A good label tells a viewer who made the work, what it is called and how it was made, and it helps the venue track it. Requirements vary between galleries, so the first rule is to read the call for entries or ask the organizer. Where there are no instructions, the conventions below are a sensible starting point.
What to include on a wall label
Museum and gallery labels usually follow a consistent order:
- Artist name
- Title of the work, often in italics
- Year it was made
- Medium, such as “oil on canvas” or “watercolor on paper”
- Dimensions, typically height by width, in the unit the venue prefers
- Price or “NFS” (not for sale), if the venue displays this
Some venues also add a short statement, the edition for prints, or the city where you work. Keep it short. A label is read at a glance.
An example layout
Jane Smith Morning Harbor, 2026 Oil on canvas 24 x 30 in. $850
Use whatever format the organizer provides if they supply a template.
Format and readability
- Use a clean, legible typeface at a size that can be read from a short distance.
- Be consistent across all your pieces, so a group looks professional.
- Print on plain white or off-white stock, and avoid decorative borders.
- Keep the label to a few lines, and avoid long paragraphs unless the venue asks for a statement.
Writing the title correctly
Place the title in italics where possible, or follow the venue’s style. Use the same title everywhere: on the label, the entry form and the back of the work. If you are still deciding what to call a piece, our guide to naming your painting may help.
Identification on the back
The wall label is separate from the identification attached to the artwork. The venue will normally need your name, the title, your contact details and sometimes an inventory number on the back so that work can be returned to the right person. See what to put on the back of a painting for suggestions. Many shows ask for a separate entry tag or form, so follow the instructions exactly.
How to attach labels
- Do not tape or glue labels to the front of the painting or to the frame face.
- For wall labels, the venue will normally place them beside the work. Hand over a printed copy or digital file as requested.
- For back labels, use a removable method such as a sleeve, or affix to the backing paper or stretcher bar. Avoid anything that could stain or damage the artwork.
Photographs and prints
Photographers and printmakers often include extra fields such as edition number and printing process. The same basic order applies, but check the show rules for any further requirements.
Before you drop off your work
- Check the call for entries for label, size and framing rules.
- Make sure the title, size and price on the label match your entry form.
- Keep a copy of every label for your records.
- Confirm that the work is finished and ready to hang. Our guide to finishing a painting has a checklist, and if you are showing a work on paper, see how to mount a watercolor painting or frame a pastel drawing.
Common questions
How do I put a title on a painting? Usually on a separate label beside the work, and on the back, rather than writing across the front.
How do I identify original artwork? Signature, title, date and a record of the piece, ideally kept alongside a photograph and an inventory entry.
How do I exhibit my art? Start by looking for open calls, local art societies and community galleries, and follow each venue’s submission rules.