Maker Etiquette

[smudley]

When I use my makers mark, I try to put where it is hidden; back of belt or bracelet, inside of book covers, inside checkbook covers &wallets on a little tab glued in the corner or interior design, integrated into the design, or on the bottom of vases, coasters, etc. The only time I put my makers mark on the outside is when someone specifically requests it. I will sign my pictures in the corner instead of using my makers mark. IMHO, it's just more tasteful that way.

[Massive]

I don't mind hiding out in my work, and I come from a background where classic work is neither decorated, nor branded. I perfer to buy blank T-shirts and hats. My preferences aside, I see a lot of people who feel that part of handmade work is a brand. They are so fixed in the brand mentality, and in fairness the idea of brands everywhere is growing. So if you deny them brand they don't know what they have in their hand any more. I have been adjusting to the idea. I used to think only Ford, etc... had a brand, but we live in a world where brand is a thing to discuss through your resume...

[alwhorley]

I don't mind hiding out in my work, and I come from a background where classic work is neither decorated, nor branded. I perfer to buy blank T-shirts and hats. My preferences aside, I see a lot of people who feel that part of handmade work is a brand. They are so fixed in the brand mentality, and in fairness the idea of brands everywhere is growing. So if you deny them brand they don't know what they have in their hand any more. I have been adjusting to the idea. I used to think only Ford, etc... had a brand, but we live in a world where brand is a thing to discuss through your resume...

My thoughts too. I would not be the guy to come down on Makers that mark their work prominently, your style is yours. I won't put my mark out front because I feel that the quality of my work should speak for itself. I WILL mark my work every time, if it doesn't offend the client, but always discretely. I have had Family ask for my mark out front, and for them, I do it. They are proud of me and my leavings, and I like to please them, as well as my customers.

If you feel that you need to have your mark front and center, do you, you have spent your time and energy to get that article out. I would leave you all with the thought: if it is really good, a discrete mark will leave the world wondering and ASKING, Who did that?!?

I respect and learn from each and everyone of you, please take my comments as commentary not criticism,

Al

[Massive]

I remember a time when one's work was an extension of oneself. But increasingly one is characterized by one's work. This is why brand is so important, and why we resist it. If one comes from the individualist, imortal soul characterization of the person, thinking of oneself in brand terms may seem reductive. But we are no longer citizens we are taxpayers or consumers. If you aren't a taxpayer/consumer, you don't exist. Of course there is a degree to which hand work could be seen as a rejecting sideshow to these trends, but if one wants to be relevant to the modern world one may have to find a different course.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Massive