Making Your Mark: The Importance of Watermarks on Your Artwork

Perhaps you’ve recently browsed artwork online or in a gallery and noticed many creators have created a unique symbol called a watermark to credit themselves for their work. Watermarks are images, overlays, logos, signatures, or text placed over an image so artists can claim ownership of their craft. 

What may initially be perceived as distracting, watermarks prevent copyright infringements, fraudulent or unauthorized uses, and art theft. 

…imagine someone screenshotting or downloading your work without giving you credit or selling it as though they created it themselves.

Why are watermarks necessary?

Protecting your creative output is a big part of being a professional artist. Consider how much time you spend on your work, including your resources, such as supplies and time. Fine art and photography take time to develop, dedication, and vision to complete. 

Now, imagine someone screenshotting or downloading your work without giving you credit or selling it as though they created it themselves. A watermark ensures your art remains yours.

How do I properly apply a watermark to my masterpieces?

One reason people may shy away from watermarks is that they may detract from your piece. However, when done tastefully, these effects are minimal.

There are a few steps to applying this safeguard correctly. Various apps and software programs make it simple, including:

• Microsoft Word. Word is one of the most well-known word processors, which allows you to fabricate a text watermark. 
• Adobe Acrobat. Another familiar program, Adobe, will enable you to make a watermark, protecting your documents, photography, and digital art. 
• Sign your name on your traditional and digital pieces. Signing your name in your handwriting injects more personality and individuality. Make sure it’s in a prominent place in a neutral color so it does not distract the viewer from the original work. Many artists opt to sign on the lower right or left-hand corner. 

It’s about respecting the art and the artist, guaranteeing the protection of your pursuits and expressions.

Benefits of making your mark on your art:

Watermarks prevent anyone from taking credit for your creative efforts. 

Additionally, other benefits of watermarks are:

• Artist acknowledgment. By watermarking your creations, you receive notoriety for your work. This makes it easier for people to recognize your style and trace the masterpiece back to you. 
• Branding and consistency. Watermarking is also a branding tool to create consistency and top-of-mind awareness of your art. 
• Theft protection. Keep people from stealing, distributing, and selling your work without paying you.
• Safeguard against legal or copyright issues. Watermarking ensures your work can be traced back to you, avoiding potential lawsuits. 

Beyond Printing, Our Goal is to Ensure the Protection of Your Pieces 

At Blue Moon Metal Prints, our commitment to craftspeople goes beyond providing printing services. It’s about respecting the art and the artist, guaranteeing the protection of your pursuits and expressions.

If you have any doubts regarding the significance of watermarking in safeguarding your work, feel free to contact us. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.

As your local one-stop shop for everything that makes your pieces POP, we appreciate the creative process. Our services include printing, digitizing, metal prints, personalized items, and more, all designed to preserve the masterpieces of individuals, artists, and businesses. 

Contact us today; together, we’ll bring your fondest memories and creativity to life!

Browse our online shop or stop by our Brevard, NC, location at 102 College Station Dr. Unit B2, Brevard, NC 28712.