This is a great topic and one I’ve been struggling with. I have a signature using my initials MCM for my pottery that I’ve wanted to use on my paintings. I speak and write Russian and these initials incorporate Russian style script. I’ve used it a few times on paintings but the surface has to be very smooth. So I started using my last name Masser- my ex’s name (why? I don’t know-he’s totally out of my family’s life). I’ve needed to keep Masser for professional reasons. I have a very unique middle name, “Cacia” (pronounced Kaysha, like the acacia tree) which is how I’ve been known ALL of my life- not as Mary (blame my parents lol) but very few can pronounce it correctly. It is a very very rare name and throughout my life I’ve gotten countless compliments on it. Everyone who’s ever known me/worked w me knows or remembers me as Cacia so I’ve never really had to use my last name. Any thoughts or suggestions? Sorry this is so long.
Cacia, we had this conversation in chat. I love your name Cacia. My daughter's name is Acacia (pronounced just like the tree). I think that you should use Cacia somehow in your signature. It is too pretty not to! :)
@@marycaciamasser3814 I think that signing it Cacia would not only be beautiful, it would be a unique signature. Short and sweet too! Just giving you my 2 cents worth. :)
@Ginger Cook Today I was realizing that many of my paintings go unsigned. So I am delighted that this educational teaching moment, popped up in my #GingerCook #QueenOfColor feed. Thank you for all your wisdom. HAH and love to you and Jon.❣️
Love this!! I sign my first name, Maria, and then a stick figure of the "I love you" sign as I grew up in a Deaf family and identify strongly with Deaf culture. I'm a CODA, kinda caught between both worlds. Hearing person, Deaf family.
Ginger and Jon, sure hope you two are having the best time EVER! Quit worrying about us and just have a good time for Petes sake!!! LOL Have fun and eat all that fancy food for me too. I loved loved the food on my last cruise. Enjoy
Lol love you guys thanks for taking time out of your vacation to share with us. I’ve been signing only my last name on my paintings because it’s short and easy lol but I love to sign in different colors so I just got myself a pack of colorful Posca pens so can’t wait to try them😊
Using printed first name currently. Have used full name on big paintings in past. Have used initials too. Guess I am undecided and getting shakey in my old age LOL. Great tips. Very helpful.
Very interesting video, I have not come up with a decisive signature yet. I've tried out several and so far I really don't like any of them. BZ in a fancy script, BZ in just plain letters, B.Ann, B. and my last name much too long, just tried Barbara in Script too long, BAZ in script didn't like, so I will keep trying...something will click. Enjoy your vacation dear friends.
Great info, thank you! I used to sign with just my first and last initials but grew to hate it. I've been signing my first name, but thought if I ever become well known, it's a common name. Now after hearing this, I kinda want to change it again so no one knows I'm female. But then I remember that Cinnamon said don't change your signature lol!! :D
This was great Ginger always in the back of my mine when I'm finishing a painting ...where and what color. I use my first name, believe me nobody knows whether it's feminine or masculine ... for once it seems to be a good thing LOL! I like you suggestion of using a Posca pen it would give me more control over my signature and glazing over it - another super tip! Thanks Ginger PS I agree woman are much better at driving LOL
Do you know why women were banned from race car driving around the beginning of the century? One lady started to win... yep she was winning and the men couldn't stand it. LOL it was not till the late 1980s they were allowed to race again...
Great video with a question I pondered for a while, I tried many different ways at first used just my initials a capital R and lower case c connected however now I use my last name as a signature in honor of my husband who gave me his name , he has given me excellent support and encouragement since I began this journey.
Super information. I have a horrible time getting my signature to look right. I have a long first name, so I would not include it. I have a shorter last married name, but it is hard to pronounce. I could use my maiden name, which I am considering after this video, as it would be much easier to read. I have generally left my paintings unsigned to date.
Thanks, Ginger! I’m still not set on my signature for art, so I guess it will be a wAy for historians to gauge when and where on my journey each painting was made - Hah! This gave me some more to think about. Thank you.
Great tips, ones I have pondered over many times. My real first name is Geri-Lynn with a hyphen, I have signed some this way, my last name is Nay, I have signed some with just initials GLN , I think now I will sign G.Nay short enough to not take up too much space, I have very loopy writing signing my name which is why I switched to GLN but I think now I will change to G.Nay.
I sign mine in print - S Gray. I would have just put my last name but my Brother did many watercolor paintings and drawings and he used Gray. I don't use my married last name. I don't put a date on it. I put extra things I want on the back. Maybe the date, if it is a tutorial the name of the person who designed it. I also sign in cursive on the back. I will put my city on the back most of the time. And I put the size and medium used. :D
My initials are NESW, the points on a compass, and I wish one day to get a stamp with a compass on it and use that. Until then, I sign it NEW with an alternate slash of an S through the E and W. It looks good and may be my final choice!
