Best Way to Sign a Print

[rgs]

I'm curious what this list thinks about signing prints that are intended for sale.

1. Discrete, small, digital signature in the lower right corner of the image area.
2. Handwritten signature in the border just below the lower right corner of the image area.
3. Sign the back of the print.
4. Sign the mat.

[gchappel]

You are going to get a lot of different opinions on this one.
I only use a digital printed signature on small prints, give aways, note cards etc.  To me it looks cheap, almost like you couldn't be bothered actually signing it. 
Personally, I sign my larger pieces bottom right, on the border of the paper below the image.  I mat the image so you can see the signature- leaving space around the image.
I would never sign the mat board, it could get separated from the actual image.
I sign the back of metal prints, only because I have not found a pen that does not smear off the finished front of metal and acrylic pieces.
I am not saying this is the right way to do it, but it is what i do.
gary

[gkroeger]

@gchappel

What pen or pencil do you use... I have yet to find something that works well on Platine

[Richard.Wills]

For Platine, Sakura Pigma Micron pens. Available in a range of widths, the black inks have excellent longevity, so choose the width that suits your style. They're also a joy to write and sketch with.

[gchappel]

Agree with the Sakura pens- in black and grey.  I'm off travelling so don't remember the widths I use. 
I still prefer pencil on papers with enough "tooth" to handle the graphite. 
gary

[Richard.Wills]

Good article from Preservation Equipment in the UK https://www.preservationequipment.com/Blog/Blog-Posts/Which-pen-should-I-use-5-tests-to-see-which-is-best.

For works on aluminium, several of our artists use a ball point pen to sign the back, then we cover the signature with a UV laminate.

[Yvan Bedard]

I've been selling fine art prints full time in 5 art galleries over the last 8 years. I also enrolled in several art and photo workshops. Here is what I do:
a) digital signature is out of question because art collectors give no value to such signatures,
b) I print on fine art papers and fine art canvas, and to remain consistent, I always hand-sign in the print (not in the margin). In other words, I do like most painters. This gives much more freedom to the buyer for the framing of the photograph.
c) I typically sign in the lower-right corner, but sometimes I do it in the lower-left corner if colors are better suited for that
d) I normally sign with a black pen (archival quality), but I sometimes use golden, silver or color pens.
e) I always sign with my full name so people can read who the artist is. I keep my signature readable and avoir initials, artist names, etc.
f) I avoid computer-made stylistic signatures, they all look the same and hide the personality of the artist.

As I said, it is what I do based on experience and discussion in art and photo workshops. In fact, there are no rules.

Yvan

[deanwork]

I always allow enough white border to sign on. Graphite pencil on matte media and Sakura carbon ink pens on gloss and semi-gloss media.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sakura-Pigma-Micron-Fineliner-Pens-Archival-Black-01-Tip-Size-3-Pk/428153244?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1766&&adid=22222222227276102131&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=t&wl3=331835604656&wl4=pla-635167131046&wl5=9010790&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=428153244&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6b-t_fC78gIVFACGCh0KaA6bEAQYEyABEgIADfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've been selling fine art prints full time in 5 art galleries over the last 8 years. I also enrolled in several art and photo workshops. Here is what I do:
a) digital signature is out of question because art collectors give no value to such signatures,
b) I print on fine art papers and fine art canvas, and to remain consistent, I always hand-sign in the print (not in the margin). In other words, I do like most painters. This gives much more freedom to the buyer for the framing of the photograph.
c) I typically sign in the lower-right corner, but sometimes I do it in the lower-left corner if colors are better suited for that
d) I normally sign with a black pen (archival quality), but I sometimes use golden, silver or color pens.
e) I always sign with my full name so people can read who the artist is. I keep my signature readable and avoir initials, artist names, etc.
f) I avoid computer-made stylistic signatures, they all look the same and hide the personality of the artist.

As I said, it is what I do based on experience and discussion in art and photo workshops. In fact, there are no rules.

Yvan

[MfAlab]

I've found some "archival pen" or "pigment ink pen" will cause gradual yellowish stain around the signature. Maybe some ingredients in the ink have interaction with inkjet paper coating. Safest way is pencil on matte papers. For satin/glossy papers, using a dip pen and the ink from nearly empty cartridges is a good idea.