How to Format an Artwork Label: A Guide for Galleries

Artwork labels are more than identifiers—they’re a bridge between the viewer and the work. In a gallery setting, a well-formatted label can enhance understanding, increase engagement, and even drive sales. With the rise of NFC-embedded labels, formatting becomes even more strategic, blending physical clarity with digital depth.

This article outlines best practices for formatting artwork labels, supported by data and examples from galleries and museums.

1. Essential Elements of an Artwork Label

According to industry standards, a professional artwork label should include:

Artist’s Name (e.g., Barbara Gilhooly)
Title of the Work (italicized or bolded, e.g., The Quiet Field)
Year of Creation (e.g., 2023)
Medium (e.g., Oil on linen; avoid vague terms like “mixed media”)
Dimensions (e.g., 70 × 50 × 3 cm)
Price (if for sale)
Contact Information (website, email, or social media handle)

Including these elements ensures clarity and professionalism, and helps visitors make informed decisions.

2. Keep the Layout Simple and Readable

A clean layout enhances legibility and complements the artwork.

Use a minimum 14pt font size for readability
Maintain consistent label size and placement across the exhibition
Avoid clutter by using whitespace and hierarchy to guide the eye
Crop labels closely to avoid excessive margins

Design Insight: Labels that are too small or overly decorative reduce readability and visitor engagement

3. Include Pricing and Installment Options

Transparency around pricing builds trust and encourages sales.

Clearly display the price (e.g., “£2,400”)
Offer installment breakdowns (e.g., “£200/month over 12 months”)
Mention available payment platforms or interest-free options

Market Data: 95% of online art buyers say price transparency is essential, and 42% of younger collectors prefer flexible payment options

Tip: NFC labels can dynamically update pricing and link to secure payment portals.

4. Add Contact Details for Follow-Up

Many visitors take photos of labels to revisit later. Make it easy for them to reach you.

Include your gallery name, website, and email
Add social media handles (e.g., @yourgalleryname)
Consider a Label Latte label to enable linking to a contact form

Engagement Insight: Galleries that include contact info on labels report higher post-visit inquiries and conversions

5. Use NFC to Expand the Experience

While the physical label should remain simple, NFC technology allows you to offer:

Artist interviews and videos
Real-time availability and pricing
Collector-only content
Accessibility features (e.g., audio guides, translations)

Visitor Behaviour Study: Museums using interpretive labels and digital extensions see 4x longer engagement times and deeper emotional responses

Conclusion: Format for clarity, design for engagement

From font size to payment options, every detail matters and every tap is an opportunity. A well-formatted artwork label is a silent ambassador for your gallery. It informs, invites, and inspires. With Label Latte you can keep the physical layout elegant while offering a rich, interactive experience that meets the expectations of today’s collectors.