When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made. I gave it a few minutes of thought and was almost indecisive of what my signature should be. I feared it had to be my "be all end all" signature. Ironically, I never used it again, but never forgot, even though the pottery had been gone 25-30 years now. My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur. After over 30 years looking back on this and giving though to how to sign my artwork, I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature. *"aRT"* A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials. I know it's kind of cheesy, however, I've always been a bit of an eccentric and it's idea suites my personality. I'm still indecisive about this, but I really do need to start signing my paintings with *something*
My name is so long, Boudreaux I choose my initials which spell out LAMB and that is what I now use. Not sure if that is good or bad, but it is what it is for now.
Great video as usual Ginger and Jon! :) Some great tips! I have 2 signatures I use. One is Mona L, and the other MCL. Bet you both are happy to see land tomorrow again after spending so many days on the ocean!! Have a great time in Portugal!! Artsy hugs!
What a great vlog! I always struggle with signature on my artwork. As always thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge! And omg, that is hilarious about France and leaving town with the red slash! I hope you and Jon are having a fantastic time at sea! :) Kat PS sorry John, I am a great driver and i know a lot of bad male (and female) drivers! :)
Thanks Ginger, great conversation I bet a lot of us struggle with. I'm always going back and forth. It's either Kerry T. or K. Trementozzi My last name is so long, but I do think people remember it so if I have room I will usually sign that way. What do you think?
Love the topic..I struggle with how to sign my name and if to use first, last, initials. In life I sign a big S and was thinking to do that..keep it original but for now I just sign my first name in a block print. No way to upload pic here so will put on ur FB pg
When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made. My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur. I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature again. *"aRT"* A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials.
My aRT signature. Introspective version: When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made. I gave it a few minutes of thought and was almost indecisive of what my signature should be. I feared it had to be my "be all end all" signature. Ironically, I never used it again, but never forgot, even though the pottery had been gone 25-30 years now. My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur. After over 30 years looking back on this and giving though to how to sign my artwork, I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature. *"aRT"* A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials. I know it's kind of cheesy, however, I've always been a bit of an eccentric and it's idea suites my personality. Also, I like how the first letter is lower case, and the following letters are upper case, because 1. Names are traditionally the other way around with the first letter being upper case and 2. My handle online since 1996 is similar as janX. I'm still indecisive about this, but I really do need to start signing my paintings with *Something*
Hi Ginger & Jon, it's good to see you looking very happy and fit. Life on the ocean waves suits you well. I sign my name D Radley in Posca pen but I am going to sign future paintings with actual paint on a brush, and the tip of using artist's tape to help is a big idea for me. Thank you Ginger. I wanted to just put Radley but there is a famous brand of bags, purses, umbrellas and other leather goods called Radley so I didn't want to become confused with that Radley. I thought of putting my nickname, RAD, but decided against that but I am still thinking about it. I like the idea but my cousin said it isn't putting my proper name on it. So what do you think, should I go with RAD or stick to D. Radley guys? Love you both. Hugs xxxxxxx
My last name is “Mottesheard” which has always been a doosey for anyone to pronounce let alone spell, so I sign all my paintings with a stylized “Mott”. It’s short, easy to recognize/read, gender neutral, and takes up less space on the canvas than writing out my whole name. Even when I got married I still use my maiden name to keep my art signature consistent, and my husband doesn’t mind at all, even when he’s mistakenly called “Mr Mottesheard” or “Mr Mott” by convention and art show staff, lol.
Right now I just use my first name with a smiley face after it. I've wondered if I should use my initials but as I put it on paper it just doesn't work. I go by Beth with a last name starts with S so BS is just too, well..... If I go with my given name it would be EMS and that just makes me think of paramedics. And my last name is 8 letters long so maybe ES might have to be it. What are your thoughts Ginger?
I need to decide on a brush name I guess. I've just been using my initials done kind of crudely because my name can be 2 first names or 2 last names but both feminine. Hmmmmm now to reinvent myself :D.
*WOW.... Great, helpful video.... THANK YOU. I'm totally new to painting & ready to sign & sell. I can't understand what you use to sign with sorry my hearing isn't good. Especially to things I'm not familiar with. I've liked & subscribed. You've been a tremendous help in ways nobody else shared what you have & they're important things to do. 🤗🤗🤗*
My new favorite pen to sign with I found a few months after making this video; its called a Posca pen and can be found on Amazon. get a white fine point. www.gingercooklive.gallery/amazon
it you watch my video on using brush on liquitex medium and varnish,, this not only seals your art but binds with the acrylic and become part of the painting and you can continue to paint over it too. It will brighten back your colors again too.
My name is Gwendolyn Michele Kemberling which is quite a handful. Some know me by Gwen and some by Michele so I have kind of settled on GMKemberling. If it’s a drawing I might just use initials. But, i have been practicing because i don’t want my painting signature to be indecipherable as my legal signature is.
But...I put my full name, date completed, and name of the painting on the back. Thanks for these tips Ginget. Now I'm thinking I need to go back & glaze every painting I signed in white 😯
Since I put my full name on back, do you think I should still consider changing from just initials on front to actual name? Or do you think having name on back as the artist is enough?
