artistmade

Artistmade is a label and concept used in the art market to denote artworks or goods that are created by individual artists in their own studios, rather than mass-produced under factory conditions. The term is used by galleries, online marketplaces, and artist collectives to emphasize authorship, originality, and artisanal production processes.

Origins and use: The rise of the maker movement and the expansion of online platforms in the 21st century contributed to labeling items as artist-made to distinguish them from machine-made products. The term spans visual arts, crafts, jewelry, and design and is often paired with descriptors such as handmade, one-of-a-kind, or edition of a specified quantity. Some platforms require artists to provide provenance, including studio location, edition size, and signature.

Characteristics: Typical criteria include direct creation by the named artist, limited production, or unique or small-series items. Works are commonly signed and dated, with documentation of materials and techniques. The label frequently appears in product descriptions, artist bios, and shop policies to communicate authenticity.

Reception and limitations: Proponents argue that artist-made labeling supports fair compensation for creators and helps consumers identify authorial work. Critics note potential ambiguity when works are produced with assistance from others, or when the label is used without clear verification. Practices for quality control and provenance vary across platforms.

See also: Fine art, craft, handmade, artisanal, maker movement, artist-led publishing.