This topic might have been discussed here before, but it seems that I'm completely useless finding the appropriate keywords for both the forum search and google.

Now, I'm not doing commissions just yet, but one thing that has quite often crossed my mind is: what would be the best way to send finished artwork by mail so it would arrive to the recipient unharmed? If anyone here has some good, tried and tested method I would be very interested to hear that.

Again, sorry if I'm completely oblivious of this being discussed recently or if there's some easy-to-find instructions for that somewhere else. In that case, a link to that topic/site/etc. will do, thank you!

I don't recall ever having much of a discussion about this here. The local postal store has envelope mailers that I have used that seem well-suited to sending small, unframed art on paper. They're make of Tyvek (paper with embedded plastic strands) so they don't tear, and they include two pieces of cardboard inside. I cover the art with a piece of paper, put it in between the two pieces of cardboard, and put that in the tyvek envelope. This has worked well for me, including pieces sent from the U.S. to Germany and to the UK.

How a piece is sent depends on the size of the piece, the medium and the support.

A drawing will be easier to send in some ways than a stretched canvas. A pastel is another story again and having recently sent a large pastel, its a challenge and I hold my breath until its there and signed for.

I guess the most important aspect of sending any piece is protection of the surface. I use a padded envelope for small pieces. I cover the piece with glassine paper or tracing paper if glassine isn't available and then sandwich the drawing between two pieces of foamboard. You could use cardboard, but foamboard gives an extra protection.

I send my stuff by UPS and they bubble wrap it. Then put it in heavy cardboard. I haven't had any problems yet. Either they will do it for a price or they will tell you how to do it.

I found this site and believe you all may want to bookmark it as well.. How to make your own Mailers.. A lot cheaper than those specialty mailers .. and they look sturdy !!
mailers

With my illustration work, I happen to work on unstretched canvas that comes in rolls. It's super easy to send the artwork as I just role it up and stick it in a fedex tube. Done!

I have sent drawings, mostly portaits, to many nations around the world. I have very good results from the cardbord mailers that can be purchased at most post offices. I do not recommend bubble envelopes. I believe I have best results when I send a portrait or drawing on paper between two pieces of acid free cardstock and regular cardborad mailers.

Bobby

For drawings put them in plastic sheet protectors, being sandwiched btw cardboards or papers is not a good idea because the pencil is gonna rub off and ruin it - unless you use fixative or something. But best n simplest is sheet protectors.

Thanks for all the replies.

I sent my latest work ("How Did You Find Me" in my gallery) to UK using the simple method including a plastic folder and a cardboard envelope. I used fixative and covered the drawing with a sheet of paper. It went through unscathed.

It might take a "while" before I start doing any larger projects or paintings let alone send them anywhere, but at least now I'll be somewhat prepared when it happens.