I actually thought this was a very good video. I just ran across it. I've been painting for about 5 years but still watch and seek out more to learn on TH-cam. I first started signing with just my first name, because I only painted where friends could see the paintings and that's how they knew me. So I signed Maggie Then I thought that's kind of amateurish. So I started using just my last name and I felt it was somehow giving the impression it might be a male artist, for just the reasons you explained, and I didn't like the way it felt. Then I started a small art business (not really a business, just a place to "hang my art shingle" selling paintings and other crafts I made to sell at Craft shows and I called it MHaren Art. So I started signing MHaren. I use the down stroke of the M to be the first stroke of the H if that makes any sense. So the M and H are like one character. I've stuck with that and like it. I've been signing with a liner brush and although I've luck most of the time with doing that, once in a while the paint wasn't thin enough and didn't like it. So I'm switching to a paint pen. I almost always sign on the right side in a place where it's doesn't scream out, and I use a color that complements the painting, but does not stand out. Some day Ginger I'm going to paint along with you more. I've listened to many of your videos but have not painted any of your work. I think you are a wonderful artist so I'm not sure why I haven't done so. Thanks for sharing insight.
I use Suers for a lot but not my art. Might have to think about it. That's my 1st name n maiden name initial n Mrs name. I thought about just Suz for Suzanne. Or Suzie. But my favorite is Sue Rap---. For Sue Rapson (maiden). I'm a nurse n wrote my name 1000s of times a month. So Rapson became Rap slash Lpn. My Dad n brother also did Rap slash. But my husband then ??s why not ur married name. How many times can I explain my art is mine .... Has nothing to do a being married or not. Lol. Just love you Ginger n John. Wish I could be more looser...but will keep trying.
This has been a problem for me. My name is Winona (NOT WYnona) Yvette Stalvey. Stalvey is my maiden name and I finally went back to it after my long (abusive) marriage which left the ONLY Wentworth people in my county being me, my ex, and his child bride. HOWEVER, I want brought up knowing the Stalvey family. I have met and live my 2 sisters and brother but we aren't close. There is bad blood between my mother's family and my bio-father. The good thing about using Stalvey as my signature is that almost everyone in America with that surname is kin. The bad thing is...well... my bio-father's name. I had thought of just using my initials wys which could be read as "wise" (LOL). My kids when I substitute teach call me Miss Nona (and my granddaughters call me Grandma Nona) but how would people know it was me? What if I get famous for something (probably NOT my paintings but I still love to paint. Maybe that book I've been planning to write for over 20 years...) and people are looking up things from my past? They wouldn't correlate "Nona" with Winona Stalvey or Winona Yvette Stalvey. I could go with Winona (a Sioux and Lakota name meaning first-born daughter) but then how would I be differentiated with other Winonas? Online, I am known as Winona Yvette (first and middle names together) but that is sort of a long signature. I love that combination and, as I said, it is what I am known by online but I'm torn... ANY help is appreciated!!!
Thank you for these great tips! What kind of pen did you recommend that we sign our name with? Did you say a Pasta Pen? I’ve never heard of that before.
@@andreahussey6305 I appreciate hearing your thoughts. My married name is soooo common (Johnson) that it doesn't stand out. I want to use my maiden name, but many people don't know me by that (Colville). I am thinking about just using Colville Johnson and leaving out my first name. Oh, what to do....
Those are some really interesting facts.👍 I usually only sign with my initials because my name is so long lol,😃 (my last name isn't any shorter than my first haha!😅) but then I put my full signature and date on the back. I've been curious...is it acceptable to use a symbol instead, or combo of initials and symbol? Thank for the info and hope you guys are having a blast! 😀
Well, I have a little different question. I paint abstract, and I love when people see different things if they turn it this way or that. So, where to I sign? I thought on the sides, Do I just use initials or my first name and the initial of my last? (my last name is Kalantzis so I don't think anyone can say that). Can I sign on the side with initials IK, and on the front when painting is obvious that only goes one way with my longer signature? Irene K? Any suggestions please?
if you abstract only goes one one way then sign on the bottom or at a slight angle. generally a good design, even an abstract should have one way that balances. its really not random. do you have a first and middle name? or first and KZ? Just a thought
Oh, I love this video! First, you guys crack me up 😂Women are awesome drivers by the way. I have struggled with my signature from the start of creating art. It seems there are a few Harvey’s out there and even a few Linda Harvey’s. Ugh. I have tried L.Harvey, Linda. H, LindaH ( run together), of course just Harvey. I’ve tried a 3D look to just the name Harvey ( but it’s still just Harvey lol) I just cannot decide. I even just did initials for a bit but I definitely hear what you’re saying about that! I was thinking maybe Lindah ( you know like pronounced Lindaaaa), or LindaaaH Or even LinHar or HarLin or Harlinda. Any thoughts or suggestions. I totally stress over this and google names just to see if there already out there hahaha Most of them are. I was wondering if you could show sometime how you go about putting information on the back of the canvas?. I haven’t done any yet. Love you guys! 😘
I sign my last name only which happens to start with the letter R. I try to sign the R kind of fancy. What kind of pen did you say to use? I'm a beginner painter and I have a little difficulty signing my name neatly.
