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Packing and Shipping Your Art

© Cecilia H. Lee

If you're lucky enough to get shows or sell your work outside your local area, you'll have to send it carefully. No matter what you are sending, always label the outside of your package clearly stating a warning to handle it carefully due to the artwork being inside.

If your artwork is made well and packaged well, it will generally make it appear more precious and, thus, handled more carefully. If it is badly packed, it will appear that you did not care very much for your work and the handler on the other end may not treat your work with as much respect.

Also, be sure to keep photographic and written records of your artwork, as well as, including them in the package for the recipient. Depending on how you package it, you may also need to include instructions on how to open and assemble your work.

Cartons and Boxes
You can buy special crates or boxes to ship your artwork at such places as Propak. Or you may choose to build your own. However you package it, just remember that the object of your packaging efforts is to 1) protect your work, 2) prevent any damage from outside forces, and 3) keep it from moving around.

Flat Artworks
Unstretched paintings, drawings, prints, etc., are easy to ship. When your work is finished, make sure your work is completely dry. Then, cover it with plastic or tracing paper and carefully roll it. Wrap it in a sheet of bubble wrap, then place it in a cardboard tube.

Fragile Artworks
Glass, ceramics, and other highly fragile works are difficult to package. I used to work in a gallery where I would have to package large ceramic bowls to be sent overseas. Because I was so nervous about damaging the works, I would always err on the side of caution. First, I would wrap the piece in at least 2 layers of large bubble wrap. Then, I would get a box much larger than the piece and add some styrofoam peanuts. Then, I would gingerly place the piece onto the styrofoam and add more styrofoam until the box was completely filled.

Shipping
Use courier/shipping or an art-handling service with insurance covering the damage during the shipment to the amount of declared value of the artwork, which is the same sale price of your work. If you send work via USPS make sure you send it via recorded, insured delivery.

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