Signing artwork

[workin for wood]

Just curious what people are using to sign their artwork. I generally use a black ink pen, and find that works good, but fades over time. If pen ink isn't totally dry, then it blurs when a finish is applied.
I've also tried a sharpie..but it bleeds (like touching a napkin to water).
I've thought about inlaying my name with ebony, but wow that's like an entire day just to sign my name, maybe two days if I include the title of the picture.

[sheltiecarver]

Jeff,
On the stuff I sign, I usually use an extra-fine writing tip on a woodburner, but then I am really fond of pyrography.
I have also used a pen - I think it is called Pigma Micron, or it could be the other way around. It is waterproof, but I'm not sure about other finishes. You could find them at a decent art supplies store, or maybe even a scrapbooking area of - wherever- they come in different size tips for more detail or more boldness, as desired. Even in brown and some other colors, should that be appropriate.
Sandy

[BobD]

I know several people use a woodburner...That's how I sign my carvings...I havn't cut any of my own designs yet, so I'm not convinced that I should be signing them yet!

Bob

[Neal Moore]

I sign most of my portraits on the back side. I spray a coat of fast drying polyurethane on the area and when dry I sign it with a black Sharpie. The Poly prevents bleeding.

[PeteB]

I use a sharpie after finishing, too, in my case with shellac.

[workin for wood]

Sharpie between coats of finish, sounds too simple for me to have figured that out on my own. Thanks.
I'm pretty limited on my woodburning skills. I have only a cheap burner and only one tip because I've had it for years and don't know where the other tips are. I'm not good enough with it to sign my name, and when you burn in your name, you better get it right the first time...not just the spelling but the flow of the words.

[Capt Weasel]

I've been thinking of this too. Wondering between using a branding iron with name, manually signing it but I my signature looks like a kindagardeners, or as my wife suggested, scrolling my initials into the portrait somewhere inconspicuous. Can't decide but I kinda like the branding iron idea but I wonder if it'll take away from the piece any with it burnt in the corner. I like a clean portrait but then again every artist that draws signs their stuff in the corner. Interested in hearing some opinions on this one.

[CanadianScroller]

I have a couple of rubberstamps, I also transfer toner from photocopies.

[millwab]

For years I've been carving my mark (my avatar) into my projects, usually on the bottom or back where it would be less conspicuous. I cut it in with a knife before the finish goes on and that way the finish fills it in (to protect it) and it tends to blend in with the wood. Since I'm making things one at a time, the 5-10 minutes it takes to cut isn't significant.

Bruce

[SharonW0111]

I have had people insists on me signing my work I do for them and I use a fine Sharpie over the finish then spray a coat of clear caned spraay paint over that. I was looking at the branding iron but at $125 I think I will stick with my Sharpie..I use to burn my name but now Sharpies are easier and I don't burn myself
Sharon