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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> What do you sign with?
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 08/10/2005 02:27:41 PM · #1
I do most of my printing using Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl which is an "E" surface type paper similar to the Epson "E" surface papers. I'm currently using an ultra fine Sharpie for signing my prints in the white space I leave around my images. The Sharpie works really well in that it dries instantly and is virtually smudge free. The problem I have with it is that it tends to be too bold and almost takes away from the images, especially in light of the fact that I'm a terrible writer. Does anyone have an alternative that you'd like to share?
08/10/2005 02:28:51 PM · #2
Are you using the fine tipped Sharpie?
 08/10/2005 02:34:29 PM · #3
Well the fine tipped Sharpie should work very well, it did on CDs when I was in New York :/ But since we don't have sharpies in Turkey, I use Faber Castels fine tipped, it's pricier than the other brands but great. Really really thin and doesn't reflect too much, I guess sharpie should have the same properties.

Also on a really colorful print, because my friend asked, I signed with three different colours, it looked quite nice actually. But I doubt it would look good on B&W prints :P
 08/10/2005 02:38:09 PM · #4
Some people use those gold or silver inked pens, made for writing on photos. I say an interesting approach at an exhibit of photos from revolutionary Cuba at La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley. The photographer, Robert Salas, had an embossing plate made, and he pressed the name/copyright notice into a corner, and filled-in the date with a pen. Nice and subtle, probably costs about $30 to have the embosser made.

Message edited by author 2005-08-10 14:41:34.
 08/10/2005 02:41:40 PM · #5
This reminds me to go down to Chinatown to get a "chop" (engraved seal).
 08/10/2005 02:43:18 PM · #6
Sharpies come in a variety of colors.

David
 08/10/2005 02:45:52 PM · #7
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Some people use those gold or silver inked pens, made for writing on photos. I say an interesting approach at an exhibit of photos from revolutionary Cuba at La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley. The photographer, Robert Salas, had an embossing plate made, and he pressed the name/copyright notice into a corner, and filled-in the date with a pen. Nice and subtle, probably costs about $30 to have the embosser made.


i was actually thinking of doing that since I am trying to do some emulsion lifts on watercolor paper.
Does anyone have an embosser and better yet pics showing how it looks on your work?
 08/10/2005 02:48:45 PM · #8
Originally posted by TerryGee:
i was actually thinking of doing that since I am trying to do some emulsion lifts on watercolor paper.
Does anyone have an embosser and better yet pics showing how it looks on your work?

I'll ask if I can take a picture of a corner of one of those photos. They are raised block letters slightly larger than ordinary typewriting, so the whole block is about 1/2" x 2" in area.
 08/10/2005 02:50:29 PM · #9
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by TerryGee:
i was actually thinking of doing that since I am trying to do some emulsion lifts on watercolor paper.
Does anyone have an embosser and better yet pics showing how it looks on your work?

I'll ask if I can take a picture of a corner of one of those photos. They are raised block letters slightly larger than ordinary typewriting, so the whole block is about 1/2" x 2" in area.


Thanks..I'd love to see some so I can get an idea of what to design for my own and where to emboss it on the paper.

08/10/2005 02:56:01 PM · #10
If you have concerns for the archival integrity of your prints, sharpies with their ultra-fast-drying solvents are a bad idea. Technical pens and ink are the established standard, or used to be anyway, if you are signing in ink. I've always used pencil, but then I don't print glossies. Pencil is problematical on true glossy paper.

Robt.
 08/10/2005 03:16:30 PM · #11
The Silver Sharpie.

Actually had a lot of people request silver. Why...I don't know but I like it as well.

Message edited by author 2005-08-10 15:17:53.
 08/10/2005 03:24:26 PM · #12
Originally posted by pawdrix:
The Silver Sharpie.

Actually had a lot of people request silver. Why...I don't know but I like it as well.


All great suggestions. I was at Staples last night and they have the silver Sharpie but it doesn't come in Ultra Fine tips or at least they can't get it. I've also tried the gel type of silver pen but they seem to smudge. And silver oil based paint markers are not even an option.

Thanks all.
 08/10/2005 03:26:55 PM · #13
I use the blood of my victims......
 08/10/2005 03:51:30 PM · #14
i use a Zig Millennium Pen. i think i got mine at Michael's craft store but i think they sell similar pens anywhere you can buy photo and scrapbooking accessories.
 08/10/2005 04:17:37 PM · #15
This may sound really stupid, but I photoshop a signature in.
 08/10/2005 04:18:01 PM · #16
How about scanning a signature in color, or perhaps several if you wanted some variation and different colros ... then drop the sig of your choice into the margin in Photoshop before your print.
 08/10/2005 05:46:39 PM · #17
Originally posted by Digital Quixote:
How about scanning a signature in color, or perhaps several if you wanted some variation and different colros ... then drop the sig of your choice into the margin in Photoshop before your print.


I have actually thought of using my tablet and may still experiment with it.
 08/10/2005 05:57:47 PM · #18
i use an acid free pen made specifically for signing photographs.
Those gold and silver ones will leacve an oily residuce after a few years and sharpies are not photo safe.
 08/10/2005 06:04:54 PM · #19
I have stored a handful of signatures as brushes in photoshop and add them to the photo if and when appropriate before printing.
 08/10/2005 06:10:55 PM · #20
Originally posted by pgatt:
This may sound really stupid, but I photoshop a signature in.


And with what do you put them on the paper? A brush? Maybe a pen? or do you just take paper and slap it on the blood. It should create a different pattern.
 08/10/2005 06:19:50 PM · #21
Originally posted by pgatt:
This may sound really stupid, but I photoshop a signature in.


And with what do you put them on the paper? A brush? Maybe a pen? or do you just take paper and slap it on the blood. It should create a different pattern.
 08/10/2005 06:25:50 PM · #22
Originally posted by pgatt:
This may sound really stupid, but I photoshop a signature in.


i do that for photos i sell over the internet but for requests or for locally sold prints, i hand sign them.
 08/11/2005 11:15:16 AM · #23
I found an archival acid free gel pen called SARASA by Zebra at WalMart. It works relatively well on the "E" surface and dries fairly quickly but is still not smudge resistant. I'll just have to be extra careful.
 08/11/2005 11:25:46 AM · #24
Originally posted by faidoi:
This reminds me to go down to Chinatown to get a "chop" (engraved seal).

Yes... maybe I should ask for one when my friend takes her turn to visit China. When I was there my roomy got a carved stamp and ink for about $3.50!!!
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