Digital BW, The Print

I have a couple of ways of doing things.

First, since I don't consider glossy an exhibition medium, what to use is
not an issue.  I use gel pens or a soft pencil, depending on the surface.
However, I like the idea of using the Rapidograph filled with ink.  Long
time ago I used india ink but it became a hassle.

I guess this is a holdover from silver days, but I leave room.
Five-by-seven goes in the middle of an 8x10 sheet; eight-by-ten goes either
in the middle of 11x14 or 8-1/2x11.  If it's a full 8x10 that will be custom
matted, it goes in 11x14, signature and title below it.  If it's something
that is thrown out there that may be stuck in an off-the-shelf mat, the
image is 7-1/2x9-1/2 --the size of the opening in those mats.

I don't sign everything.  I figure it's worth more.  HOWEVER, I have had
people buy something then ask if I'd sign it.  I think they like that little
thrill.

If I frame it or mat it, it says "Copyright, do not reproduce" on the back.
Anything I mat also has a piece of mat board hinged to the front mat.  If I
frame it, the next layer back is waxed paper then foam core.  The foam core
is marked.

Authenticating??  Naw. I am not Ansel Adams; nor am I dead yet.  So, I don't
have a foundation to tell people my prints are really from the original
negs, etc.  I DO put a small sheet on the back explaining whether:

1.  The that the mat board and backing board are acid free or that they are
pH neutral (usually the later).  And, the linen hinge with removeable
adhesive.
2.  There is a layer of wax paper and why (in case they start
disassembling).
3.  Whether or not the foam core is "archival quality."
4.  The reason for metal frames and what they face going to wood or
composite.
5.  The reason I do NOT put brown dust covers OR why there is white paper
(butcher paper w/o a "sweet" side.

It's all short and simple and small.

If you sign the front that's all the copyright notice you need.

I am also toying with the idea on some of the LE Seri/Lithographs I have.
They seem to always have their signature in the image.  Truth is it's from
them signing the original painting, so I am not sure of the validity in a
photograph.  Then the Seri/Litho is pencil signed, numbered in the white
border, which authenticates the print edition by the artist.

I have put out info sheets that explain what "Archival" really is and
exhibiting problems.  People read those and take them home.

Seth