Packing artwork: Adding that special touch
For this post, I have enlisted Canadian Artist Jodi Miller to give us her tips.
What if we could make art packaging fun?
You know that feeling….the excitement you get when that much anticipated treat arrives at your door? Well, what if we could make that moment even more special?
As an artist, I must admit that my first love is the paint itself. The act of creating something from nothing is so enticing! Having those creations find beautiful homes is a true privilege and something I believe deserves its own celebration. That’s the shift in mindset that I use when I pack my beloved paintings and send them off to their forever homes!
Each time I carefully wrap a piece, I imagine what it will feel like for the collector when it reaches its destination. Will they smile when they recognize who it’s from? Will they keep the little note that came with their painting? How can I make it extra special so that the unwrapping of this beautiful piece can be its own beautiful experience?
Here are some of the tips I like to use to make packaging enjoyable for the artist and the collector:
Choose beautiful materials to surround your paintings!
For me, that means using natural craft paper that is made from recycled products and is 100% as well.
Include something extra special!
My paintings always come with a handwritten thank-you note and a bonus notecard or two to share more joy.
Add a finishing touch!
I like to use twine so that all of my “brown paper packages” come “tied up with string” so that collectors can enjoy the experience of undoing the bow and reusing the twine if they so desire.
Skip the stuff that hurts the earth! I have found that crumpled paper and cardboard which can both be put in a blue bin are as good or better at protecting my work than styrofoam, bubblewrap and other products that just head to the landfill. I even use paper-based tape so all packing can safely head out to be recycled. It’s a way to feel even better about the work when you and your collector can help make responsible choices about our environment.
Use something that will let the collector recognize that this package is from you!
I love adding my own stamps and stickers so that the receiver can enjoy that little rush of knowing that something special from my studio is inside.
Creating and collecting are such beautiful moments in our lives! Hopefully this tips can help you celebrate the part that comes between your studio and the artworks new home too! Happy packing!
