Limited Edition

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There is a lot of confusion relating to the definition of ‘Limited Edition’.  All you have to do is a quick internet search to get all sorts of different ideas.  Take a look at the Epic Edits (link: http://blog.epicedits.com/2008/06/11/what-exactly-is-a-limited-edition-print/) blog to see several different perspectives.  Add to the conversation the topic of modern technology and you’ve got even more issues to sort through!

 

I do sell Limited Edition pieces.  Because there doesn’t seem to be broad consensus on the topic I offer a very upfront definition of what Limited Edition means to me and how I apply that definition to my art.

 

The pieces I sell that I call Limited Edition have the following qualities:

  • Can be a variety of printed media – traditional photographic paper, inkjet prints, giclee, metal, etc.
  • The long edge of the printed area of the piece is at least 19 inches.  There may be exceptions to the size rule and those exceptions will be fully documented.
  • Each piece is signed and numbered.
  • A Limited Edition image may be printed on a variety of media and in a variety of sizes.  For example, a picture of a lighthouse could be on photographic paper in one piece and printed on canvas in another piece.  Each image is limited to the number stated in the collection, i.e. 2/90 or 5/90.
  • In the example above, there would not be 90 photographs and 90 canvas prints.  There would be a sum total of 90 pieces of that particular image in all printed media combined.

 

Some common questions:

Do additional copies of a particular Limited Edition picture exist?

There are quite possibly smaller sized prints that are not limited.  For example, an unlimited number of 8×10’s could be made because it is smaller than the 19 inch requirement above.  Additionally postcards, greeting cards, etc. could be made from a Limited Edition image.

 

How is a Limited Edition image distinguished from an unlimited image?

The print (whether on photographic paper, inkjet, canvas, etc.) will be signed by me in the lower right corner.  In the lower left corner will be the numbering, i.e. 21/90.  21/90 means it’s the 21st print out of a sum total of 90 prints.

 

How do other artists define their Limited Editions?

Well, I can’t speak on their behalf, but I know it’s a fairly common practice to call a particular image a Limited Edition when they print it in a specific size or print it on a specific media.  Each artist is fairly free to define Limited Edition in their own way.  If you aren’t sure what their definition is, just ask.  I’ve given you my definition upfront.  Feel free to ask questions!