To sign, or not to sign?

[Nickel Falls]

I notice a lot of people sign their name on the woodwork they do.

Is this a good idea or not?

Why or why not?

Also, should it be signed on the front or the back?

I mostly sell at craft shows and art fairs.

[Bill WIlson]

A lot of people do it, but whether or not it's a good idea is subjective.  I can't think if too many reason's not to sign one's work, unless you are making large quantities of items.  That may be prohibitive, just from a practical perspective. 

I don't sell stuff.  I sign my work because people I give it to ask me to sign it.  They want to remember when and from whom they got it.  If that item gets passed down in the family, it helps preserve a provenance.  If you sell, then  your signature is your advertising.  It's as appropriate as putting a logo or business name on the piece or on the packaging.

I always sign on the back, in an inconspicuous place.  I want folks to know who made it, but I don't want my name featured prominently on the front.  To me, that sort of signature should be reserved for situations where the original artwork of the pattern and the cutting were created by the same person.  Almost all of the stuff I make is from patterns designed & drawn by others.   

[new2woodwrk]

I think signing ones work is a good idea

For me, I've yet to make anything worth signing LOL

When I finally do have something worth signing, I'm thinking of getting some kind of stamp or imprint to sign.

I think there was a thread here a while back about ways to sign projects

[Nickel Falls]

Thank you....I appreciate the input

[trailfndr]

I don't sign my work.  That being said,  I do adhere a business card, and a label that shows the piece name, Pattern designers name, and woods used on the back of each piece I make.  This allows people to remember where they got a piece (good for return business)  and it also credits the artist that made the pattern, which I feel is important.  Once these are both adhered (using spray glue) I seal them in with Poly-urethane.

[Scrappile]

I use this if there is a space for it.  I also purchased a sheet of Steve Good's Signature Coins.  Haven't had a place to use them yet but they are really nice.  If there is no room, but someone wants me to put my name on it I do it with a Sharpie.  It is rare (once) I get asked for my autograph....

[meflick]

I do try to remember to sign my work somewhere.  In part, for some of the reasons that Bill listed.  I give away most of my stuff to family and I would like for future generations to know who made it.  I took several intarsia classes from Judy Gale Roberts.  In her very fist beginner class, she encourages you to sign your work.  She said that all artists sign their work and what you are creating, even if it is with wood, it a work of art.  She always signs her pieces somewhere on the front/side of her pieces.  I also add a date - year at least so anyone can tell when it was made.  Perhaps over the years, you can then tell how my work has improved (I hope.)  I also have a wood burning "stamp" like Paul has that I have used (again when I remember) and some of the signature coins.  I too have not yet used one of those yet. (Need to before I put the finish on and I usually forget. - It's really a pain getting old and forgetful! )

[Bpardue]

I sign all my work on the back "Handmade by Brian Pardue month & year" I sell a lot and people seem to be able to find me by my signature through the woodworking stores in NC or through facebook. 

Before anyone asks, yes I'm still around but haven't been in the shop due to illness. hope to post some things in the coming weeks

Brian

[meflick]

2 hours ago, Bpardue said:

I sign all my work on the back "Handmade by Brian Pardue month & year" I sell a lot and people seem to be able to find me by my signature through the woodworking stores in NC or through facebook. 

Before anyone asks, yes I'm still around but haven't been in the shop due to illness. hope to post some things in the coming weeks

Brian

 Brian, sorry to hear you have been ill and yes, I have been wondering where you have been. Glad to see you are doing better and hopefully getting back to your shop,

[MTCowpoke22]

I don't sign it, but do put my brand on it. Mine is a little different as it is my actual registered brand. For me, its a way to be able to say that was something I made. It was up to my standard, which I like to think is pretty high. I try to put it on the back. And sometimes with smaller items, it simply doesn't fit.