You’ve probably heard that you can charge more by limiting your print runs, but if you’re not sure how, or whether it actually works, you’re not alone. Limited Editions have long been marketed as a way to boost perceived value and create urgency, but in today’s saturated, fast-moving art world, do they still hold weight?
Limited Edition prints were born in the days of the printing press, as the plate degraded over time with each print passed through the press. Nowadays, the majority of reproductions originate from digital files and are recreated on high-tech printers, so limiting how many are produced can seem arbitrary.
That said, Limited Edition prints are a great way to add value and demand for your fine art prints. You can charge more for them because there are only a handful of these prints in the world.
Are Limited Editions right for you? Here are some important Considerations:
Choose your edition size carefully. Are you going to offer 10 or 200? Well-known artists can get away with smaller editions at higher prices, while emerging artists may offer a larger number at a lower price to generate interest and FOMO.
Sign and number each Limited Edition print by hand. For example, 4/25 would indicate the fourth of twenty-five prints in a LE run.
Include a Certificate of Authenticity, just as you would an original work of art. This should include your name, title of the work, edition number, medium, and print date.
Be honest. Once you reach the last print in a LE series, do not print anymore. Remember: you are charging more and your reputation is on the line, so be sure to keep careful track!
A final note: If you are just starting out and do not have much of a following yet, consider sticking with open edition prints for now. Limited Editions will serve you better when there’s higher demand and you are working with more reputable institutions.
When you’re ready to launch your collection of prints, contact Amazing Art Printing – St. Pete’s finest art print shop. We take all of the guesswork out of the printing process so all you have to do is sit back and collect your profits. Simply visit www.easelmanagement.com/amazing-art-printing or contact us at rosemary@easelmanagement.com. •
