Certificate of Authenticity Sample (For Your Original Paintings)
When I sell my original paintings on eBay, I make sure to include a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.). This is a great way to include all the information the art buyer might want to have on hand about the artwork.
Here is a sample of the Certificate of Authenticity I make for each original painting I sell online.
Things to include in your Certificate of Authenticity are:
- The title of your painting / artwork.
- The artist’s name and year the artwork was created.
- The country where the artwork was created.
- Total height, width, number of canvases, single canvas size (weight is optional).
- If the painting is an original (or print, reproduction, etc.).
- The medium used to create the painting.
- Certificate ID (I use the eBay Item Number for the Certificate ID, but you can have your own numbering system).
- I always include “This is to certify that the painting with the above specifications is an authentic original painting created by and purchased from Soniei’s Contemporary Art“.
- Then I sign my name, add the current date, and I stamp my Hanko (Japanese signature stamp) for an added touch.
- On the bottom of the Certificate of Authenticity, it’s always good to put your logo and website address (mailing address / phone number is optional).
Although this sample is on a white background in order to make it easier to see on your computer screen, I print my certificates on beautiful printing paper that I buy at the art store. The type of paper you use for your Certificates isn’t really important, but try to find paper that matches your personality and your artwork.
How To Sell Your Art
Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.
“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Artist
Learn more about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!
Tags: Artist Tips
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Great tip! Saves me the trouble of buying ’stickers’ to put on my work. Or does it? Which is better, this certificate or the sticker?
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Do you mean the Fine Art Registry stickers (FAR tags)? I’m actually a big fan of Fine Art Registry as a way to tag your artwork. AND, with this website, it also provides you with a printable Certificate of Authenticity with each tagged piece. However, if you can’t afford the tags, this certificate is still a great way for art buyers to get information on the painting and your signature/date.