Art Will Travel

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Today I will be shipping 3 packages all with very similar features. The formats are equal and the pieces to be mailed are all on paper. These particular packages are international shipments. Step one of the process for the package above was to wrap the paintings in paper. I’ve posted my wraping/folding technique in an earlier post. If you have any questions, contact me. The pieces are then sanwhiched between 2 pieces of cardboard. I leave about 4cm (1.5″) space between the art and the edge of the package. Make sure to adhere the works to the cardboard. Do that by adding 2 tabs of masking tape. Masking tape is great because it holds the item in place but doesn’t rip the paper when it’s time to remove it. Put the top cardboard on and tab(tape) it. As you can see, I use 4 points (image 3) I often do small drawings on the cardboards. Probably a nice gift for those who are receiving the package <3. Wrapping the shipment with paper makes for a nice looking package. I make sure there’s enough paper to be able to fold over the edges but not too much so as to waste paper of make the corners clupsy. 5cm (2″) minimun. For these packages, weight is not an issue. The cost for this format is uniform. When you get to the larger packages, it’s best to make packages that are supply conservative. The less materials, the better. I always fold the paper over on one end and place the package in the fold (image 3) then tape it. It wolds the piece in place while I move and fold and tape. The rest is simple. Once the package is folded and ready to ship, I use transparent packing tape (plastic) to adhere the folds so they won’t get cought in the machies. Basically taping them flat. I also tape the corners as seen in the dual diagram at the bottom. Main address in the center, return address, top left hand corner.

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Waste Not. Try to get the most out of your material$.

[art-will-travel]

I'll start by showing the process of a small package that will travel. A friend and collector has requested this series on paper. As you can see, they are 10 separate pieces. I have made 2 separate packets of 5 to fit in one recycled envelope. Art work face up placed on paper with room around the edges so it can be folded over. Use paper and tape sparingly. I use masking tape for all inside work because it's user friendly (not aggressive) and packing clear tape for external stuff (durable and strong) The images speak for themselves but the captions give more detailed information. In the case of recycling envelopes (reusing them) they may not always suit your needs. I have made some fun adjustments to make the odd sizing fit (read captions)

[art-will-travel]

THIS IS HOW I ROLL......

Though Barcelona has recycling bins, not everyone complies with the "system." I no longer live in Barcelona but in my community, much the same happens. You can take a lot of shipping material from this chaos. The single use bubble wrap is king. It's clean and unpopped 95% of the time. The cardboard can be a little harder to screen but, if the above image happens once a day, imagine the quantity of good, clean material you can take home to up cycle. Some call it cost cutting, I call it, the only way. <3

My shipping costs include, masking tape, clear tape, blades for my cutters and, mailing. No more, no less.

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Friends......   before I post on, it's important you know what can go wrong. I've suffered two instances where work was damaged in the shipping process. Two since 2004. Way back in 2005/06 a box was punctured and small damage came of it. The painting was manipulated and a sale came of it. A few years ago, the first above image illustrates the worst I've had to deal with so far. It was the combination of me writing the wrong postal code, not taking extra care to protect the work (with plastic.) Crushing AND water damage by the postal service made it a nightmare parcel. On top of it all, the buyer had to go pick it up at some warehouse and, was mashed..... worthless. So, double check your address. Properly, clearly write/print the name/address and return address on the box. Try to create contrast so the letters POP. I use a white card with black permanent market (clear tape them on) You may want to write right on the box but make sure the letters are large enough....children book style. Above is the way I address my boxes. Notice the phone number. <3 

***more on preparing an art box to travel, soon.

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When I lived at home...my parents home, my work space was my bedroom. This made me a master of working in small, chaotic spaces. Now that I'm all grown up and I have adequate room to work (my space) I "work to code." This video is quite extreme but take what you will from it. It's very helpful on many levels. "Working to Code" is a movie series designed for members of the Tom Sachs studio team. Required viewing for all employees and studio visitors. .....Enjoy<3

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I spent part of the day thinking about how to begin. I think the best way is to introduce you to my work stations. These are the surfaces that I like to work on. The table on the left is a dining room table that folds out to 166cm. It offers me lots of room so the process never feels cramped.The other is a combination, stool and wood surface found in the "garbage." Most of my cutting is done straight on the wood of this short table. The fact that it's low helps me when I need to lean into the cutting. I can put a lot of pressure into the cutting blade by having the table low. I can also keep the ruler hand (metal ruler) firm so it doesn't shift when I'm cutting. All the work that has to do with packaging art with out perforating materials, is done on the fold out table. One is my "dirty" surface and the other the "clean."  Again I repeat, I don't work in a museum or do high end packaging. I do always wash my hands before starting. ;) <3

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This Blog exists because of the many folks who have asked....

"how do you ship art?"....   10+ years of shipping Nationally and Internationally have given me some insight into the process. I have much to learn but one thing is clear, preparing art for travel is an art form. It can make or break relationships with your buyers. It can make you happy on many levels or stress you Olympicly. The goal of this project (blog) is to share what I know in the manner that I "do it." My way is anchored on recycling, low cost, practical and as pretty as those principles will allow. What you learn here, you can adjust to your way of doing things, to the materials that are available to you and your skill level. That said, it's very important to know that, all the time you may invest in making the perfect box, will not secure a safe trip. Don't forget that most of the shipping process is completely out of your hands. You are simply offering your beloved art piece a chance to arrive in one piece.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. I'm here. This is what I do for a living and i can help, if asked. <3 Art Will Travel.