You can further enhance the future market for your art by making sure that everything is signed, dated or otherwise labeled including sketches, drawings, and lesser items. In situations where artists leave behind quantities of unsigned works, those representing the estates are forced to make estate stamps or provide other forms of certification after the fact. Dealers and collectors view these pieces as less desirable because the artists never took time to sign them and, therefore, pay less for them. Also document as many pieces as possible in terms of age, significance, and other relevant details. Good documentation increases understanding of the art as well as its value.
Collectors prefer knowing the history behind what they're buying and pay for that privilege.
You younger artists should think about starting this now while everything is fresh in your minds. Copyright Alan Bamberger 1999. All rights reserved.