Why Tay Harlan Signatures Can Look Different on Different Artworks

If you look across different Tay Harlan artworks, you may notice that the Harlan signature can differ slightly from piece to piece. That’s intentional -- so that the signature matches the unique style of the artwork. 

Despite the fact that the signature follows a trend and is always unique and handcrafted, I change it slightly to match the specific composition and vibe of the artwork that it's emblazoned across. And even though most pieces fall under the cowboy pop art and modern western motif, there are still certain idiosyncrasies between pieces that call for greater attention to detail for every aspect of the artwork, including the signature. 

If a painting is visually busy—with bold colors, heavy brushstrokes, layered textures, or a lot happening within the composition—I may use a slightly larger or bolder signature so that it doesn't completely get lost in the shuffle. 

On the other hand, if a piece is very simple, minimal, or bare, I will usually make the signature smaller and more understated. In those cases, a large signature could claim too much space or draw attention away from the simplicity that makes the artwork work.

If an artwork features large, expressive paint strokes, the signature may have a similarly loose and expressive quality. If the artwork is more refined or elegant, I may make the signature cleaner and more restrained so that it feels natural within the composition.

For a particularly free-form or whimsical piece, the signature might become a little more free-form and whimsical as well.

The goal is to always achieve balance. No matter the artwork, I generally use a handwritten cursive-style Harlan signature. That remains a consistent part of the work and the Tay Harlan identity. I like having the Harlan name visible on the front of my artwork because it gives each piece an identifiable origin. At the same time, the signature should never become the focal point unless the composition naturally calls for it.

I want the Harlan signature to stand out enough that someone can recognize where the artwork came from, but I don't want it to subtract from the piece itself. The artwork determines the strokes. The strokes influence the signature. And the signature becomes one final part of the composition.