Total Art Soul - for artists

Does anyone know if I should provide a certificate of authenticity to people who buy my art? And what is that? And where do I get it or how do I make it? What should it all say? And aren't "certificates" easier to forge than the actual art so are they really worth anything? Is it just a fad? I've read a little bit about it; enough to make me have these questions. What do you all do?

Sorry it's taken so long for someone to respond to you. I've been up to my neck in it just lately with the opening of my new studio.

You need to provide a Certificate of Authenticity because it validates that you are giving someone a unique work of art carried by you personally. The Certificate is a simple piece of paper which can be printed from your computer with the title 'Certificate of Authenticy' your name and the date. You then write a short sentence like '(client's name) purchased '(title of painting, type of media') on (the date). You then sign it and give them the original. It's really just a receipt and art collectors do like to have this.

Yup, that is what I write on them too

*wave*

Nicole

p.s. I do like to make it a little bit pretty with nice borders and such

What really validates your Certificate of Authenticity is your signature and you should hand-sign the document. Then it is as legal and binding as any document you sign.

The form and look of your Certificate depend entirely on you. It may be simple, with just the necessary text, or you may add a decorative element, printed or hand-drawn too. Try not to make it too 'busy' visually though, remember that its main purpose is to guarantee that you are selling an authentic, unique work of art.

If you Google 'Certificate of Authenticity templates', many different designs will come up and you may get some inspiration there. I hope this helps