Featured My Thoughts on Signature Identification

Discussion in 'Art' started by Jivvy, Feb 14, 2019.

  1. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    Some days the signature requests make me want to tear my hair... because I love them, but the requestor has taken inadequate photos.

    So here are my most frequent thoughts when reviewing such requests.
    1. Seriously, if you're providing just one sig picture (if it's a painting, you really should provide more), take it from dead straight on. Not at an angle. This is really important and so few people accomplish it.
    2. Provide a picture of the entire piece of art. Yes, it makes a difference toward identification.
    3. Turn off your flash. Go outside. Near a window. Something. Do whatever you need to do to provide a picture with adequate lighting, but without glare or shiny spots.
    4. Crop it, but not too tightly. Have some space around the sig and make sure all the descenders, ascenders, swoops, swirls, and random splats are included.
    5. Make the picture as large as you possibly can pixel by pixel (it can't be over 1 mg in weight, but this shouldn't be an issue).
    6. If at all possible, provide 2-3 pictures from various angles or in various light settings. This one is mostly for paintings where determining what is "painting" and what is "signature" can be dicey.
    Please feel free to add your thoughts to this list. Or ignore me. Just having finally said this is enough for me. :singing:
     
  2. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    Great Advice! Good pictures are a big deal in I.D.ing most things on the Forum, but especially signatures. Thank you for posting these tips.
     
  3. kyratango

    kyratango Bug jewellery addiction!

    So perfectly said, Jivvy!

    On another collectors site, as a joke, I sometimes ask the posters of :facepalm:insane blurry pics:
    "your mystery is too easy to solve... could you please take the next pics in a totally dark room, while shaking your camera?" :troll:
     
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  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    Make sure the photograph includes the frame. Also take a photograph of the back of the piece, again including the frame. If there's a label or any other marking on the back, include a photograph of it as well. And, tell us where you are. How you acquired the piece. Anything at all you know about its provenance.

    Debora
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2019
  5. Pat P

    Pat P Well-Known Member

    A tip that other members have posted, that seems to really help...

    For three-dimensional objects, try putting a substance with a contrasting color in the signature's grooves, like talcum powder, baking soda, etc.

    Debora... oops, I forgot to say anything about provenance in the thread I posted last night showing two prints. Will correct that now! Thanks for the tip! :)
     
  6. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    I fully intend to use this some day.

    More likely sooner than later. :hilarious:
     
    judy, Christmasjoy, kyratango and 3 others like this.
  7. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    :hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:
     
    judy, Mugzinnys, Christmasjoy and 4 others like this.
  8. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    The only other thing is since this is a world wide group PLEASE let us know what area you are in.
    greg
     
    judy, Pat P, Mugzinnys and 7 others like this.
  9. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    You guys are funny.....not one newbie will ever read this unless it's the 1st post in reply to any siggy request......and even then...
    But.....it's a nice RANT !!
     
    judy, aaroncab, Pat P and 6 others like this.
  10. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    And... How about avoiding the descriptive phrase "very old" as it isn't helpful?

    Debora
     
  11. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    So not directed at (just) newbies. :hilarious:
     
    judy, Pat P, Mugzinnys and 6 others like this.
  12. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    And 'antique' for something from the 60s or 70s?
     
  13. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    Well now you're just dreaming. :hilarious:
     
  14. Mugzinnys

    Mugzinnys Well-Known Member

    oh Hilarious my first thought was 999 lol
     
    judy likes this.
  15. Pat P

    Pat P Well-Known Member

    Would it make any sense to have some blurbs about things like this given in a "welcome" message to people who sign up, either as a popup or emailed to them?
     
  16. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    Sadly... as all marketing people and lawyers come to learn, "people don't read stuff."
     
  17. Pat P

    Pat P Well-Known Member

    As a retired technical writer who was responsible for technical manuals, as well as lots of other written things, I know that all too well! :)

    I think some newbies might read it, though, especially if it highlights how to post pictures.
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2019
  18. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    After working for many years in university libraries I know that all too well. We could even put huge signs up, have computer screen wallpaper with guidelines and rules, or even sometimes tape notes to the edge of computer monitors and people didn't always read them.
     
  19. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    I had a cookie shop for awhile. There were signs on the glass case with prices for cookies by the pound and for individual cookies. People would stand in front of the sign and ask me how much for the cookies. :banghead:
     
  20. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    I'm adding: PLEASE TELL US WHERE YOU FOUND THE PIECE.

    At the very least, give us a continent. At the very least.
     
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