print, not your signature). I think signing on the back is however a little too informal - reminds me too much of a darkroom test print, writing all the exposure info on the back.