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"Way back in the early 1980s I
devised a method of documentation using a standard form. On the form I put the name of the
art piece, date executed, file number, current date of record and documentation
method--35 MM film, slides, drawing, black & white still, etc.... "
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Documentation Tip
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As you begin to market your baskets,
or even if you give them as gifts to family and friends, you should sign them. Another good idea is to document each basket you
produce. It is a good way to allow the basket to be identified in years to come, keep
track of how you made it and track where each basket goes. We have been discussing a
variety of options in the BasketMakers
Forum. I have gathered these ideas for documenting your baskets from several sources,
including the forum. Thanks to everyone who contributed to these tips.
- Sign your basket with a waterproof fine
black marker on the handle or on the weavers at the underside of your basket adding a date
or sequential number starting from your first basket. Record these numbers in a notebook.
- Use a coded numbering system that will
allow you to track your production volume or who each basket was sold to. For example: Use
the year and a sequence of baskets within that year (#35-2001).
- Sign your basket and then take a
picture of it. Store the picture, with the pattern or project notes you made when making
it, in a binder as documentation of your project.
- Create a "collector's record
card". Print it out on a postcard sized page. Include lines for the buyer or
collector's name, address, their signature and whether they bought it for themselves or
for a gift. Keep these cards on file. Use the information to add to your mailing list. Let
your previous customers know when you will be participating in a show near them.
- Create a standardized form to document
your creation of each basket. Tailor it to your own needs, but include things like the
name of the piece, date executed, coded number, date completed, time it took to produce,
materials used, technique used, construction notes or pattern used. Include a space for 35
MM print, slides, drawing, black & white photo, print-out of a digital file or other
graphic representation of the finished piece or the steps involved. Include entries for
where the piece was exhibited, what galleries represented it, an artist's statement about
the piece and who the piece was eventually sold to.
- Photograph each piece from a variety of
angles. Include overall shots from several sides and especially the underside. Take
close-up shots of any important details.
- Have professional shots taken of pieces
you expect to submit to exhibits or galleries. Include a range of photography formats to
cover the need for color slides for jurying, large format images for print, color prints
for portfolios, black and white prints for newspaper promotion and digital images for web
production.
Additional
Feature Articles
Come and Join
in the BasketMakers
Forum. Lots of friendly basketweavers are gathered there. Click
on "Guest"
to enter and read-only or join if you want to post (it's free).
Here is a list of some of the most recent Topics being discussed:
Copyright
© 1998-2007
Susi Nuss. All rights reserved.
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