Make time, be there limited edition print

Unlike unlimited edition prints also known as open editions , that can be reproduced an infinite number of times, limited editions are as their name suggest made in limited amounts.

Limited editions can contain anywhere between 2 and several thousand prints, depending on the technique used and intent of the artist. Prints from small editions retain exclusivity and reachhigher prices than large edition prints.

Every print in a limited edition is numbered, usually in pencil at the bottom of the print. This number that looks like a fraction is called a print run number and it shows the print's position in the edition.

The print run number is vital for determining the value of a print. The denominator the bottom number in the fraction will show you how many prints were printed in one edition. The upper number numerator will show you when each print was created during the run.

As far as print run numbers are concerned, the rule is simple: the smaller the number the bigger the value. First impressions in the print run usually reach higher prices since they are considered to be the closest to the artist's original idea. Does that mean it's fake? Absolutely not! During the printmaking process, the artist tests various ideas, colors, and compositions. These prints pulled out during various working stages are called trial proofs.

Trial proofs can show only a part of an incomplete print and they always differ from the final piece. When the artist is satisfied with the finished plate, a B. A is an impression of a print, taken during the printmaking process to review the state of a plate. In the past, artist's proofs were the first prints pulled off a fresh plate but nowadays an artist's proof can be pulled out at any time during the print run.

Artists usually keep artist's proofs for themselves so that they can borrow them to various institutions for exhibition purposes when the rest of the edition is sold out.

The authenticity of the work can be confirmed by selling it together with a special certificate. Should I date it this year, when it is printed, or last year, to be consistent with the date on the AP? Thank you for your answer. I will go with the date of the finished work and the AP; as prints in the edition are identical to the AP.

I have produced a limited print of only 50, but since then I have been approached by an author who would like to add the picture to the book which he is writing on the same subject, the picture will be very small! Thank you for your message. Hi Daisy thanks for the reply, I was under the assumption that a limited print is limited to the amount stated ie in this case 50!

But I had been approached by an author who wishes to add the picture in small format to his book! I have a different situation. I am not a photographer, but I enjoy purchasing unique, vintage photos. I have purchased an original slide with rights from the owner. I now want to produce a limited edition of prints of this single slide a vintage photograph.

What do you suggest I do regarding the COA requirements and possible writing on the photo itself? Thank you for posting such an informative article!

Answers so many questions that artists may have. I had developed a strong international market for my original oil paintings and wanted to supplement those sales with direct print sales from my website. I found the ideal starting place for marketing prints was to inform past collectors and followers through social media and I immediately sold out an entire edition.

Like this article? Sign up for the monthly newsletter with new articles and the latest gallery updates. By Liana Hayles Newton D eciding to sell your work in limited edition prints can be a great way to generate interest among collectors and create a sense of urgency around the buying process.

Photographer Viktoryia Vinnikava presented her latest collection in a Limited Edition run of 25 images Choose the Edition Size Carefully Limited edition prints tend to be more valuable than open editions, but once you set the size you will not be able to change your mind and create more images, even if they sold more quickly than you thought. Think Long Term Selling out a whole run of limited edition prints is an ideal situation, but you may be left feeling like you should have created more in an effort to cater to the market and increase your sales.

Join the discussion Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Bernard Kaiser Feb 21, Thank you for this informative article. Agora Experts Feb 24, Hi Bernand, Yes, that would be fair in relationship with the first buyers. Leah Nov 20, Do you tend to see more artists digitally removing their signature for prints, and then signing in pencil in the white space underneath, or keeping both? Dwayne Wilson Oct 17, In todays digital world of prints, when I make a print I always add my signature digitally in the lower right hand side of my prints, but it is part of the print itself.

Chris Hamilton Feb 18, I am a photographer…. Brenda Tharp Jan 7, Thank you for your insightful information here.

Kevin Holliday Nov 5, Hello, My question is if I have a limited edition image, can that same image also be used for an album cover for a musician? Thanks so much. Linda Oct 12, I have 3 limited edition prints by William Coombs, i am trying to find an aftermarket to sell them, can anyone point me a the right direction? Andra Bilici Sep 13, Hi Cecil, the way you choose to print your digital art should be your decision, but a limited edition is an artwork itself and comes with a certificate of authenticity where it states that it is a limited edition.

Jake Oct 9, Sounds to me like they made a second series after they sold out of the first series…which is unethical. Kristi Jun 21, When making a fine art print from a painting or ink drawing, do you suggest leaving a boarder so that you can sign in that area? Andra Bilici Jun 22, Hi Kristi, If the original work is signed, there is no need to leave a border.

Daisy O Connell May 8, Daisy O Connell May 8, Hi Judi, The print should be dated with the original date and you can also add this years date aswell. Judi Lieberman May 8, Thank you for your answer. Mick Graham Mar 5, I have produced a limited print of only 50, but since then I have been approached by an author who would like to add the picture to the book which he is writing on the same subject, the picture will be very small! Mick Graham Mar 7, Hi Daisy thanks for the reply, I was under the assumption that a limited print is limited to the amount stated ie in this case 50!

Jim Slivovsky Mar 2, I have a different situation. Chuck Beard Jul 27, Thank you for posting such an informative article! If selling prints is going to be your main business model then you will need to try and build up a big collection of images for prints.

But if you are only looking to it as an extra income stream you can be more selective. So start by figuring out what your business model is so that you can work out how to sell your photography. You might have the best photos. What do most people like hanging on their wall? Beautiful landscapes , iconic cityscapes , famous places , abstract , fine art , wildlife or nature photography.

These are some of the types of photos that tend to sell well. Go onto print sites and see what sort of imagery they have. Some may even have reviews or star rating systems. You should also check what the average photography rates are on these sites that are selling prints. Try to figure out if there is any pattern to it and how it fits into your photography. If you are a wildlife photographer look at what sort of wildlife photos sell and for how much.

Once you are ready to begin, you need to detach yourself from your photography and think like a photo editor. A photo might have taken you a whole lot of planning, persistence and determination. Only choose photos that you feel are likely to sell and at a good price. Remember, you want to make money from your prints. This editing process also involves making sure that the photos are technically perfect. That means they are sharp unless not intended to be for artistic reasons , correctly focused and free of any dust or debris spots.

This is where things get interesting. There are so many options these days in how you can print your work. There are a variety of papers , sizes, finishes, even materials like metal and frames.

Each one will come with a different cost. Before deciding on how much to sell your prints for, you need to figure out what your costs will be.

This is the basis for any business. Work out your costs, then add in your profit margin. It might be tempting to use the cheapest option. But keep in mind that you want to ensure that someone sees the value in buying your prints.

If they are printed on flimsy poor quality paper, would anyone want to pay a premium to buy it?