I know signature is important, but with a longer name it's difficult. Mine isn't as complicated as others.... but I think it should be shown clearly somewhere. Is Using a shorter symbol as a signature on the front of a painting, with your Full Name on the back of the painting considered OK? LI've e often wondered about this...
it depends. If you signed on the wood bars, that is not on the painting. If you sign on the back, depending on what you ues it could bleed through the other side. I would sign on the front, unless an abstract which can be hung is a few different ways. AND NEVER use a black sharpie on the back of a canvas.
I just use my first and last initials. The L with an extended stroke for the bottom of the L. Then the M is written onto that extended bottom line on the L. Many times it just looks like a little squiggle that is an element of the paintings and I do choose to sign with one of the darker or lighter Shades than really bright colors. I want people to see the art not my name.
Ginger Cook I am not expecting that anyone would collect my art. I'm not that good but flattery will get you everywhere. 😁 However I sign my whole name on the back of the canvas.
Ha, oh yes, struggle with that. I only do the block letters because my penmanship is so bad that trying to write in a fine brush or even posca pen it would just look like an unreadable word starting with "H" LOL
Cfitz . Because Fitzgerald was too long. I’m thinking about changing it to Murph, because that’s my nick name. I did have someone ask me about my signature. They thought it read slut from a far! That was weird
I just use my initials, JOR, with the line on top of the J slanted and the line coming down from the loop on the R coming down at a slant (kind of looking like a tail). Writing “Joanna O’Rourke” is too long.
you might want to consider a name not just initials. Your famous artist never just use initials even today. you want people to recognize you not just your art..
This is a great topic and one I’ve been struggling with. I have a signature using my initials MCM for my pottery that I’ve wanted to use on my paintings. I speak and write Russian and these initials incorporate Russian style script. I’ve used it a few times on paintings but the surface has to be very smooth. So I started using my last name Masser- my ex’s name (why? I don’t know-he’s totally out of my family’s life). I’ve needed to keep Masser for professional reasons. I have a very unique middle name, “Cacia” (pronounced Kaysha, like the acacia tree) which is how I’ve been known ALL of my life- not as Mary (blame my parents lol) but very few can pronounce it correctly. It is a very very rare name and throughout my life I’ve gotten countless compliments on it. Everyone who’s ever known me/worked w me knows or remembers me as Cacia so I’ve never really had to use my last name. Any thoughts or suggestions? Sorry this is so long.
Cacia, we had this conversation in chat. I love your name Cacia. My daughter's name is Acacia (pronounced just like the tree). I think that you should use Cacia somehow in your signature. It is too pretty not to! :)
Stephie Jane thank you for sharing your thoughts Stephie Jane. If I signed them Cacia no one would ever question who painted the painting. Thank you.
@@marycaciamasser3814 I think that signing it Cacia would not only be beautiful, it would be a unique signature. Short and sweet too! Just giving you my 2 cents worth. :)
I like Cacia and I think its pretty’s
Ginger Cook thank you for your input. I think I’m partial to that also.
GINGER IS fighting against prejudice one video at a time. queen
@Ginger Cook Today I was realizing that many of my paintings go unsigned. So I am delighted that this educational teaching moment, popped up in my #GingerCook #QueenOfColor feed. Thank you for all your wisdom. HAH and love to you and Jon.❣️
Yes you DO NEED to sign your paintings. I think the Posca pens are wonderful r that.
Love this!! I sign my first name, Maria, and then a stick figure of the "I love you" sign as I grew up in a Deaf family and identify strongly with Deaf culture. I'm a CODA, kinda caught between both worlds. Hearing person, Deaf family.
Excellent signature
Lol....Jon.....I bet she drives JUST fine.....🙂 Have fun you guys!!
yes and yes
Thank you. Finally decided on a permanent signature, well initials and a scribble. Have fun, keep on with these helpful videos.
awesome
Ginger and Jon, sure hope you two are having the best time EVER! Quit worrying about us and just have a good time for Petes sake!!! LOL Have fun and eat all that fancy food for me too. I loved loved the food on my last cruise. Enjoy
Thanks so much Ruthie hope you join us for the premier tonight . we will be live in chat. art hugs from the hight seas.
This is gold. Especially like the tip to use artist tape.
Hey thanks for the positive comment and appreciate the feedback.
Lol love you guys thanks for taking time out of your vacation to share with us. I’ve been signing only my last name on my paintings because it’s short and easy lol but I love to sign in different colors so I just got myself a pack of colorful Posca pens so can’t wait to try them😊
great idea
Using printed first name currently. Have used full name on big paintings in past. Have used initials too. Guess I am undecided and getting shakey in my old age LOL. Great tips. Very helpful.
Thanks Wanda
Very interesting video, I have not come up with a decisive signature yet. I've tried out several and so far I really don't like any of them. BZ in a fancy script, BZ in just plain letters, B.Ann, B. and my last name much too long, just tried Barbara in Script too long, BAZ in script didn't like, so I will keep trying...something will click. Enjoy your vacation dear friends.
I like Barbara z. or Barbara Ann
Great info, thank you! I used to sign with just my first and last initials but grew to hate it. I've been signing my first name, but thought if I ever become well known, it's a common name. Now after hearing this, I kinda want to change it again so no one knows I'm female. But then I remember that Cinnamon said don't change your signature lol!! :D
So happy this popped up! Great advice at Sea! Love how creative you and Jon are on the fly!! Bon Voyage!💝😘
Thanks so much!!
