Reproducing Two Dimensional Art: Open Edition Prints vs. Limited Edition Prints

In addition to knowing how to reproduce pencil drawings and other 2D artwork (a topic to be covered in detail in an upcoming post), one should consider the category under which the reproductions will be sold. This posting will address the difference between “open edition prints” and “limited edition prints.”

FYI – Two-dimensional reproductions are often referred to as prints, and I will use the terms here interchangeably. The term “print” is not to be confused with the original print-making process where an artist actually hand-creates each print. For this posting, a print will be known as a reproduction of an original painting, drawing or other two-dimensional piece of artwork.

An open edition print is a reproduction of unlimited quantity. You can print as many of them as you like. A limited edition print refers to a set number of copies of the work of art. Each reproduction is then signed and numbered by the artist for authenticity. As the total quantity available for sale is limited, the sale price for limited edition prints tends to be higher than that of open edition prints. This price ratio increases as the artist gains recognition.

The practice of limiting editions and numbering of reproductions dates back to early printing methods – when the quality of the images declined as the printing plates began to show evidence of wear. By limiting an edition to the best examples of an artist’s work, the artist protected both his or her artistic integrity and the value of the work to the collector. Printing methods have since advanced considerably and editions are now often limited for financial reasons. By ensuring the relative rarity of the work, an artist increases its value.

In addition to a fixed number of edition prints, there may also exist AP prints and HC prints. AP prints refer to Artist Proofs. Artist proofs also date back to early printing methods. These were the first sheets off the printing press which were used to determine ink coverage and general quality. As they were the first pieces to be printed, they were considered to be more valuable. AP prints are signed and numbered separately from the main edition. HC prints, or Hors De Commerce (not for trade) prints, are marked by the artist as prints to be used for business practice: such as samples, display only, etc. Occasionally there are also PP or Printers Proofs. These refer to the prints gifted to the printer responsible for printing the artwork.

A hand-tinted print is a custom variation on reproductions. Hand-tinting refers to the process of manually adding color highlights to black & white photographs or black & white reproductions. The process usually involves the application of watercolors or dies applied with a brush. Note that in the case of limited editions, any tinted prints are part of the same edition and not a separate edition. In other words, if print #43 is sold as a hand-tinted print, no other print #43 of the same image and size exists.

You can print open editions and limited editions of the same image, by the way. Try different sizes – perhaps an open edition with a small image that can be matted to fit an 8″x10″ frame. Then run a larger print size in a smaller quantity and sign/number those prints as limited editions.

A limited edition print should include a “Statement of Reproduction.” This can be a label or certificate that contains at minimum the following information: title of artwork, reproduction method, artist name, publisher name, image size, copyright declaration, edition size and the number of the print. Also include your contact information. If your prints are matted or framed for sale, this statement should be affixed to the backing board behind the print.