Designing title cards with QR codes for exhibitions

I am with Artwork Archive and you are able to run reports and make labels with QR codes.This site is really very helpful when you are getting ready for a fair or providing for a gallery.

I have been with them over 3 years now I believe, and they are amazing to work with. I have been able to keep track of my art and where I have them. Check them out and use my name if you like. Artworkarchive.com So many resources at your fingertips.

Hi Linnie

I was thinking that you might want to use a "Load Sheet" found on the Warehouse -Open Edition Prints Page to create your QR codes. That way your view go right to the artwork they are interested in.

I hope your exhibits is very successful.

Canva has worked well for me when I needed to lay out simple info cards for a group show. It lets you drop in a QR code image, adjust sizing, and keep everything aligned without learning a full design app. For printing, heavier cardstock from a local print shop held up better than what my home printer could handle. Good luck with the show.

Hi there! The fact that you're thinking about QR codes on your title cards puts you a step ahead of most artists at group shows. Visitors who aren't ready to buy on the spot can scan and browse later, which turns a five-second glance into a real lead.

Here's the setup that works well for exhibitions:

- Size and layout: 4"x6" or 5"x7" cardstock, landscape orientation. Top half: artist name, title, medium, dimensions, price. Bottom right corner: QR code at roughly 1"x1" (big enough to scan from arm's length, small enough not to dominate the card). Left-align the text, right-align the QR code, and leave generous white space so it reads clean on the wall.

- QR code: Use a free QR code tool (QR Code Monkey, Canva's built-in QR maker, or Adobe Express) and point each code to the specific piece's page on your website. A direct link to the piece beats a homepage link every time because it keeps the visitor on exactly what caught their eye. Test every code with your phone camera before you print.

- Design tool: Canva (free tier) has title-card templates you can customize in 20 minutes. Set up one card as your master, duplicate it per piece, swap the title/details/QR code. Consistent layout across all your cards makes the whole show feel cohesive.

- Printing: For a polished look, print on 80-100 lb cardstock. A home inkjet on heavyweight matte cardstock works if your printer handles thick paper cleanly. If it doesn't (streaking, jamming), Staples or FedEx Office will print a batch on heavy stock for a few dollars per card and the finish is noticeably sharper. Worth a test print at home first to see if the quality meets the venue's tone.

One thing to add if you have the bandwidth: a small line on each card like "Scan for details + more work" so visitors know what the QR code does. Not everyone assumes.

You're going to look way more professional than handwritten labels. Enjoy the show!

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One thing that worked well for me at a smaller show was using a label printer for quick, clean cards with a QR code linking to my online shop page for each piece. It kept things simple and consistent without needing a full design setup. The QR code pointed visitors to pricing and other available work, which was especially helpful when someone wanted to see pieces in different sizes or just browse more of the series. For a group show you might want something slightly larger than a standard label, but honestly the compact format looked intentional and tidy on the wall next to the work. Worth trying a test print at home first to make sure the QR code scans reliably at whatever size you land on.

Great Idea!