Labeling Art: A Guide To Professional Presentation

When it comes to displaying your artwork in a gallery or exhibition, it's important to know how to label it effectively. Labels are a crucial component as they help viewers understand and appreciate the artwork, and they can also benefit your career as an artist. While there is no standard format, most art labels include key elements such as the artist's name, the artwork's title, the date it was created, the medium or materials used, and a brief description. You can make your own labels using adhesive paper mounted on card or foam board, or use vinyl lettering directly on the wall. The placement of the label is also important, with the ideal height ranging from eye level to 1 meter, and it should be easily readable with clear, concise language.

Artist name and title of artwork

When displaying the artist's name and title of the artwork, it is essential to maintain a professional and clear presentation. Here are some detailed guidelines to achieve this:

Artist's Name:

The artist's name should be prominently displayed and easily associated with the corresponding artwork. It is customary to include the birth year and, if applicable, the death year of the artist. For example, "Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)". If an artist has changed their name, they may choose to use both names, such as "Anita Taylor-Gunn". In the case of collaborative artwork, a simple solution is to list the artists alphabetically by their last names, separated by "and", such as "Jane Doe and John Smith".

The title of the artwork can be presented in plain text, italics, or bold. Italics are often used to differentiate the title from other information, while bold text provides a similar visual distinction. If the artwork is part of a series, it is essential to specify the title of the individual piece, rather than leaving it untitled within a named series. The title should ideally be concise, approximately 5-10 words, to maintain clarity and pique viewers' interest.

Placement and Format:

The artist's name and title can be displayed directly beside each artwork or on a gallery map, ensuring the walls remain uncluttered. Vinyl lettering is a popular choice as it is easily removable, customizable in size, colour, and font, and will not damage walls. Alternatively, clear shipping labels or card parcel tags can be used, providing a simple yet professional appearance. For a sturdier option, consider gluing labels to cardboard or cardstock before hanging them next to the artwork.

Additional Information:

Beyond the artist's name and title, you may include a brief description, such as the artist's motivation, the medium used, or any unique details about the creation process. This additional context enhances the viewers' understanding and appreciation of the artwork.

Medium and date created

When it comes to labelling your artwork, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to include the medium and date created. This is a crucial element of the label as it provides essential information about the artwork to the viewer. The medium can be described in a brief summary, outlining the materials used and the type of surface the artwork is created on. For example, "Acrylic on canvas".

The date created is also an important aspect of the label, providing a timeline for the artwork's creation. There are a few options for how to format this date. If the artwork was created in one year and then minor edits were made in subsequent years, you could format the date as "2000 / 2020". Alternatively, if the artwork was a longer project spanning several years, you could use a date range such as "2000-2020".

In addition to the medium and date, other key elements of an artwork label include the artist's name, title of the artwork, measurements, price (if for sale), and a brief description. The artist's name should be at the top of the label, in large, bold letters for emphasis. The title of the artwork should also be emphasised, using bold or italic font.

The label should be placed at an easily viewable height, between eye-level at 150cm and 100cm, and within close proximity to the artwork. Clear, concise, and integral language should be used, avoiding any jargon that may confuse viewers. Visual cues or symbols can also be used to connect sub-themes and provide quick identification of additional information.

Brief description of the artwork

The brief description of the artwork is an essential component of the label. It helps viewers understand, appreciate, and engage with the artwork. This is where you can include information about yourself as the artist, your background, and your motivation for creating the piece. It can also include the process and techniques used to create the artwork. For example, you might want to mention if it is a painting done in acrylics or oils, or a sculpture made from clay or marble.

The description should be concise and clear, avoiding jargon that may confuse viewers. It should provide context and significance to the artwork and its place in the exhibition. It is recommended to keep the word count between 70 and 80 words for individual artwork labels to avoid audience fatigue.

In addition to the brief description, other key elements of the label include the title of the artwork, the artist's name, the date it was created, the materials and techniques used, the measurements, and the price if it is for sale. The artist's name should be at the top, in large and bold letters, followed by the title of the artwork. Underneath the title and year, include a brief summary of the materials and techniques used, as well as the measurements.

