Creating a beautiful piece of your own artwork is something that can take a very long time, with lots of focus, energy, and care put into it.

When you’ve finally finished the piece, however, you’ll want your work to be properly appreciated and known – which will require a label.

Labeling your artwork allows your audience to properly understand the work, and it’s an essential part of selling yourself as an artist.

The label informs them of the piece’s title, the year it was created, its measurements and price, and so much more. Without the label, your artwork isn’t going to get the reception it deserves. 

But how do you label your artwork? What’s the best information to include, and the best way to present it?

We’ve got the answers! In our detailed guide below, we’re going to show you how to label artwork, with key information on what to include and how to include it.

If your artwork hasn’t been getting the reception it deserves, then change that by following our guide to proper labeling. Read on!

Why Should You Label Your Artwork?

Before we get to the how-to of labeling your artwork, it’s worth looking at the “why”. There are plenty of reasons for labeling your artwork, and they benefit both you and the piece’s audience. 

If you’re putting your artwork up in a gallery or a showing, then audiences will need to know certain things about it.

Although there can be advantages to looking at art blind, because it allows you to make your own interpretations without any outside knowledge, it’s not going to help your career as an artist. 

You’ve put the time and effort into your artwork, and you should be properly credited for it. As a result, the audience should be told who made the art and when, as well as your contact details. 

However, it isn’t just for your benefit. A label can tell the audience about you, your background, the process you used to create the artwork, and what your motivation to make it was.

This will help the audience to engage with your artwork even more, finding new appreciations in it.

How To Label Artwork

When it comes to making the perfect label for your artwork, there are a selection of steps you need to follow. 

Step One: Your Name And Business Name

The first, and perhaps most important, part of your label is your name.

Without your name, people won’t know who has made the artwork, which is especially bad if you’re trying to become more renowned as an artist. You put the time into your piece, and you deserve to be credited for it. 

Make sure to put your name at the top of the label, in large letters. Embolden them for extra emphasis, to make it stick out even more.

Additionally, you can put your business name next to it, promoting your art company too. 

Step Two: The Title Of The Artwork 

Underneath your name, you need to write the title of your artwork. This will be especially useful for audiences. For one, the title might give them some new perspective to interpret the artwork from.

On the other hand, it will be useful for any artwork buyers, because they will be able to enquire about your specific piece more easily. 

You should also put the title in large, bold letters to make it stand out. 

Step Three: The Year The Artwork Was Made

Right next to the title of the piece, you’ll need to put the year it was made.

This will give the audience an idea of how new or old the work is, allowing them to know whether it is a reflection of your most recent work or not. 

All you need is the year, not the month or day it was finished. It also doesn’t need to be in bold, unlike the title or your name. 

Step Four: How The Artwork Was Made

Underneath the title and the year, you need to put how the artwork was made. This isn’t a lengthy description or anything, just a brief summary of what the painting consists of.

For example, you might put “Acrylic on canvas”, which describes the materials you used to paint it and the type of surface that it’s painted on.

Step Five: Measurements

Next to how it was made, you should put the measurements of the painting. This is especially helpful for buyers, because they will want to know how big it is for hanging up.

Step Six: The Price (Optional)

Underneath that, you may want to put the price of the artwork. You’ll only have to do this if it’s for sale, though.

Step Seven: Brief Description

Underneath, you’ll want to write a brief description of the artwork. This includes information about you, your background, and why you created the piece.

This will help the audience to engage with it even more, because they’ll know what motivated you and what you were trying to convey with it.

Step Eight: Contact Details

Finally, the contact details. This is where you can tell the audience (or buyers) how to get in touch. If you have a website, list it.

Additionally, list your email address and telephone number, as well as any social media profiles you might have. This will all help to promote you.

Step Nine: QR Codes for Artists and Photographers

Directing your customers to a specific product page is just a quick scan away with our QR codes for artists. Read more.

How Should You Make The Card?

Card

You’ll want to use high quality, thick card for the label, because it’s sturdy. Additionally, you can glue it to some foam board to make it even tougher.

Printed Or Written

You can either print or write the information onto the card.

A handwritten card will have a touch of authenticity about it, your handwriting almost acting as an extension of the art, giving the audience insight into you.

On the other hand, printed text looks extremely smart and professional.

Final Thoughts

Labeling your artwork is an essential part of presenting your art – follow our steps for a perfect label.