I’ve also struggled with this. Than you Ginger!
glad you found this helpful.
Thank you Ginger. Great tips on a great subject! Happy travels to you and Jon
good to think about
You are looking great Ginger.....this is always a struggle.....I will re think what I do
Love your hair, Ginger!
Oh thanks so much. art hugs from the high seas. ( I would pin your comment but people would think I was vain. LOL)
This was great Ginger always in the back of my mine when I'm finishing a painting ...where and what color. I use my first name, believe me nobody knows whether it's feminine or masculine ... for once it seems to be a good thing LOL! I like you suggestion of using a Posca pen it would give me more control over my signature and glazing over it - another super tip! Thanks Ginger
PS I agree woman are much better at driving LOL
Do you know why women were banned from race car driving around the beginning of the century? One lady started to win... yep she was winning and the men couldn't stand it. LOL it was not till the late 1980s they were allowed to race again...
Wow this was so helpful for me Ms. Ginger Thanks a bunch!
awesome
Great video with a question I pondered for a while, I tried many different ways at first used just my initials a capital R and lower case c connected however now I use my last name as a signature in honor of my husband who gave me his name , he has given me excellent support and encouragement since I began this journey.
nice, I am now diverced but still stuck with "CooK" I wish I had used my maiden name.
Thank you for this!
Glad it was helpful!
I haven’t figured it out yet. Right now, I just use my initials. Thanks so much for a great video and something to think about 💕
Great topic! Thanks Ginger I have been using my first name and surname initial “Linda C” going to rethink that now.😀
Super information. I have a horrible time getting my signature to look right. I have a long first name, so I would not include it. I have a shorter last married name, but it is hard to pronounce. I could use my maiden name, which I am considering after this video, as it would be much easier to read. I have generally left my paintings unsigned to date.
You will always have your maiden name. (just a thought)
Thanks, Ginger!
I’m still not set on my signature for art, so I guess it will be a wAy for historians to gauge when and where on my journey each painting was made - Hah!
This gave me some more to think about. Thank you.
well thats what these Vlogs are about. starting a conversation for sure.
Great tips, ones I have pondered over many times. My real first name is Geri-Lynn with a hyphen, I have signed some this way, my last name is Nay, I have signed some with just initials GLN , I think now I will sign G.Nay short enough to not take up too much space, I have very loopy writing signing my name which is why I switched to GLN but I think now I will change to G.Nay.
I sign mine in print - S Gray. I would have just put my last name but my Brother did many watercolor paintings and drawings and he used Gray. I don't use my married last name. I don't put a date on it. I put extra things I want on the back. Maybe the date, if it is a tutorial the name of the person who designed it. I also sign in cursive on the back. I will put my city on the back most of the time. And I put the size and medium used. :D
good, and you could just sign S. Gray.
I sign my paintings as JFitz ~ using my first initial and an abbreviated version of my last name Fitzgerald. A full signature is too long.
sounds good to . me
My initials are NESW, the points on a compass, and I wish one day to get a stamp with a compass on it and use that. Until then, I sign it NEW with an alternate slash of an S through the E and W. It looks good and may be my final choice!
When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made. I gave it a few minutes of thought and was almost indecisive of what my signature should be. I feared it had to be my "be all end all" signature. Ironically, I never used it again, but never forgot, even though the pottery had been gone 25-30 years now.
My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur.
After over 30 years looking back on this and giving though to how to sign my artwork, I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature.
*"aRT"*
A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials.
I know it's kind of cheesy, however, I've always been a bit of an eccentric and it's idea suites my personality.
I'm still indecisive about this, but I really do need to start signing my paintings with *something*
gingers a legend
My name is so long, Boudreaux I choose my initials which spell out LAMB and that is what I now use. Not sure if that is good or bad, but it is what it is for now.
YES AND YES. I LIKE IT
Great video as usual Ginger and Jon! :) Some great tips! I have 2 signatures I use. One is Mona L, and the other MCL. Bet you both are happy to see land tomorrow again after spending so many days on the ocean!! Have a great time in Portugal!! Artsy hugs!
Keep a name in the signature...
@@gingercooklive Thanks Ginger, so Mona L would be ok then? or is it better to use the last name? My last name is so long though lol
thank you.... very helpful..
awesome
What a great vlog! I always struggle with signature on my artwork. As always thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge! And omg, that is hilarious about France and leaving town with the red slash! I hope you and Jon are having a fantastic time at sea! :) Kat PS sorry John, I am a great driver and i know a lot of bad male (and female) drivers! :)
art hugs, and we appreciate the positive feedback too.
Thanks Ginger, great conversation I bet a lot of us struggle with. I'm always going back and forth. It's either Kerry T. or K. Trementozzi
My last name is so long, but I do think people remember it so if I have room I will usually sign that way. What do you think?
I like Terry K or Terry TEEEEE, or Terry TZI .
Much needed!! Thank you. What do you think about a symbol? Instead of a sig.
