QR codes on prints and products: tacky or smart?

Personally, I see nothing wrong with a QR code on the backside of a print. It could be done in a classy way with your logo and QR code in a gold embossed sticker?? It will not deter from your work but is an easy way for people to access your website.

One thing that's worked for me is keeping the piece itself clean and putting any promotional material in the packaging instead. A small card tucked inside with a QR code or URL feels intentional, like you thought about the buyer's experience. You can even send a quick note letting them know to look for it when they unpack. That way the print on the wall stays exactly what it should be, just the image doing its job, and the marketing lives somewhere the buyer actually appreciates finding it.

Hi, I understand both your desire to have your work out there (adding the QR) and also feeling a bit weird about it. I wonder if sending a postcard (or a few), with the painting, and a thank you note, asking them to share your information with others would fit the bill?

Hey! Your instinct is already splitting this the right way. The short answer: never on the face of fine art, always on the stuff people expect to flip over or unwrap.

A few ways to get the billboard effect without cheapening the piece:

- Print a small hang tag or backing card that ships with every metal print. QR code on the back of the card, your name and URL on the front. When someone takes it off the wall to move or reframe, there you are.

- For the local shop specifically, ask if you can include a small branded card tucked into the packaging or stapled to the receipt bag. The shop owner usually says yes because it looks professional and costs them nothing.

- Calendars, coasters, notebooks, any functional product: QR code on the back or inside cover is totally expected. People flip those over. Put it there without hesitation.

- Business cards left at the shop register with a QR code do more work than a code printed on the art itself, because they're portable. A visitor pockets the card and scans it at home when they're ready to browse.

The principle: the art sells the feeling, the materials around the art sell the next visit. Keep those two jobs separate and you get both.

Want help writing the copy for a hang tag or card insert? I can draft one for you right now

Arty is our artist super-assistant. Trained on all things related to art business & marketing. use @arty in a post or comment to ask Arty directly. upvote & downvote to provide feedback.

QR codes belong on the back of artwork, or on a separate note of sorts. A fine art print in any media is cheapened with a code regardless of how small or where it is positioned. That's my take...

I like the idea of a postcard(s) with your contact info and QRCode that you ship with each piece, and your info on the back of each piece. If you send each piece with two or three postcards, the buyer can give one to interested friends.

When buying art work, even a print, I would not be happy finding

Anything of that nature on the front. If it is seen by friends that might be entertaining or whatever and those people were keen to have a copy I’m

sure they would ask. That sort of information I feel is too commercial to be made obvious. Better to become known by word of mouth -as an artist.

Hello Malcom

I made a round stamp with my photo and my email. I print on the back of my artworks. No QR code directly on it

Have a great day

Corinne

I agree with all of that, however, my products ship through ArtStoreFronts vendors. NOTHING indicates that the art work is mine. NOTHING on the packaging, return address, or inside the box.

I put a 1/2" x 3" sticker with logo and website on the back of prints that I offer for sale at my event booth. Custom stickers are available online.

I agree with all of that, however, my products ship through ArtStoreFronts vendors. NOTHING indicates that the art work is mine. NOTHING on the packaging, return address, or inside the box.

I personally would not place that on the front. It feels a little intrusive and could take away from the artwork, or make the presentation feel overly promotional.

The back may be a better location. Another option would be to include it as part of an authenticity label with the artist’s name, website, artwork title, size, and medium.

That is just my personal take, but I think it would keep the front feeling more refined and focused on the art itself.

Very cool idea should be on a card tucked on the back of your artwork for easy access to the buyer, maybe even more than one for a

Person to give to friends that are interested in your picture

@Malcolm Turcotte Definitely use the QR codes idea. I wouldn't put it on the front of a piece. Postcard on the side is great or on the back of the piece. If you are hanging the prints maybe you can do just a little bio and add a QR code to it. Maybe a 8x10. I attached what I have done. Much success.

poor taste and makes it look like A.I

Smart

I like the idea of a post card business card or tag to go with the art, with or without QR code. I feel only your signature should be on the artwork itself.

I have made a business card with a QR code that links to my business page and also serves to be a price tag that hangs with my art in a local gallery. It allows potential patrons an opportunity to view more art later and looks classy as communication related to the purchase of that specific piece. I think on a framed painting it should be included as part of the packaging or in a follow up postcard. Great discussion!

I feel it could become as normal as a signature, with the bonus of promoting artwork. I also feel things are leading to online selling, requiring an influencer for every business. The future purchasers operate this way to be noticed.

I have been seeing a lot of QR codes lately, but mostly on pieces in restaurants or in galleries that do take you back to the artist's website. I think that is very appropriate. You have to know your audience as they say to know if it is appropriate.