Maker Etiquette

[Beaverslayer]

electrathon,

So would that make Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabanna and Coach "Taggers"? The question was "what is the proper procedure for marking leather with a maker stamp?"

In my opinion, it should be where the "Maker" feels it looks best, and will be visible so as people will know who made it. I for one, want people to be able to see I was the one that made the item, not have it hidden away somewhere where it can't be found.

I guess it's another one of those things "To Each His/Hers Own"....

[electrathon]

Yes Dwight, I am with you totally on this one. I try to put my mark where I think it looks good on the piece, sometimes it's right there in your face, so to speak.

As we all know, I have been on a handbag/purse making binge of late. All the "BIG" names in handbag/purses put there "Logo" in some cases all over their product. Look at Louis Vuitton, Coach, Dolce Gabanna and a number of others, and these guys sell them for thousands of dollars, and people buy them because the "Makers Logo" is right there....everywhere...all over the place.

I am first, an "Artist" secondly a "Leather Worker" when I join the two together, I become a "Leather Artist", and all good artists sign their work....Simple as that...

I'll have to think of this for a bit. I have always felt that we signed our work similar to signing art. Maybe we are not making art but rather luggage. Luggage is not signed, but identified with a logo. Kind of sad thinking of it this way.

Aaron

[electrathon]

electrathon,

So would that make Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabanna and Coach "Taggers"? The question was "what is the proper procedure for marking leather with a maker stamp?"

Definatly YES! We have had many threads on here about the crappy quality of designer purses. People are not buying quality, but are buying a name. If my work did not excede the quality of mass factory goods I would see no rerason for doing it.

I did interpet the intent of the question a little bit. It proper answer to the question is, "Dampen the leather and hit your mark with a mallet". I don't think that was what he was asking though.

[Dwight]

Dwight,

I find it odd that you seem to think your work is bland short of your mark. You do good work, quality and artistic ability stand on thier own. The question was not if you should not mark your work (you should), but if it should be subtle or obtuse (at least that is what I understand it is).

I guess the subtle verses obtuse thing is like a fine painting verses grafiti. Thomas Kincaid signs his paintings in the corner, taggers sign their work boldly across the middle.

I guess I just did not take the question as subtle verses obtuse, . . . but rather to mark or not to mark, visibly.

My mark is three crosses on a hill, . . . it speaks volumes about me, about my life, about how I try to do my work, and hopefully, . . . my name with it, allows folks to associate me with the crosses and the work with me.

The only time I don't mark a piece is when I am asked not to (very rare) or if I forget, . . . which is all too often. I think it has something to do with being 68 or so.

Anyway, . . . that is my line of reasoning, . . . FWIW, . . . and I don't mean to begrudge anyone else their line, . . . after all, . . . it is their product.

May God less,

Dwight

[Beaverslayer]

People are not buying quality, but are buying a name.

By putting my mark on my pieces, I hope that as time goes on, people will know by seeing my mark, that they are not only buying quality, but also the name.

[lwm803]

Yes, mass produced products generally display a manufacturer's/re-labeler's name. Highly regarded art work/craftsmanship is easily recognized by the work itself and needs no label. The mark of an unknown maker (or one who is not widely known), unless extremely attractively done, is very likely to devalue the product in the end for some consumers. If you are selling more product because your name is on it, I am not one of your customers and it is likely of as little concern to you as it is to me. If you feel that your name adds value to the product then by all means stamp it front and center, otherwise you might consider that stamp as a potential "deal killer". It is much your choice to stamp as it is mine to choose. I would never advise anyone to base there decision on my opinion, I simply felt strongly enough on this subject to state my thoughts.

[Leela Valley Leather]

For me it really depends on the item, if it's a custom piece for someone known to me then no mark.

However if t is to be sold to whom ever then some place unobtrusive there will be my mark (or initials), the only time I really make sure it is visible is if I've been asked to donate some thing (usually a tobacco pouch/bag or two), then it's front and centre and VERY visible.

[dirtclod]

I mark all of my stuff. But it's a smaller stamp. Right now i put it the front down at the bottom of the handle, most of what i make are adult toys. But i have seen several makers of holsters ruin their work by getting the biggest stamp made i'm talking about stamps that are 2 plus inches across and just about that tall then they stamp a design around that right in the center on the front of a holster. To me it makes the work look cheap and gaudey enough i wouldn't buy it. Saying all of that i like makers stamps on stuff i buy if it's a handmade piece. JMO

[DoubleC]

I usually forget to mark mine so maybe I shouldn't comment It's not that I'm not proud of my work, it's just I'm forgetful. When I do mark it usually it's in a place unintentionally that ends up getting covered up, like on a guitar strap, I'll mark the back end then when I put the adjustment straps on you can't see it. I just have the strap process down in a certain order in my head, and I've never quite incorporated that in the order that things are made. So mine is haphazard at best.

I'm in the process of doing a bookmark for a friend that I KNOW wanted it marked, yet I was so intent on getting the color right I forgot my stamp. Now I'm going to hear about it because I forgot Oh well, I don't mind seeing it on things I look at here but don't think I'd like a 2" stamp front and center....would depend on the stamp I guess. Cheryl

[bruce johnson]

Where I put my mark depends on the piece. On some small things like wallets or belts I put the small maker stamp on the back. Briefcases - larger one on the back. On rope bags I put the large stamp on the top of the pocket flap mostly. On rope cans only have the front. I use either stamp and sometimes put it into the border pattern especially on full tooled. On stamped ones I usually go low in the pattern. Sometimes on my can straps I skip the maker stamp and tool my website name in small subtle lettering.