Though not very glamorous, a very popular category of media is inkjet-compatible address shipping labels (clear and opaque).
| If you, like me, are someone who enjoystesting many types of papers and other materials, I highly recommend labeling theback of all your test prints and the inside of your roll materials with the exact name ofthe paper or material. This can be done by writing on address labels andplacing them on the material, or by using a pen, pencil, or marker directly to theback of the print. You can also pre-print labels with headings, such as Printer Name,Profile, and Driver/RIP settings. After writing in the information, you can then justaffix the label to the print. You can download a letter-sized print test worksheet from this page in PDF form (link L2.3). It can be formatted for specific labels, or you can print it on a full 8.5×11-inch self-adhesive label sheet.
A print and roll, both labeled with Avery self-adhesive labels. (Right) The bottom of a framed print on the wall during an exhibition at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Ft. Collins, CO, with two clear inkjet-compatible self-adhesive labels used as placards. The labels shown are Avery #8663. The show placards were printed on a dye-based inkjet printer—most labels are compatible with dye- and pigment-based inkjet printers.Inkjet-compatible address labels are also a very good choice for use as placards duringexhibitions (they go on the wall next to prints and usually include the artistsname, process and image title). These generally do not damage the walls, which isanother significant benefit. They can also be adhered to the back of prints and mats,or to a clear plastic bag that’s holding a matted print. And, of course, you can usethem for just about any type of mailing.
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Be sure to do a test first before printing a fullsheet, just in case your printer’s ink is not compatible. Some labels may not say inkjetcompatible, but they still may work fine (especially if you are just printing text). Somelabels will be more water-resistant than others, which is an important considerationfor mailing.Andrew Darlow is a photographer, author and digital imaging consultant based in the New York City area. He is editor of 
