Stress Free Art Shipping by Karsyn Moore
Shipping artwork is very complicated and holds a great deal of importance whether it is for large scale museums or for small scale artists. Notably, artwork comes in various different sizes, mediums, and weight, which makes the shipping process meticulous, but not impossible. Therefore, transporting various types of artwork becomes extremely stressful and could cost a pretty penny. However, using professional shipping services can make for an easier, stress and hassle-free experience.
Shipping artwork is extremely important especially with major galleries and museums around the world. Artwork holds very important history for all types of cultures and backgrounds, some types of artwork was created before people could even read or write. Also, it is important to protect and diligently care for art pieces that are done by smaller freelance artists. Ultimately, many art products are usually originals and almost never have an exact copy, so loss or damage while shipping can be irreversible. Often, many professional shipping companies will create custom made packaging in order to add extra protection while shipping artwork. Therefore, the shipping process should be taken with the utmost importance and diligence.
Understanding how to package artwork is vital, in order for nothing to become broken or destroyed while traveling. My father is a freelance painter who sells various sized paintings throughout the United States. One method he uses, as well as, professional shipping companies is using soft packaging materials to allow for protection for the artwork. Ultimately, discussing with professional companies on their shipping processes can help you determine the means for how to ship artwork of various different mediums.
Artists and collectors understand that paintings are usually 2D products, so shipping them is a completely unique process rather than shipping 3D sculptures. Adding a protective plastic covering over paintings allows for minimal scratches or tears in the canvas. However, for both 2D and 3D packaging using bubble wrap or padding allows for a security layer during shipping.
The steps to shipping artwork is often very painstaking, so going through professionals is cost effective and hassle-free. Before shipping artwork, the artist or collector should make a very thorough evaluation of the artwork in order to determine if it underwent damages during shipment. The artist or collector should also understand the size, medium in order to determine the size of packaging whether through cardboard, wooden crates styrofoam, bubble wrap, etc.