How do you sign your prints?

[Robert]

How do you sign your prints?

I've just finished framing my first two prints :biggrin:, and have orders for two shots, which I will have matted and framed. I'm wondering what the pros do for a signature when selling a print, both framed or not.
What do you use to mark the print with? Where do you put the signature? I've seen sig's on the photo and also on the mat. Does anyone ever sign digitally on the image and then frame? That seems the least desirable to me. I think a hand-written sig would be a more personalized touch. Is there a special pen/ink that's best for this, and does the paper type matter?

[Keith]

I use to sign on the actual print, but no longer. I think the most common method for signing is usually on the back with date, copyright, etc. If you use pen, it should be archival (Light Impressions sells these) and outside the image area, to protect against bleed-through ruining the print. Pencil is safer and seems to last forever and is my prefered method. Use a 6H to 9H drawing pencil. The mark is light and delicate and does not draw attention to itself. Just my thoughts

[MGlennn]

I use pencil...on the back with date :)

[Robert]

Thanks Keith Mike. I'll pick up some pencils from the local art supply.

[Lisa]

Robert:

What I have done, is created a brush made using my own signature in PS. Lazy, I know, but it does work.

[Robert]

I've been reminded of the method Ansal Adams used. He left a white border around a photo and then the mat. He believed all photos should be signed but not on the image itself...on the white portion that shows after the mat. I've seen this in galleries and remember framing one of my own like this in the good'ol dark room days.
I'm still not sure which way I'll go with this... perhaps just pencil on the back.

[Rudi]

I have a special permanent pen that I sign my prints with, on the reverse side, and off the printed area, so as to prevent bleed-through. It's probably the same brand that Keith wrote about earlier. :) Sometimes I initial my framed images on the matte, in pencil, and always small and discreet (some clients like that for some reason). And some prints I don't sign at all - it all depends on what print it is, and how they ordered it. :)