watermarks

[Doodlecats]

Sorry if this has been asked before (which it probably has)

Do you watermark the images you put up on Etsy? I'm torn, I hate how they look (tried with a few of my images) but at the same time I don't really want my pictures to be stealable. I've already had one person take images from my site and print them out for their wall (which they then told me about)

[Former_Member]

I do use a watermark, for the reason you stated.

[SketchAway]

I use low res images, but not watermarked ones. I don't like how the watermarks look and I know many treasury makes don't like them either...

[Former_Member]

If you aren't going to use a watermark use low resolution images for sure!

[DeborahJulian]

I use low res images and do not watermark. I also don't like how watermarks look--but sometimes wonder if I am putting my images at risk. I am stunned that someone told you he/she printed your work and put it on their wall!

[GoingPlaces2]

I use low res and a watermark in a bottom corner so it doesn't really interfere with treasuries.

[Former_Member]

We see alot of people bring in low res files to our print shop to try and have them printed. Usually we don't do the work, because they're just too small or low resolution, not to mention, that if they have very low resolution files, it's probably because they stole them from the internet somewhere, and I don't really approve of that. Either way, the point is, most print shops won't print very low resolution files, so even if someone did steal a low resolution file, they couldn't do much with it, or ruin your life too badly.

Avoid watermarks, because they really can detract form your image as a whole - just stick with low res files - about 6"x8" at 72dpi should be low enough that prints can't be made from them, but still a reasonable size when viewing on the web.

Good luck!