Ask Missy ZNE!

Good Solid Coverage!

Hi!

What is the best glaze/medium to coat an ATC or other collage piece with that gives good solid coverage without a lot of high shine to it?

Thanks!

Lesley

This is a common question for mixed media artists.  There is no one answer, and in fact what product/s you use to finish and seal your artwork depends on your own personal preferences.  You can review more on this topic, in the post you'll find by clicking here.

In terms of your specific question, in order to avoid a glossy shine, you will want to look for a finishing product that says that it is "matte."  Missy ZNE suggests you try a matte fixative spray, for a quick even and non-shiny finish.

Hi!

What is the best glaze/medium to coat an ATC or other collage piece with that gives good solid coverage without a lot of high shine to it?

Thanks!

Lesley

This is a common question for mixed media artists.  There is no one answer, and in fact what product/s you use to finish and seal your artwork depends on your own personal preferences.  You can review more on this topic, in the post you'll find by clicking here.

In terms of your specific question, in order to avoid a glossy shine, you will want to look for a finishing product that says that it is "matte."  Missy ZNE suggests you try a matte fixative spray, for a quick even and non-shiny finish.

Magazines, Soup Cans, and Rubber Stamps!

Missy I have two questions. Can I use magazine pictures in my collages? Can I use labels? Like campbells soup for example. I know you can use old labels. I was told that I can use any picture if it is a portion and not the whole thing. Also I contacted a rubber stamp place and they told me that I could not use their stamps in art work that I was going to sell. Have you heard of that before thanks for your help. cindy

Wonderful questions!  Both deserving of detailed answers, so here we go:

First things first, let's dispell this popular myth - much as we want it to be true, there is no clause found in any current copyright law that says that is ok to use someone else's copyright protected image if you change it or alter it or only use a small portion.  If - worst case scenario - you are legally challenged regarding the copyright status of images in your mixed media work - the plaintiff's burdeon of proof consists of showing that any percentage of their original work was used in "your" work - not that a certain percentage was used. 

I have long heard and appreciate the desire behind -  "If you change an image 50% [or insert percentage] or more, then copyright laws no longer pertain to the original image." - however, the former is a complete falsehood.

Likewise, labels and logos are usually (if not copyright protected as artwork) protected by trademark laws or the like.

In fact, even Andy Warhol was taken to task legally for his famous soup cans and though he did prevail, the complexities of why he won that particular case are highly unusual and should not be relied upon as permission or precedent to do the same thing.

Now, we do see labels and magazine content, etc. being used in some very high profile mixed media artwork - and to be scrupulous about the reason that this is possible, from a legal standpoint - note that one of two things has happened:

The content is vintage and now in the public domain.  (See wikipedia's helpful "public domain" definition for more info.)

or

The artist has received explicit permission from the original copyright holder to use the images/content.

Pacific Center for the Photographic Arts actually has a wonderful written review of copyright myths (dispelled) - written by an artist and lawyer - and I would suggest that all artists review this helpful text:

http://www.pcpaphoto.org/FOCUS/April_06/Copyright_Rules.htm

Now that we have cleared that up, lets move on to rubber stamps - there are instances when it is ok to use rubber stamp art in work for sale.  This is when the original rubber stamp artist and/or production company has provided a written policy (often called an "angel" policy) that states that it is ok to use the image.  If the company tells you it is not ok, then indeed - it is not ok!

So, if you want to use rubber stamp images in your artwork that you intend to sell, you are well advised to review their website and/or contact them directly in regard to their policy.  It is important to note that angel policies often differ from company to company:  Some may specify that some images are ok for use in saleable items, while others are not.  Others may state exactly how many items you can sell through clauses such as "no more than 100 duplicates" etc..  Also, some may require you credit them on the artwork itself, while others are less specific about this.  Be sure that you understand and respect their policies, in order to avoid any infringement issues.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy creating!

Missy I have two questions. Can I use magazine pictures in my collages? Can I use labels? Like campbells soup for example. I know you can use old labels. I was told that I can use any picture if it is a portion and not the whole thing. Also I contacted a rubber stamp place and they told me that I could not use their stamps in art work that I was going to sell. Have you heard of that before thanks for your help. cindy

Wonderful questions!  Both deserving of detailed answers, so here we go:

First things first, let's dispell this popular myth - much as we want it to be true, there is no clause found in any current copyright law that says that is ok to use someone else's copyright protected image if you change it or alter it or only use a small portion.  If - worst case scenario - you are legally challenged regarding the copyright status of images in your mixed media work - the plaintiff's burdeon of proof consists of showing that any percentage of their original work was used in "your" work - not that a certain percentage was used. 

