Learn how to create your own professional looking gallery labels!
Many artists are finding new ways to create partnerships with small businesses and companies that will display their art. No longer is the gallery the gatekeeper and the master of the artists fate. Our destiny and success is in our very able hands here in 2021, however, there are some important essentials that often get overlooked when displaying your work in a venue that may not be used to selling fine art, or fine art prints. One of those essentials is the presentation of your work. Check out the video below where I walk your through my process to create professional looking labels.
Can't watch the video right now? Check out my blog post below where I will give you the details for creating professional looking gallery labels.
What is needed:
Foam Core Board (sold at most Art Stores such as Dick Blick) : 1/8 - 1/4th inch thick
Box cutter knife from a hardware store
Sharp blades for your box cutter
Self- Healing Cutting Mat
White Cardstock
Glue (Elmers)
Sticky Putty (Alcolin Brand)
Firstly, in whatever program you are used to for creating documents, type your label in this order:
Your name
Title of your piece (and year created). Make the title in bold or italic.
Medium used
Dimensions
Cost
Here is a visual:
DON'T: (nooooo... remember these kinds of labels?)
Print your labels with the fonts you choose on white cardstock paper.
Make sure you have a new fresh blade in your box cutter.
Cut your label to size, leaving about 1/4th inch or a little more around the text edges.
Cut your foam core in a 90 degree angle- you can draw this out or use a ruler with a 90 degree angle. Specifics are in the video!
Glue the label to the foam core you cut with the 90 degree angle, use the glue sparingly.
Press the foam core with the freshly glued label in between heavy books.
Make sure you take your label with you in a secure way so it doesn't get bent, scratched, or soiled in transit. (see video) Take sticky putty or double sided foam tape with you to your installation area, and make sure you are using a product that won't damage the walls of your space.
Place label with the sticky putty to the right of the painting, preferably towards the bottom of the piece.
One very important last note is to be mindful of the practices of the business where you are installing your work. Be respectful to their schedule and when they have less traffic so the installation will have less distractions. Work out a time to install your fine art that will be convenient for them. Don't forget to always thank them for helping your with your art- you want to be an artist that they will want to show again! I hope this article helped you if you are an artist or if you have a new gallery or business where you are showing the work of fine artists. If you liked this BLOG post, then please subscribe! Jennifer Klemp Artist
