Susan Washington

##### In this blog, I will share how to create, price, and sell limited edition prints, offering artists new revenue streams and collectors exclusive, high-quality artwork.

At the start of my art career, I focused solely on creating small, affordable, original works. As time passed, I realized I preferred creating work on a much larger scale and stopped making small artworks. Inadvertently, I had limited my market by offering only high-priced, large, original paintings.

It wasn’t until I was at a friend’s art exhibition that I met a printer specializing in fine art prints. He introduced me to museum-quality printing using 100+ years archival ink on _Hahnemühle_ archival paper. A few months later, when the NYC gallery Trotter & Sholer invited me to a holiday exhibition, they were interested in two pieces that had already sold. Fortunately, I had high-quality images of both works and decided to create a small series of limited-edition prints. A few days later, I was amazed when I picked up my first prints. The quality and high resolution made them look almost three-dimensional at 30x40 inches. Both prints sold quickly at the exhibition, and I've been offering limited edition prints ever since.

### What are Limited Edition Prints?

Limited Edition Prints (LEPs) are a series of identical prints produced in a pre-determined quantity, typically 250 or fewer, to maintain value. Each print is individually numbered and signed by the artist, creating a balance between accessibility and exclusivity. For instance, marking a print "1/250" indicates it's the first print in a series of 250. Once the edition is complete, the original high-resolution digital image is destroyed, ensuring no additional prints can be made.

The key difference between limited and open-edition prints lies in their exclusivity. While open edition prints are reproduced indefinitely and typically command lower prices, LEPs offer collectors something special: a numbered, signed piece with inherent collectible value.

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### Why Should Artists Offer Limited Edition Prints?

**New Revenue Stream**: LEPs create an additional income source, usually at a more accessible price point than original works.

**Broadens Your Collector Base**: Artists can reach a larger audience with a new price point.

**Expands Portfolio**: Offering LEPs enables artists to have a more varied portfolio of work and offers options without needing to produce entirely new originals.

**Builds a Strong Collector Base**: LEPs can help attract new collectors and foster interest that may lead to commissions. It also increases recognition and exposure, allowing artists to share with a larger audience while maintaining exclusivity.

**Deepens Connection with Collectors**: Offering LEPs provides a unique option for existing collectors who may want more pieces or something different, and it can help art lovers who are just starting their collections.

### Benefits of Collecting LEPs

**Affordability**: LEPs are often more affordable, making it easier for collectors to acquire works from favorite artists.

**Exclusivity**: Limited editions offer something rare and exclusive, often making them more desirable.

**Artist Connection**: Hand-signed and numbered prints build a closer, personal connection between collector and artist.

**Diverse Collection**: Collectors can broaden their collections with LEPs in various styles and mediums.

**Investment Potential**: LEPs may appreciate over time, especially as the artist’s recognition grows.

**Support for Artists**: LEPs allow collectors to support artists they admire while affordably acquiring high-quality art.

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### How-To's for Artists: Producing LEPs

**Choosing Artworks**: Choose pieces that reflect your artistic vision and have resonated with your audience. You can either use existing works or create new pieces specifically for prints. The key is selecting work that will translate well to the printed format.

**High-Quality Images**: Make sure you have high-resolution photos of the artwork you want to have printed. I share some tips in [this blog from photographer Michael Daks](https://www.cohart.com/news/how-to-photograph-your-artwork). Another option here is to have artwork scanned if you are still in possession of the work. For the last several years, I have been having my artwork scanned, and it’s been a game-changer. I use a local company that has a large flatbed scanner. They can fit artwork up to 5’ x 4’ and charge per scan. Having the work scanned leads to exceptional final print quality. The result is a print that looks three-dimensional, picks up every single detail, and is super sharp. I created a series of small 9” x 12” artworks one year for the holiday season. The company I scan with lets me fit them all side by side in the scanner. As long as they all fit, it's considered one scan. However, the quality is so high that even with a 9” x 12”, I can print it up to four times that size without losing quality. 

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**Determining Print Sizes**: Familiarize yourself with standard frame sizes _(e.g., 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 24x36)_ to make it easier for collectors to frame your work. Be sure to maintain the proportions of your original artwork.

**Edition Size**: Decide on the size of your series. Consider factors like your target market, the exclusivity you want to convey, and appeal to collectors. A smaller edition size often increases the perceived value and exclusivity of prints, and larger edition sizes _(still under 250)_ make the work more accessible to a larger audience.

**Certificates of Authenticity (COA)**: COAs add credibility and appeal to collectors, outlining essential details like edition size, materials, and the artist's signature.

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**Finding a Printer**: Research reputable printers that use archival-quality inks and papers. This is important when creating limited edition prints as it adds value and collectibility. When I create limited edition prints, I bring the file to my printer, and we look at it together on his screen. Of course, you can calibrate your monitor and ask them for recommendations to ensure the color of the final print is accurate. But I find it helpful to go in and see it in person. Sometimes, I will bring in the original work if I have it, and he will adjust the color for me. The printer will then print off a sample, usually a 4” strip of the longest side. So if the final is 36” x 48”, he will print a 4” x 48” strip so we can make sure everything is perfect before I sign off and they go for the final print.

**Pricing**: There are various ways to price your LEPs, so I won’t recommend one specific approach. However, be sure to calculate the cost of production as your base price. From there, add your desired profit per print, factoring in your time and experience. Researching what other artists in your sector charge for their LEPs is helpful in understanding where you stand. Keep the edition size in mind as well; smaller editions generally command higher prices due to increased scarcity.

### Selling LEPs on Cohart 

Once your prints are ready, Cohart provides an excellent platform for managing limited edition print sales. Here's how to optimize your listings:

1. Upload your high-quality image and provide detailed descriptions of what collectors will receive
2. In "total edition run," enter the specific print number you're offering as well as the total in the series _(i.e.,3/250)_
3. Indicate that it's a limited-edition print
4. Include essential details like dimensions, paper type, and whether it's signed

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You can either print the entire series at once or work on demand. In either case, simply list one print at a time and create new listings with subsequent numbers as prints sell. Maintaining accurate records is crucial—keep detailed documentation of sold prints and available numbers to preserve the integrity of your editions.

Remember, every detail matters in building trust with collectors. Clear communication about your limited editions helps maintain their value and creates a professional experience for your buyers.

Through limited edition prints, I've found a way to make my work more accessible while maintaining its value and exclusivity. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your art business, LEPs offer an excellent opportunity to reach new collectors and grow your practice.

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Discover how to create, price, and sell limited edition prints, offering artists new revenue streams and collectors exclusive, high-quality artwork.

A Guide to Limited Edition Prints

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