I have long heard and appreciate the desire behind -  "If you change an image 50% [or insert percentage] or more, then copyright laws no longer pertain to the original image." - however, the former is a complete falsehood.

Likewise, labels and logos are usually (if not copyright protected as artwork) protected by trademark laws or the like.

In fact, even Andy Warhol was taken to task legally for his famous soup cans and though he did prevail, the complexities of why he won that particular case are highly unusual and should not be relied upon as permission or precedent to do the same thing.

Now, we do see labels and magazine content, etc. being used in some very high profile mixed media artwork - and to be scrupulous about the reason that this is possible, from a legal standpoint - note that one of two things has happened:

The content is vintage and now in the public domain.  (See wikipedia's helpful "public domain" definition for more info.)

or

The artist has received explicit permission from the original copyright holder to use the images/content.

Pacific Center for the Photographic Arts actually has a wonderful written review of copyright myths (dispelled) - written by an artist and lawyer - and I would suggest that all artists review this helpful text:

http://www.pcpaphoto.org/FOCUS/April_06/Copyright_Rules.htm

Now that we have cleared that up, lets move on to rubber stamps - there are instances when it is ok to use rubber stamp art in work for sale.  This is when the original rubber stamp artist and/or production company has provided a written policy (often called an "angel" policy) that states that it is ok to use the image.  If the company tells you it is not ok, then indeed - it is not ok!

So, if you want to use rubber stamp images in your artwork that you intend to sell, you are well advised to review their website and/or contact them directly in regard to their policy.  It is important to note that angel policies often differ from company to company:  Some may specify that some images are ok for use in saleable items, while others are not.  Others may state exactly how many items you can sell through clauses such as "no more than 100 duplicates" etc..  Also, some may require you credit them on the artwork itself, while others are less specific about this.  Be sure that you understand and respect their policies, in order to avoid any infringement issues.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy creating!

Which glossy goo is best for you?

I have found an artist who is making collages on canvas and putting thick archival gloss on them. What is this? I want to also do collages on canvas with found objects such as jewelry, keys, etc as well as paper, cardboard and origami and fabric too. What type of shellac or gloss do I need to use? Also depending on what type of medium you use to finish your artwork can you roll it up and send it that way or does it need to be sent flat? I would appreciate your answers. thanks. cm

 

Ah yes, the goo and glue questions.  This is actually one of the most frequent issues we encounter as mixed media artists - oh, if I could memorize every answer!  I'd change my name from Missy ZNE to Mz. Guru of Glue.

Truth is, your questions don't have one set answer - but rather, each artist has his or her preferences - and so we start with this:

Experiment.

There are so many forms of adding a protective or aesthetic finish on a piece of art, it would be difficult to list them all here.  There are sprays, paints, and more.  You can opt for a matte finish, a glossy finish, or a high gloss finish.  When working with three dimensional pieces, you may opt to put finish around them, or directly on them.  If they are enclosed or encased in small boxes or tins, you might choose to leave them as are, or fill in the entire compartment with a resin or the like.

The look you are seeking may be best served by dusting your piece with a quick spray of gloss or matte fixative.  Then again, you may have to pull out the chemistry set (practically) and lay down layer after layer of pristine bubble-less resin setting.  It's really up to you.

In terms of rolling your artwork, a practice that is more common and less damaging to the artwork when you are talking about tubed art prints, dry (!) paintings, and/or drawings - it would not be recommended for original mixed media works.  You would compromise and possible crack, bubble or warp the finish on top of the art, but there is also a probability of breaking the bond of the glue and/or cracking or breaking the fixed three dimensional pieces if you roll them.   You are much better advised to use a large flat portfolio for transporting the work - OR to create high quality (flat) prints of your work, if you want to travel with the images to show them, but feel that rolling them would be the best way to transport them.

Finally, missy ZNE suggests you give a very light coat of modge podge or decoupage glue a try for a high gloss finish on a three dimensional piece.  I do also know that others could not live without having gel medium, which can be applied in multiple coats, as their preferred finish.