Remember sell the artist not the art....add a name too.
very nice 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
hi how are you
Love the topic..I struggle with how to sign my name and if to use first, last, initials. In life I sign a big S and was thinking to do that..keep it original but for now I just sign my first name in a block print. No way to upload pic here so will put on ur FB pg
ok. love to see it.
I would like to just put the "Kilroy was here" symbol but I worry about how many of us are out there!
well remember sell the artist not the art. People will want your art because of you.
I use only my first, middle and last initials in script connected together.
Ginger, with the last name of Levandoski, it’s really much too long! So I use Lois Lev. Do you think that’s a good idea?
I like it!
When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made.
My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur.
I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature again.
*"aRT"*
A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials.
My aRT signature.
Introspective version:
When I was a child I signed a piece of pottery I had made. I gave it a few minutes of thought and was almost indecisive of what my signature should be. I feared it had to be my "be all end all" signature. Ironically, I never used it again, but never forgot, even though the pottery had been gone 25-30 years now.
My initials are RT. So I though it would be clever to sign it "RT ART", because my initials are in the word "art" and that "Art" is actually a name, albeit, short for Arthur.
After over 30 years looking back on this and giving though to how to sign my artwork, I had though it would be cute to introduce this as my signature.
*"aRT"*
A lower case "a" to denote it's importance to the upper case initials.
I know it's kind of cheesy, however, I've always been a bit of an eccentric and it's idea suites my personality. Also, I like how the first letter is lower case, and the following letters are upper case, because 1. Names are traditionally the other way around with the first letter being upper case and 2. My handle online since 1996 is similar as janX.
I'm still indecisive about this, but I really do need to start signing my paintings with *Something*
Its great and cleaver.
@@gingercooklive Thank you!
Hi Ginger can you talk about certificat of a painting please in a near futur thank you ;-)
Yes and yes great idea.
@@gingercooklive thank you enjoy your trip
Hi Ginger & Jon, it's good to see you looking very happy and fit. Life on the ocean waves suits you well.
I sign my name D Radley in Posca pen but I am going to sign future paintings with actual paint on a brush, and the tip of using artist's tape to help is a big idea for me. Thank you Ginger. I wanted to just put Radley but there is a famous brand of bags, purses, umbrellas and other leather goods called Radley so I didn't want to become confused with that Radley. I thought of putting my nickname, RAD, but decided against that but I am still thinking about it. I like the idea but my cousin said it isn't putting my proper name on it. So what do you think, should I go with RAD or stick to D. Radley guys? Love you both. Hugs xxxxxxx
I like RAD. good name.
My last name is “Mottesheard” which has always been a doosey for anyone to pronounce let alone spell, so I sign all my paintings with a stylized “Mott”. It’s short, easy to recognize/read, gender neutral, and takes up less space on the canvas than writing out my whole name. Even when I got married I still use my maiden name to keep my art signature consistent, and my husband doesn’t mind at all, even when he’s mistakenly called “Mr Mottesheard” or “Mr Mott” by convention and art show staff, lol.
great signature name
Right now I just use my first name with a smiley face after it. I've wondered if I should use my initials but as I put it on paper it just doesn't work. I go by Beth with a last name starts with S so BS is just too, well..... If I go with my given name it would be EMS and that just makes me think of paramedics. And my last name is 8 letters long so maybe ES might have to be it. What are your thoughts Ginger?
Nick names are good. Ginger is my Nickname. (virginia) Just Beth as two words might be good too.
I use Posca for my signAture as well
we are still using the same ones we bought 2 yrs ago.
I need to decide on a brush name I guess. I've just been using my initials done kind of crudely because my name can be 2 first names or 2 last names but both feminine. Hmmmmm now to reinvent myself :D.
remember people don't brag and say; "I own a P.G" they say say Paul Gogain or I own a VV they say I wond a vincent can gogh...
*WOW.... Great, helpful video.... THANK YOU. I'm totally new to painting & ready to sign & sell. I can't understand what you use to sign with sorry my hearing isn't good. Especially to things I'm not familiar with. I've liked & subscribed. You've been a tremendous help in ways nobody else shared what you have & they're important things to do. 🤗🤗🤗*
My new favorite pen to sign with I found a few months after making this video; its called a Posca pen and can be found on Amazon. get a white fine point. www.gingercooklive.gallery/amazon
@@gingercooklive *Thank you ......🤗🤗🤗*
Thanks...have been struggling with this.
so glad this is helpful. art hugs.
@@gingercooklive Just would have loved to see more of the ocean view you had ...saw a little in the reflection...lol...
Just watched Jon's video view....FABULOUS Thanks.
Awesome
Joh has some more film
None of my paintings are signed yet, or varnished. Thanks so much for the advise. I should get to it soon.
it you watch my video on using brush on liquitex medium and varnish,, this not only seals your art but binds with the acrylic and become part of the painting and you can continue to paint over it too. It will brighten back your colors again too.
@@gingercooklive Thank you. I'll watch the videos again.