The label should be placed at an easily readable height, typically between eye-level at 150 cm and a lower height of 100 cm. It should be mounted on a card, foam board, or vinyl, and placed in close proximity to the artwork it references. The font, text size, spacing, and type should be consistent throughout the exhibition, with a recommended minimum text size of 18 points for easy comprehension.

Pricing and contact information

Placement of Pricing Information

When including pricing information on your artwork labels, it is generally recommended to place it at the bottom of the label. This ensures that viewers can easily find the price without it being the most prominent piece of information. It is also suggested that pricing information should not be placed on the back of the artwork itself, as this may not be easily visible or could be considered unprofessional. Instead, consider affixing labels to a mat board or foam core for a polished look.

Format and Design of Pricing Information

The format and design of your artwork labels, including pricing information, should be clean, bold, and easy to read. A simple and effective approach is to use labels written in black on a white background, with clear and concise text. Avoid using stickers with pricing information, as they may appear unprofessional. Consider using adhesive labels, or for a more cost-effective approach, print your labels on traditional printer labels. Ensure that the font size is readable, with 12pt being a commonly used size.

Contact Information

In addition to pricing, it is essential to include contact information on your artwork labels. This allows potential buyers or interested parties to reach out to you easily. Include your email address or website URL on the label to provide direct contact information. You may also include your name or the artist's name, depending on whether you are the creator or a representative.

Consistency and Uniformity

Maintain consistency and uniformity in the placement, format, and design of your artwork labels. Ensure that all labels are placed at the same height and position relative to the artwork to avoid a cluttered or messy appearance. Consistent spacing between artworks and labels creates a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing presentation.

Additional Information on Labels

While the focus here is on pricing and contact information, it is worth noting that your artwork labels should also include other essential details about the painting. This can include the title of the artwork, the artist's name, the date it was created, the medium used, and perhaps a brief description. This additional information enhances the viewer's experience and provides context and provenance, especially for works of historical significance.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively include pricing and contact information on your artwork labels, creating informative and aesthetically pleasing labels that enhance the overall presentation of your paintings at the art show.

Placement and formatting

The placement and formatting of labels in an art show are important considerations to ensure the information is accessible and visually appealing. Here are some guidelines for achieving effective placement and formatting:

Placement:

• Height: Labels should generally be placed between eye level (150 cm) and a lower height of 100 cm. This range ensures that viewers can comfortably read the information without having to adjust their posture.
• Proximity to artwork: Keep the labels in close proximity to the artwork they reference. This allows viewers to easily associate the label with the correct piece.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent placement of labels throughout the exhibition. This creates a unified look and helps viewers locate information effortlessly.
• Consider special groups: For children and families, use labels with interactive prompts to encourage engagement. Place these labels at a lowered height and include symbols to guide them through the exhibition. For groups with accessibility needs, provide large-print text on portable information sheets, available at centralised seating areas with ample lighting to reduce standing strain. For varied language groups, consider dual-language labels or provide audio guides or interpreted materials.

Formatting:

• Font and text size: Choose a simple and easily readable font such as Helvetica Regular, Verdana, or Arial in a size of at least 18 points. Increase the text size if viewers will be standing farther than 1 metre from the labels.
• Language: Use clear, concise, and jargon-free language that is accessible to a diverse audience. Avoid overly complex or technical terms.
• Word count: Keep individual artwork labels to around 70-80 words to avoid overwhelming viewers with excessive information. For introductory panels, aim for 100-200 words.
• Visual cues: Utilise visual cues or symbols to connect sub-themes and provide quick identification of additional information sources, such as audio guides.
• Media: Labels can be printed on adhesive paper and mounted on card, foam board, or vinyl. For a more durable option, consider laminated labels. If using adhesive labels, Bluetac or similar removable products are suitable for lighter labels, while double-sided Velcro tape can support heavier options.

Frequently asked questions