The difference between Open Edition and Limited Edition prints and artwork
If you are thinking about selling your printed artwork and have heard the terms ‘Open Edition’ and ‘Limited Edition’, but you are not sure what the difference is between the two and which would be best suited to your work, this blog post sets out everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What is an Open Edition print?
What is an Open Edition print?
An open edition print can be printed over and over again in any quantity you want. Your design can be printed on other merchandise, such as t-shirts, notebooks or mugs etc. and in a variety of different colours. As there is no limit to the number of prints, open edition prints usually cost less than limited edition prints and tend not to increase in value over time.
For more information about open edition prints, I have answered some common questions below:
Should you number open edition prints? - As there is no limit to the number of prints in an open edition, they are not numbered. The fact there is no number on your print will make it clear to your customers that it is an open edition, not a limited edition print.
Should you include a title on an open edition print? - There are no set rules, so this is down to personal preference, although open edition prints do often include a title. If your open edition print has a title, this is usually shown in the bottom left corner.
Should you include a signature on an open edition print? - As with including a title on your print, adding a signature is down to personal preference. Open edition prints do often include a signature, usually in the bottom right corner.
Should you include a Certificate of Authenticity with an open edition print? - Open edition prints do not usually come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
What is a Limited Edition print?
A limited edition print is when there is only a certain number of copies available of the print. Once all the prints in the edition have been created, the artist can not make and sell anymore of that particular design.
For more information about limited edition prints, I have answered some common questions below:
Should you number limited edition prints? - Yes, the convention is for the number of a limited edition print to be shown in the bottom left corner of the print. It will show how many prints are in the edition and what number of the edition this particular print is. For example, edition number 12 of 80 would read as 12/80.
Should you include a title on a limited edition print? - This is completely up to the artist. If your print has a title, it is usually shown in the centre under the image. Not all limited edition prints include a title.
Should you include a signature on a limited edition print? - Limited edition prints do not have to include the artist’s signature, but the print is usually considered more valuable if they are hand-signed by the artist. The artist can sign on the front or back of the print or in a Certificate of Authenticity, but usually the artist’s signature is in the bottom right hand corner. Including a signature on a print is a sign of the print’s authenticity.
What is Embossing and should you emboss your limited edition print? - It’s possible to have a personal embossing stamp made as an alternative or as an addition to signing your print. Embossing is not essential, but it can add a finishing touch to your print.
Should you include a Certificate of Authenticity with a limited edition print? - It is a good idea to include a Certificate of Authenticity with a limited edition print. It determines the origin of the print, it proves the print is genuine and verifies the quality of the work.
Can limited edition prints be printed in different sizes? - Yes, it’s possible to produce limited edition prints in different sizes, but each size would be a different version and the artist should limit the print to a certain number at each size.
Can limited edition prints be printed in different colours? - As above, yes, a limited edition print can be produced in different colours, but each colour would be a different version and the artist should limit the print to a certain number in each colour.
How many prints are in a limited edition? - The artist or publisher usually decides how many prints are in an edition of a particular print. It is recommended that a limited edition print run is kept below 850 prints globally, although an edition is often a lot less than this.
Sometimes the artist is limited by the printing plate or lino wearing out. Once the quantity has been decided on and the prints have been produced, the printing surface is destroyed as no further copies can be made.
Before signing and numbering an edition, the printmaker will study each print and remove any prints that have irregularities.
Are limited edition prints worth anything? - The value of any art really depends on who the artist is and a limited edition print is no different in this sense. Having said that, limited edition prints usually retain or increase in value. The number of the edition can be an important feature in determining the value of a print, with the rule being; the smaller the number the greater the value.
What does ‘AP’ mean on a signed print?
Sometimes you will see ‘AP’ in the bottom left of a print instead of a number. ‘AP’ stands for ‘Artists’ Proof’.
What is the difference between artist proof and limited edition? - An artist will create proofs of their work until they are happy with the print and are a necessary part of the production process. Often, an artist proof is different from the final edition, this uniqueness can make them highly sought after. For this reason, proofs are considered rare and are often more valuable than a numbered print that forms part of the limited edition.
I hope you have found this post useful and it has helped inform your decision about whether or not to edition your own prints. If you have any further questions or comments, please email me at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