I usually just sign my first name but want to come up with a special name that is unique.
good to think about
My name is Gwendolyn Michele Kemberling which is quite a handful. Some know me by Gwen and some by Michele so I have kind of settled on GMKemberling. If it’s a drawing I might just use initials. But, i have been practicing because i don’t want my painting signature to be indecipherable as my legal signature is.
yes and yes
But...I put my full name, date completed, and name of the painting on the back. Thanks for these tips Ginget. Now I'm thinking I need to go back & glaze every painting I signed in white 😯
maybe, some times white works bu probably.
Since I put my full name on back, do you think I should still consider changing from just initials on front to actual name? Or do you think having name on back as the artist is enough?
I actually thought this was a very good video. I just ran across it. I've been painting for about 5 years but still watch and seek out more to learn on TH-cam. I first started signing with just my first name, because I only painted where friends could see the paintings and that's how they knew me. So I signed Maggie Then I thought that's kind of amateurish. So I started using just my last name and I felt it was somehow giving the impression it might be a male artist, for just the reasons you explained, and I didn't like the way it felt. Then I started a small art business (not really a business, just a place to "hang my art shingle" selling paintings and other crafts I made to sell at Craft shows and I called it MHaren Art. So I started signing MHaren. I use the down stroke of the M to be the first stroke of the H if that makes any sense. So the M and H are like one character. I've stuck with that and like it. I've been signing with a liner brush and although I've luck most of the time with doing that, once in a while the paint wasn't thin enough and didn't like it. So I'm switching to a paint pen. I almost always sign on the right side in a place where it's doesn't scream out, and I use a color that complements the painting, but does not stand out. Some day Ginger I'm going to paint along with you more. I've listened to many of your videos but have not painted any of your work. I think you are a wonderful artist so I'm not sure why I haven't done so. Thanks for sharing insight.
I think your signature is just perfect. You might like to join our fb club. facebook.com/groups/GingerCookClub/.
i use silver paint for my signature... so my name shines lol
yes and yes, gold in nice on some colors bur I am now suggesting Posca fine point pens as they are acrylic and do not dry for about 5 min,
I use Suers for a lot but not my art. Might have to think about it. That's my 1st name n maiden name initial n Mrs name. I thought about just Suz for Suzanne. Or Suzie. But my favorite is Sue Rap---. For Sue Rapson (maiden). I'm a nurse n wrote my name 1000s of times a month. So Rapson became Rap slash Lpn. My Dad n brother also did Rap slash. But my husband then ??s why not ur married name. How many times can I explain my art is mine .... Has nothing to do a being married or not. Lol. Just love you Ginger n John. Wish I could be more looser...but will keep trying.
Finding a signature is tricky for sure. I sign Cook though that is a name from a previous marriage. I like Sue Rap
I have a hard time deciding....sometimes CS and sometimes CStiff....not a fan of either as my "s" is lousy😀🎨
the full name is better. People want to have a name for the artist that did their painting.
Just a simple Sal . ( my given name is way too long). I used to date also but have stopped this year.
Sal is good.
This was four years ago. Is this info still the same? And thank you.
I now use Posca Pens to sign my artworkl
@@gingercooklive oooh thank u so much
This has been a problem for me. My name is Winona (NOT WYnona) Yvette Stalvey. Stalvey is my maiden name and I finally went back to it after my long (abusive) marriage which left the ONLY Wentworth people in my county being me, my ex, and his child bride. HOWEVER, I want brought up knowing the Stalvey family. I have met and live my 2 sisters and brother but we aren't close. There is bad blood between my mother's family and my bio-father. The good thing about using Stalvey as my signature is that almost everyone in America with that surname is kin. The bad thing is...well... my bio-father's name. I had thought of just using my initials wys which could be read as "wise" (LOL). My kids when I substitute teach call me Miss Nona (and my granddaughters call me Grandma Nona) but how would people know it was me? What if I get famous for something (probably NOT my paintings but I still love to paint. Maybe that book I've been planning to write for over 20 years...) and people are looking up things from my past? They wouldn't correlate "Nona" with Winona Stalvey or Winona Yvette Stalvey. I could go with Winona (a Sioux and Lakota name meaning first-born daughter) but then how would I be differentiated with other Winonas? Online, I am known as Winona Yvette (first and middle names together) but that is sort of a long signature. I love that combination and, as I said, it is what I am known by online but I'm torn... ANY help is appreciated!!!
i would just pick one and stick with it. perhaps a first name. and initial
I sign my paintings SMarshall in the same way I would any document. Can’t come up with anything more interesting. Would like something more catchy.
it sounds good.
I use my initials that is like a logo. Is it cliche to hide it? I just keep it mainly in pink on lower right out in the open.
should be fine.
I've grappled with this a lot. What about initials?
again, people don't collect VG art the collect Van Gogh art.
Thank you for these great tips! What kind of pen did you recommend that we sign our name with? Did you say a Pasta Pen? I’ve never heard of that before.
Posca pen
OMG my biggest problem! Sign with my maiden name or my married name? Nobody would even believe how this haunts my art signature thoughts.
Here is a thought. You will always have your maiden name..........
I am divorced but stuck with "Cook" .... see what I mean?
Terri Kash I feel your pain, I don’t know if I should use my maiden last name, or my exhusbands, or when I get remarried,his last name?....
