As an art history major, everything is in a signature. When I was working in galleries or just a consultant for artists, I always encouraged signed work. A signature shows authenticity, recognizes the creator, connects the work to history and creates a legacy.
My signature for my handcrafted greeting cards is different from how I sign my name on official documents or contracts in America. I lived overseas for two years teaching conversational English in Japan which required me to get a hanko. A hanko is a personal seal that is traditionally used in lieu of a handwritten signature in Japan. For all my government, Visa, or bank documents, I had to use my hanko to officially sign any paperwork. My hanko is my first name in Kanji, Ki-mu. Without going into a Japanese lesson, the Kanji Ki-mu on my hanko means 'Dreaming Princess'. This was chosen for me by my co-worker. Since a hanko is a stamp, I thought it appropriate to use it as my signature. I also used this meaning to create the name of my creative business, Paper Dreamer.
On the back of each of my greeting cards, you will find stamped '©STAMPIN' UP', above that my hanko, and above my hanko, 'HANDCRAFTED'. This is how I'm showing pride in what I create and you know that you have a one-of-a-kind handcrafted greeting card made especially with you in mind.