Hope this info helps.  Experiment and have fun.  You may prefer the heavier or milky finish of some finishing products, while you may find that a thin shiny gloss brings out the perfection in your piece. 

Anyone want to add their glossy goo preferences here, please feel free to leave a comment!

I have found an artist who is making collages on canvas and putting thick archival gloss on them. What is this? I want to also do collages on canvas with found objects such as jewelry, keys, etc as well as paper, cardboard and origami and fabric too. What type of shellac or gloss do I need to use? Also depending on what type of medium you use to finish your artwork can you roll it up and send it that way or does it need to be sent flat? I would appreciate your answers. thanks. cm

 

Ah yes, the goo and glue questions.  This is actually one of the most frequent issues we encounter as mixed media artists - oh, if I could memorize every answer!  I'd change my name from Missy ZNE to Mz. Guru of Glue.

Truth is, your questions don't have one set answer - but rather, each artist has his or her preferences - and so we start with this:

Experiment.

There are so many forms of adding a protective or aesthetic finish on a piece of art, it would be difficult to list them all here.  There are sprays, paints, and more.  You can opt for a matte finish, a glossy finish, or a high gloss finish.  When working with three dimensional pieces, you may opt to put finish around them, or directly on them.  If they are enclosed or encased in small boxes or tins, you might choose to leave them as are, or fill in the entire compartment with a resin or the like.

The look you are seeking may be best served by dusting your piece with a quick spray of gloss or matte fixative.  Then again, you may have to pull out the chemistry set (practically) and lay down layer after layer of pristine bubble-less resin setting.  It's really up to you.

In terms of rolling your artwork, a practice that is more common and less damaging to the artwork when you are talking about tubed art prints, dry (!) paintings, and/or drawings - it would not be recommended for original mixed media works.  You would compromise and possible crack, bubble or warp the finish on top of the art, but there is also a probability of breaking the bond of the glue and/or cracking or breaking the fixed three dimensional pieces if you roll them.   You are much better advised to use a large flat portfolio for transporting the work - OR to create high quality (flat) prints of your work, if you want to travel with the images to show them, but feel that rolling them would be the best way to transport them.

Finally, missy ZNE suggests you give a very light coat of modge podge or decoupage glue a try for a high gloss finish on a three dimensional piece.  I do also know that others could not live without having gel medium, which can be applied in multiple coats, as their preferred finish.

Hope this info helps.  Experiment and have fun.  You may prefer the heavier or milky finish of some finishing products, while you may find that a thin shiny gloss brings out the perfection in your piece. 

Anyone want to add their glossy goo preferences here, please feel free to leave a comment!

No Cabinet Cards in your Cabinet?

I'm new at Altered Art.Where can I buy the "cabinet cards that the ZNE artists use to make artist trading cards?

Bernard

Well, for those who don't know - let's first cover the definition of "cabinet" cards - lest our members run off to Home Depot asking for cards that depict their kitchen cabinets.

A cabinet card refers to a specific type of vintage photograph, almost always black and white - taken in a studio during the 1860s through the 1920s.

Missy ZNE particularly likes the work that the Cabinet Card Flikr group has already done in providing a comprehensive definition of cabinet cards.  So as to not break any copyright rules or etiquette, I am not going to cut and paste their lovely description here, however, I will provide you with this link.

Next, the question is - where to find them for your art?

Well, if you are looking for reproductions - which are a bit easier to come by and priced accordingly (plus you can often get them in large collections in hard copy collage sheets or as graphics in CD format) - you would be well served to do a search on eBay and/or etsy for:  ZNE Vintage Collage Sheet.

Here are links to those very searches:

EBAY:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=zne+vintage+collage+sheets&category0=

ETSY:

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=ZNE%20Vintage%20Collage%20Sheet

Now, if you are looking for original photographs, they are slightly harder to find and certainly more expensive - but they are out there!

If you are up for an outing, check estate sales, antique shops, and thrift stores.  If you prefer the ease of searching online, we suggest trying eBay again.

Here are several search suggestions, and each one is linked to the current results of that search:

Vintage Photo Lot

Vintage Cabinet Card

Cabinet Card Lot

Whatever you do, have fun during your search, and have fun creating some wonderful vintage artwork with your finds!  Upload it into your ZNE Gallery so that can see!