Collecting Art Prints: Everything you need to know

Whether you are buying an art print or an artist looking to make one, understanding the difference between Fine Art Prints vs Posters and Originals vs Limited Editions is extremely useful.

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Types of Prints explained

Original prints are handcrafted artworks created using traditional printmaking techniques, while fine art prints (such as giclée) use archival inkjet printing for high-quality reproductions. Digital Prints, on the other hand, are mass-produced with standard printers and may lack longevity. Posters are inexpensive, widely available prints mostly distinctive by their lightweight, often coated, paper.

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Original Prints

An original print is an artwork created using printmaking techniques such as etching, lithography, woodcut, or screen printing. The image is designed specifically for this process, and each print pulled from the printing matrix (such as a plate, screen, or block) is considered an individual artwork rather than a reproduction.

• Created by hand using traditional printmaking methods.
• Each impression is an authentic artwork rather than a copy.
• Often signed and numbered by the artist.

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Fine Art Prints

Fine art prints, including giclee prints and screenprints, are created using high-resolution inkjet printing with archival pigment-based inks. These prints are often produced on acid-free paper or canvas, ensuring longevity and color accuracy. They are commonly used by artists to create high-quality reproductions of original artwork.

• Printed using archival pigment-based inks for durability.
• High-resolution printing preserves detail and texture.
• Typically produced in limited editions.

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Commercial Prints

Commercial prints, or digital prints, encompass a broad category of printed images produced using standard inkjet or laser printers. These prints vary in quality, depending on the printer, ink, and paper used. Unlike fine art prints, digital prints may not use archival materials, meaning they are more susceptible to fading over time.

• Produced with standard printing technology.
• Can be made quickly and in large quantities.
• Vary in quality based on materials used.
• The best option for creating zines.

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Posters

Posters are mass-produced images printed on thin paper using offset or digital printing. They are widely used for decorative or promotional purposes but are not considered fine art prints. While posters can feature artwork, they are not typically printed with archival materials or in limited editions.

• Mass-produced for affordability and accessibility.
• Typically printed on lightweight paper.
• Not intended for long-term preservation.

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Editions and Multiples

It’s also useful to understand the different types of editions a print can have.

Open Edition Prints

Open (or unlimited) edition prints are produced without a fixed limit on the number of copies. They are typically more affordable and widely available but do not hold the same value as limited edition or original prints.

• Unlimited production, reducing exclusivity.
• Often not signed or numbered.
• More accessible to a wider audience.

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Limited Edition Prints

Limited edition prints are produced in a fixed number of copies, making them more exclusive than open editions. High-quality processes such as giclee or screen printing are commonly used. Once the edition is complete, no additional prints are made, ensuring rarity.

• Produced in a set number (e.g., an edition of 50).
• Each print is numbered (e.g., 10/50 means the tenth print in a set of fifty).
• Signed by the artist, which adds to its authenticity.

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Artist Proof (A.P.) Edition

An Artist Proof (A.P.) is a special subset of a limited edition print, traditionally used by the artist for personal reference, exhibition purposes, or as gifts. These prints are typically identical in quality to the numbered edition but are marked as "A.P." instead of carrying a specific edition number. Historically, artist proofs were considered more valuable due to their rarity and direct connection to the artist.

• Marked as "A.P." instead of a fraction (e.g., 3/50).
• Often retained by the artist or sold at a premium due to their exclusivity.
• May contain slight variations from the numbered edition, adding uniqueness.
• Typically make up 10-15% of a limited edition print run..

Artist proofs continue to hold special significance among collectors, as they are considered closer to the artist’s creative process and intent.

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Multiples

A multiple refers to an artwork produced in multiple identical versions, often extending beyond paper to include three-dimensional works or mixed media. While similar to prints, multiples can exist in various forms, such as sculptures or cast objects, and are often produced in editions.

Key Features of Multiples:

• Can include objects beyond paper-based prints.
• Often produced in numbered editions.
• May use various materials, including ceramics, metal, or fabric.

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Why These Differences Matter

Understanding these distinctions helps buyers make informed decisions about what type of print suits their needs. Fine art prints and limited editions often appeal to collectors due to their quality and exclusivity, while digital prints and posters provide more affordable and accessible options.

Artists, on the other hand, can choose different printing methods based on their goals—whether it’s creating collectible artworks or widely available reproductions. Every choice influences the production costs of an artwork, and thus the retail price.

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Why collect works on paper?

"Works on paper" refer to any artwork created or reproduced on a paper surface. This category includes drawings, woodblock prints, watercolors, pastels, and fine art prints. 

Traditionally, creating works on paper is part of the Artist’s creative process. They can use inexpensive materials to test out new ideas or explore elements of a larger idea. 

Therefore, works of art can give outsiders a more intimate understanding of the artist's creative process. Art prints allow art lovers to own valuable works at different price points. 

Original and limited edition prints can hold significant value and appreciate over time, making them both an artistic and financial investment. With modernised art printing technology, art on paper can easily be reproduced into editions. These determine the accessibility and rarity of your prints. 

Printing the work is an art in itself, be it through traditional printing methods or modern printers. Giclee fine art prints are suitable for archival purposes, making them more appealing to collect. 

However, collecting Movie Posters is an interesting example of how art prints don’t always have to be inherently valuable, for them to be of value. Nostalgia and context can be a big factor in the value of an art print.

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Conclusion

The world of art prints is diverse, encompassing original works, limited editions, and open editions, each with its own artistic and market value. Additionally, distinguishing between fine art prints, digital prints, and posters helps collectors and artists navigate the art market more effectively. Whether you’re collecting or creating, understanding these differences ensures you can appreciate and invest in works of art on paper with confidence.

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