Written by Rosie Bird
February 3, 2025

For artists selling their work commercially, making buyers feel secure in their purchase can make or break a sale. Providing a Certificate of Authenticity is a useful practice that works as a professional guarantee that your work is genuine, high-quality, and a safe investment.

A Certificate of Authenticity isn’t a legally binding document, so you can easily create one yourself! Think of it like a signature—your certificate adds another layer of security for buyers and collectors.

Here’s an in-depth look at why Certificates of Authenticity are beneficial and how to create them effectively.

Why Certificates of Authenticity Matter

1. Establishing Trust

A Certificate of Authenticity helps build trust between the artist and the buyer. It reassures buyers that the artwork is authentic and created by you, making it easier to discredit copies or forgeries.

2. Increasing Value

Artwork accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity often holds more value than pieces without. It boosts your professional credibility, and makes your work more desirable to collectors.

3. Helping Resolve Disputes

Although not legally binding in Australia, a Certificate of Authenticity adds credibility and can help resolve disputes. It’s beneficial for artists when confirming the authenticity of their work if issues arise.

4. Documenting Provenance

Provenance—the history of an artwork’s ownership—is vital in the art world. A Certificate of Authenticity often includes details that contribute to provenance, such as the date of creation, title, and edition. This enhances the artwork’s credibility and traceability over time.

Auctioning an artwork

Anatomy of a Certificate of Authenticity

When creating a Certificate of Authenticity, here is some key information to include:

  • Artist’s Name: Clearly state your name to identify the creator.
  • Title of the Artwork: Include the official title for easy identification.
  • Date of Completion: This helps determine a timeline for the artwork’s creation.
  • Dimensions: Record the size, including height, width, and depth if applicable.
  • Medium and Materials: Detail materials used—paint type, canvas, paper, etc.—for archival and care purposes.
  • Statement of Authenticity: A brief declaration acknowledging the artwork’s authenticity and originality.
  • Signature and Date: Your signature and the date of signing finalises and validates the certificate

Optional Additions:

Image of the Artwork: A clear photo visually confirms the certificate’s connection to the artwork.

Additional Information: Include details like the creation location, a description or inspiration behind the piece, exhibition history, and care instructions. While care instructions may seem obvious, they help buyers maintain the artwork’s longevity.

Certificate of Authenticity Template

Best Practices for Certificates of Authenticity

Incorporate Your Personal Brand

Since authenticity certificates reflect your professional practice, design them to align with your brand. This reinforces credibility and authenticity.

Consistency Is Key

Use a consistent template for all certificates. Varying formats can raise questions about authenticity and affect your professional image.

Professional Presentation

Use high-quality paper to present your Certificate of Authenticity professionally. Avoid standard printer paper or faded ink—your certificate should reflect the value of your artwork.

Add Security Features

Consider security elements like serial numbers or watermarks to prevent forgery and enhance credibility.

Keep Digital Records

Maintain digital copies of all your Certificates of Authenticity. This backup ensures you can verify authenticity if the original is lost or damaged.

Where to Include Your Certificate of Authenticity

Some artists attach the certificate to the back of the artwork to prevent separation. However, this might not be ideal for certain works. Alternatively, include the certificate in the packaging, ensuring it’s secure and easily found without risking damage.

Once you’ve established a system, creating Certificates of Authenticity will become second nature. By implementing these suggestions, artists can protect their work, increase its value, and build lasting trust with collectors at a minimal cost.

Artist packaging an artwork

Free Certificate of Authenticity Templates

To get you started, we’ve provided a series of FREE Certificate of Authenticity templates you can adapt. Download them as editable PDFs and add your personal details.

Want a custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity template?

Send us an email using our contact form.

About the author

Rosie Bird

Rosie is an artist and creative innovator from Brisbane Australia. With two fine arts degrees and years of experience in the contemporary art world, she has acquired a wealth of industry knowledge. She founded open-folio as a way of creating a vibrant online community of contemporary artists and helping them reach their fullest potential.
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