@@andreahussey6305 I appreciate hearing your thoughts. My married name is soooo common (Johnson) that it doesn't stand out. I want to use my maiden name, but many people don't know me by that (Colville). I am thinking about just using Colville Johnson and leaving out my first name. Oh, what to do....
Those are some really interesting facts.👍 I usually only sign with my initials because my name is so long lol,😃 (my last name isn't any shorter than my first haha!😅) but then I put my full signature and date on the back. I've been curious...is it acceptable to use a symbol instead, or combo of initials and symbol? Thank for the info and hope you guys are having a blast! 😀
I would use a name on the front. if sign on the stetcher bars it is not on the paintings. Sharpies can bleed through the back.
@@gingercooklive good to know about the Sharpies, thank you again!
My first and last time are really long are initials ok?
Well, I have a little different question. I paint abstract, and I love when people see different things if they turn it this way or that. So, where to I sign? I thought on the sides, Do I just use initials or my first name and the initial of my last? (my last name is Kalantzis so I don't think anyone can say that). Can I sign on the side with initials IK, and on the front when painting is obvious that only goes one way with my longer signature? Irene K? Any suggestions please?
if you abstract only goes one one way then sign on the bottom or at a slight angle. generally a good design, even an abstract should have one way that balances. its really not random. do you have a first and middle name? or first and KZ? Just a thought
I do have a problem with this. My name is so long and everything I try looks odd
I would use your last name and use tape and a posca pen
Oh, I love this video! First, you guys crack me up 😂Women are awesome drivers by the way. I have struggled with my signature from the start of creating art. It seems there are a few Harvey’s out there and even a few Linda Harvey’s. Ugh. I have tried L.Harvey, Linda. H, LindaH ( run together), of course just Harvey. I’ve tried a 3D look to just the name Harvey ( but it’s still just Harvey lol) I just cannot decide. I even just did initials for a bit but I definitely hear what you’re saying about that! I was thinking maybe Lindah ( you know like pronounced Lindaaaa), or LindaaaH Or even LinHar or HarLin or Harlinda. Any thoughts or suggestions. I totally stress over this and google names just to see if there already out there hahaha Most of them are. I was wondering if you could show sometime how you go about putting information on the back of the canvas?. I haven’t done any yet. Love you guys! 😘
Thanks Linda, art hugs from Jon and I
I sign my last name only which happens to start with the letter R. I try to sign the R kind of fancy. What kind of pen did you say to use? I'm a beginner painter and I have a little difficulty signing my name neatly.
Posca pens
Hi can i write my name and sign below the it? Is it right
No just sign your name. Work on your signature and how you want to sign it
I know signature is important, but with a longer name it's difficult. Mine isn't as complicated as others.... but I think it should be shown clearly somewhere.
Is Using a shorter symbol as a signature on the front of a painting, with your Full Name on the back of the painting considered OK?
LI've e often wondered about this...
it depends. If you signed on the wood bars, that is not on the painting. If you sign on the back, depending on what you ues it could bleed through the other side. I would sign on the front, unless an abstract which can be hung is a few different ways. AND NEVER use a black sharpie on the back of a canvas.
Thank You Ginger Cook for your reply... that's good advice❣️
I just use my first and last initials. The L with an extended stroke for the bottom of the L. Then the M is written onto that extended bottom line on the L. Many times it just looks like a little squiggle that is an element of the paintings and I do choose to sign with one of the darker or lighter
Shades than really bright colors. I want people to see the art not my name.
people do not collect VGs they collect Van Gogh. just a thought...
Ginger Cook I am not expecting that anyone would collect my art. I'm not that good but flattery will get you everywhere. 😁 However I sign my whole name on the back of the canvas.
Great information. I just sign a "D" for my signature. Is that too simple?
No, you want your collectors to have more to go on than that.
yes, of have people have written me that they are signing just D.,... remember people do not collect VGs they collect Van Goghs.
@@gingercookliveVery true. Thank you
Ha, oh yes, struggle with that. I only do the block letters because my penmanship is so bad that trying to write in a fine brush or even posca pen it would just look like an unreadable word starting with "H" LOL
good reason. I like it.
Thank you.
CHA I use my initials. The HA inside of the C. Good tutorial.
very nice
The ones I do sign sherry.susan
awesome
I’ve signed my and date on back on canvas, is that wrong?
you should have a signature in the front.
Ok will change that, can it be just’ initials, my last name is so long.
Cfitz . Because Fitzgerald was too long. I’m thinking about changing it to Murph, because that’s my nick name. I did have someone ask me about my signature. They thought it read slut from a far! That was weird
Murph is aa great idea.
I just use my initials, JOR, with the line on top of the J slanted and the line coming down from the loop on the R coming down at a slant (kind of looking like a tail). Writing “Joanna O’Rourke” is too long.
good to think about a signature and how people will know its you.
Still not sure how to do Gina Vinciguerra...lol. Thanks for the tips and have a great time.
Gina V. ?
@@gingercooklive thank you and Happy Mothers Day.
xxx
I just sign my initials, but I often do it way too low...
you might want to consider a name not just initials. Your famous artist never just use initials even today. you want people to recognize you not just your art..