Art Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Young #2 - Signature
Group Flowers No. 1 - Acrylic on Canvas Signature is in the Right Corner
Signature
Should I sign the front of my artwork, the back, or not at all?
This is one of the most controversial topics in art. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Gallery owners have one. Art consultants have another. Interior designers, office managers, and collectors all weigh in, too.
Here’s mine—based on common sense and experience.
Sign your art. Period.
You spent hours—if not more—creating the artwork. Why would you leave your signature off just because someone doesn’t want it?
Money?
If that’s the only reason, and there’s no willingness to compromise, it may be worth reevaluating the transaction.
Sign the front
Some artists use initials. I don’t.
Think about this: whether you realize it or not, this is a big world. You have no idea where your art will end up.
A quick story
I repurpose frames for a specific type of art I do, so I often visit thrift stores and buy used frames. Most of them still contain something inside—a picture, a saying, or sometimes an actual work of art.
One day, I found a frame with a beautiful painting of flowers. The artwork had initials written in pencil in a lovely cursive style.
I wanted to contact the artist to let them know I had found their work and to express how much I appreciated it.
I tried using my camera to identify the artist. No luck.
I carefully removed the artwork from the frame, hoping there might be a signature or some information on the back.
There was nothing.
That experience is why I don’t use initials.
“Just sign the back.”
Some artists prefer signing only the back of their work.
Here’s the problem: the backs of paintings are often overlooked—or lost altogether. Sometimes the backing isn’t protected with acid‑free tape. Sometimes it’s replaced. Sometimes it disappears.
You should add information to the back of your canvas or panel—not the back of the frame (that’s another topic entirely). Include your name, the date, and any relevant business details.
But if the back is the only place your name appears?
Hmm.
Final thought
Sign the front of your artwork—with a real signature.
Your work deserves to be claimed.
