Author: Mr Carlos Tapia

Are you thinking about selling your artwork? Do you need a certificate of authenticity? What the heck is it!? These are just some of the questions I asked when I first started selling my artwork. I had a hard time finding the answers, so I am here help!

Who is the (COA) certificate of authenticity for, and do I need it?

The certificate of authenticity is for artists, buyers and collectors. It is a document that usually includes the following details sometimes more or less.

• The name of the product/item
• The date of creation
• A serial number (If applicable)
• The name or signature of the creator
• Statement of authenticity
• Contact information
• Dimensions

The certificate is your proof that an item is genuine. It shows professionalism in your work and a sense of comfort for purchasers of your work. Many collectors prefer having a certificate of authenticity to document their collections. I include copyright and reproduction rights on the artwork also although this is not necessary. If you plan on taking art seriously and sell your work throughout your lifetime, I highly recommend having one.

How do I get one?

There are websites that provide services on creating certificates of authenticity with serial numbers attached. It can be tempting to pay for this service and make it look official, but this is not needed. For a certificate of authenticity, you can create your own or use a template. I would recommend using a filing system where you can number your artwork pieces and have it saved on a physical or digital file. Organization is very important. I have attached a copy of my certificate of authenticity as an example below. The backside will include contact information.

Benefits of having a certificate of authenticity.

• Confirms your art is geniune.
• Can increase your artworks value.
• Protects works value
• Proves artwork is yours
• Establishes provenance
• Adds credibility and trustworthiness to your artwork

A certificate of authenticity can be beneficial as a professional working artist. If you are drawing for fun and do not plan on selling original artwork whether digital or traditional I would not recommend having a certificate of authenticity.

God Bless and have a great day hope this article was helpful!

I remember when I started drawing comics, I saw many artists who worked traditional using non-phot blue pencils before scanning their work, but what for? Let’s go into the history and the benefits of using them.

History

Blue pencils have been in existence to the public since the late 18th century. Eberhard Faber which is also known as Staedtler today offered a range of two color pencils which included blue by 1873. They were also best known later for its Mongol pencil, which has world renown among writers and animators.

By 1888, the term “blue pencil” was being used as a synonym for “edit” or “censor”. During World War II, colored pencils including blue were used to mark military maps. The blue pencil became associated with editorial marks. The term “blue pencil” became a common phrase for editorial control and censorship.

During the pre-digital era photographic imaging was not sensitive to a specific shade of blue. This sparked an interest among artist working in media and professional fields to adopt the blue pencil to be used as a base layer prior to inking. The final result would only show inks after the printing process. This saved artist time prior to this method all base layer marks would have to be manually erased.

Later in when the scanner was introduced in the 1970’s it was discovered that blue pencil work was also able to be removed easily through digital programs. This encouraged artist to use the blue pencil and made it a mainstream tool which is known today as a non-photo blue pencil for traditional mediums.

Should you use a non-photo blue pencil?

From my experience if you will be scanning your artwork and you know it will be used digitally then I recommend using it. Using the non-photo blue pencil speeds the process and you will not have to do any erasing. If you are creating traditional pieces of artwork to specifically sell, I would not recommend it as most non-photo blue pencils can be hard to erase and leave marks on paper that when mixed with color are still visible. It would be easier to use a hard graphite pencil as a base layer then erase it.

Some artists who work traditionally and scan their comics with blue base layers, sell their originals with the non-photo blue pencil marks on the piece. Some collectors prefer or enjoy seeing this base layer work as it shows the artist building process.

I remember being frustrated when I inked a drawing or smudged my paper with ink and looked constantly for a way to remove it. I am going to show the best way I have found to remove ink from paper ranked best to worst.

1. Electric Sand Eraser

Skill ★☆☆☆☆

Effectiveness ★★★★★

Time★☆☆☆☆

This is the best tool I have ever used for removing ink. It is easy to use and very effective. It has a slight learning curve. You must make sure you have sand eraser nibs or this will not work. I use it by erasing up and down then right to left slowly and lightly not to damage the paper. Best if used on thicker papers.

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2. Exacto knife

Skill ★★★★☆

Effectiveness ★★★☆☆

Time★★☆☆☆

The exacto knife is only good in certain situations. It works with small ink marks but would not recommend it for large areas. You need experience with this tool to make it work effectively.

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3. Rubbing Alcohol

Skill ★★☆☆☆

Effectiveness ★★☆☆☆

Time★☆☆☆☆

Rubbing alcohol only works with simple ball pen ink and paper. It is very time consuming and you will have to be very careful on how to do it.

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Before and after using electric sand eraser.

Before

After

Ink type: Black archival ink