FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

From raw charcoal and hand-stretched canvases to custom packaging and global shipping. Here is everything you need to know about acquiring an original piece or Fine Art Print.

ARTWORK & CRAFT
What is the difference between an original artwork and a Fine Art Print?

An original is an exclusive, physical piece created entirely by hand in my studio using charcoal, raw texture, and gold accents. It exists only once worldwide and comes signed. A Fine Art Print is a high-quality museum-grade reproduction printed on archival paper. It allows the motif to remain accessible even after the original has been sold.
Are original artworks signed and certified?

Yes. Every original artwork is hand-signed by me and accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity, personally dated and signed.

Each certificate identifies the artwork by its title, medium, dimensions, and unique artwork identification number.
Do Fine Art Prints also come in hand-crafted packaging?

No. My custom hand-crafted packaging is strictly reserved for original artworks. Fine Art Prints are produced and fulfilled directly by my specialized print partner, Gelato. They arrive in professional, secure packaging designed for safe transport, but do not include the hand-built packaging from my studio.
How are your charcoal artworks protected, and how should I care for my piece?

Charcoal is an expressive but inherently delicate medium. To preserve the surface, every original artwork is treated with fixative and sealed with multiple coats of protective varnish in my studio.

While this locks the charcoal into place and protects the surface, an original artwork should always be handled with care. Avoid touching, wiping, or rubbing the surface directly. To maintain its depth and quality over decades, keep the piece away from extreme humidity, drastic temperature shifts, and prolonged direct sunlight.
Do original artworks come framed?

It depends on the specific piece. Some originals are created on stretched canvas or custom-built structures, while others are executed on heavy paper.

Whether an artwork arrives framed, ready to hang, or unframed is explicitly stated in the respective product description.

PACKAGING & SHIPPING
How are original artworks packaged?

Packaging is an integral part of my work. Every original is prepared personally in my studio. Depending on the size, I construct multi-layered protective packaging using high-density foam, corner protection, and reinforced cardboard or custom timber frames to ensure maximum protection during transit.
Where do you ship from, and how are shipping costs calculated?

All original artworks are shipped directly from my studio in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

I offer complimentary shipping to Switzerland, the European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

For Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates, a flat shipping fee of CHF 800 applies to original artworks.

Fine Art Prints are produced and shipped through Gelato’s international production network. Their shipping costs depend on the destination and are displayed at checkout.

Any applicable import duties, taxes, or customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
How long will it take to receive my order?

Estimated delivery times for original artworks depend on the destination:

Switzerland and European Union: 5–8 business days.

United States, Canada, and United Kingdom: 10–15 business days.

Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and United Arab Emirates: 15–35 business days.

Each original artwork is personally inspected and carefully packaged before shipment. Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to customs procedures or local transportation conditions.

Fine Art Prints are produced on demand, with production and shipping times depending on the destination.
Will I have to pay customs duties or import taxes?

International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees imposed by the destination country.

These charges are not included in the artwork price or shipping costs and are the responsibility of the buyer.

Any applicable charges may be collected by local customs authorities or the shipping carrier before delivery.

ORDERS & POLICIES
What happens if an artwork arrives damaged?

If your package or artwork arrives damaged, please take clear photos of both the outer packaging and the artwork immediately, keep all shipping materials, and contact me at info@danielmartin.ch as soon as possible. I will personally review the case and resolve it with you.
What is your return policy?

Due to the unique nature of original hand-crafted artworks, specific return conditions apply. Please review the Return Policy page linked in the shop footer for detailed terms, or contact me before purchasing if you have specific questions.
Do I acquire copyright when I buy an original artwork?

No. Buying an original artwork grants you physical ownership of the piece itself, but all copyrights and reproduction rights remain exclusively with me as the artist. I retain the right to document, publish, or produce prints of the motif.