Packing Playlist!

Check out our Spotify playlist if you want some tunes while you pack!

Packing ABCs

Answers to our most commonly asked questions and our best tips to pack like a pro and send your box back fast. 

     1    

What art can I send?

You can send art in any shape or size! If it doesn't fit in your box, contact us and we'll help.

     2     

How much art can I send?

The Artkive Box can hold 300-400 pieces of flat art. Mosaics showcase 25 pieces of art, and books can be made with 20 – 350 pages.

For books, you'll owe a second payment based on how much art you send. You can estimate your second payment here.

If you order a book and send less than 20 pieces of art, we'll add a few blank pages. If you send more than 350 pieces, we can split it into multiple volumes or digitize the images that don't fit in the book.

We feature one piece of art per book page. If you want a few small items on one page, create a collage using tape or glue. Our photographers will not group items together.  

If you only want certain pages of something included (like a few pages in a notebook of art), clearly mark which ones you want photographed.

     3     

Can I send art for more than one child?

Yes! You can put it all right in this box. Just clearly separate each kids' art into piles and label them by kid/age/grade. If you want multiple kids' art in one book, make a note on your Order Details form.

If you want books created for more than two kids, just fill out another Step 2 Order Details form. If you need an extra copy of the Step 1 Order Form too, click here.

     4     

How should I organize my art?

We recommend organizing and separating your art by age and/or grade. If you order a book, we'll organize it by those categories! 

Note: We don't add custom captions or dates to images, but you can add them when you review your book proof.

Use folders, binder clips, or bags to separate and secure each pile, then label.

No time to organize? No problem.

We'll photograph your art top to bottom in the order it's received. You can rearrange pages and add labels when you review your book proof.

Packing Hacks

1. Binder Clip Pro Tip

2. Resist The Roll

Make sure you secure all the art into the clip so small items don't slip out. Use more clips if you need!

Rolling your art causes warped edges, which are tough to photograph. Don't do it.

3. Isolate Your Glitter

4. Protect 3D Friends

Contain sparkly art in a plastic bag or foil to prevent glitter contamination. You'll thank us! 

Clay or other 3D creations can get damaged in transit. Please protect them in bubble wrap, and skip sending any glass.

Artkive Box Packing... Behind the Scenes

More Packing FAQs

I am struggling with sorting the art. It sounds silly but I have so much. Should I put the art in chronological order?

A good way to start sorting is first by child and then by age/grade. Clearly label and separate the piles so we can keep that organization in your book. We will photograph and add images to your book in the order it was received. If it's too overwhelming to organize now, you can put all the art in the box and then rearrange the pages when we send your book proof.

How many pieces can I send? Can I send it all and let you guys decide? Maybe it’s enough for two books, is that an option?

The boxes typically hold 300-400 pieces of flat art. We will photograph everything you send us in the order it was received. Our books hold 20-350 pieces. We can certainly create multiple volumes if you have more than 350 pieces.

I can’t really get myself to organize the piles by the dates (I have two kids). I think the books will make no sense without that organization. What do you think?

You can always send your art and then organize on your computer once everything is digitized and we've sent you a book proof. Some customers find that easier than sorting the actual art pieces. Or you can pick timeframes like Emma Grades 1-3, Max Preschool and organize in bigger buckets so it's not as overwhelming.

Can I wait until the end of the school year to send back my box?

Yes, there is no time limit for sending back the box. We do get quite busy at the end of the school year and around the holidays since those are the most popular times for parents to return their boxes. Processing time will be longer during those periods, so if you want your keepsake with a faster turn-around, send it during off peak windows (January-April and early fall). We also do raise prices occasionally so this will impact your second payment. Sending your art back sooner guarantees the best pricing.

Is there any way to get extra bags? I want to put each of my kid's art in its own bag.

You can use any big bag to supplement. A trash bag or grocery bag work well.

Can I put a couple photographs in the box/book? I was going to put each year’s school picture in there.

Yes, you can definitely send photos - they give a special touch to your book. They will be priced the same as a piece of art.

Can I send 3D art?

Yes, you can send anything that fits in the box. We recommend not sending anything breakable (no glass please) and carefully wrapping 3D pieces. 3D art looks amazing in the books!

Will I get the original artwork back?

When you purchased your box, you had the option to have your artwork returned. Your receipt will note whether you purchased it or not. If you would like your art returned and didn't purchase it at checkout, email us at help@artkivebox.com

Can I just get the high res digital files? I'm not ready for a book.

You can certainly opt for digitization only. We put a lot of care into the photography and editing of your images. It will be 75% of the book cost. You can always add a book or mosaic later.

Can I include something other than art? Photographs, cards, certificates, letters?

Yes, we can photograph anything you send in the box and include it in your book. For cards, check out Cards by Artkive.

Want to nominate someone to get Artkive for free?

Our Artkive for Good program enables us to gift a 100-page Artkive book or framed mosaic every month to a deserving family.

We're here for you.

If you have special instructions for your art, include them on your order details form. Need more help? Email help@artkivebox.com

© 2022 Artkive All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service