How Artists and Photographers Sign Their Work: A Guide to Common Methods

Signing artwork is more than a formality — it’s a mark of authorship, a guarantee of authenticity, and often an important part of the presentation. In photography and mounted artwork, there are a few widely accepted ways to sign a print. Each method gives a different visual impact and suits different styles of presentation.

Below is an overview of the most common signing methods and how to choose the one that best fits your work.

1. Signing on the Picture Mount

Signing directly on the mount (the window mount / mat board) is one of the most traditional and popular methods among photographers and fine-art printmakers.

How it’s done

• The artist signs in pencil on the lower right of the mount, under the window opening.

• The edition number (if applicable) is usually placed on the lower left.

• Pencil is preferred because it is archival, non-reflective, and permanent without damaging the print.

Pros

• Very classic and professional appearance.

• Clearly visible to collectors without altering the print itself.

• Easy to standardise across editions.

• Works especially well for mounted prints sold framed or bagged.

Cons

• Requires high-quality mounts that accept pencil smoothly.

Best for

• Limited editions

• Framed photographs

• Fine-art prints where the mount is part of the presentation

2. Signing on the White Border Inside the Mount

Many photographers print their images with a white border, and sign directly on that border instead of on the mount.

Please do not confuse this white border with one that is for easy mounting - Strand Framings standard white border for easy mounting on prints is to allow customers to easily hinge mount their images to picture mounts with tape - if you require a border for signing please contact us before placing your order as it will require slight cropping of your image.

How it’s done

• The artist prints the image with a consistent border (often 1–5 cm depending on print size).

• The signature goes in pencil or pen on the lower right border.

• The edition number is typically placed on the lower left.

Pros

• The signature stays with the print even if it is re-mounted later.

• Has a modern, gallery-style look.

• Works well for prints sold without mounts, since the border provides a clear signing area.

Cons

• Requires printing the image slightly smaller to maintain the border.

• The signature is closer to the artwork itself, which some artists prefer and others do not.

Best for

• Modern photographic prints

• Artists who want the signature to remain with the print permanently

• Prints that may be re-mounted or reframed

3. Signing Directly on the Print (No Border)

Some artists sign directly on the image surface, but this requires suitable materials (usually archival ink) and a receptive print finish.

Pros

• Signature becomes part of the artwork.

• No mount or border required.

Cons

• Risk of smudging on certain papers.

• Can distract from the image if not done subtly.

• Not ideal for glossy papers.

Best for

• Matte fine-art papers

• Artists who want a bold, embedded signature