Some of the photographers here on NPN offer limited edition prints of their photographs, as can be observed from visiting their web-sites. I was interested in knowing how and why they chose a particular edition size (be it 25 prints or 500 prints). Also, have any of you sold out an edition?
The reason I'v done limited edition prints is that people who collect art want them. I usually limit an edition to 450. I picked 450 based on the profit I would expect from an image.
I also have some prints that I printed many years ago that are not limited edition. If you start doing limited prints make sure you keep track of them. I usually start my number at about 50/450 in case a company orders a bunch of the same print. (Christmas gifts, promotional items, etc.) Yes I have retired some prints.
Anil
The decision to do limited editions is an important marketing consideration. After much though and consultation with gallery owners and other artists I came to the conclusion late last year that if I was going to target the high end market, limited editions were essential. To that end I have started offering truly limited editions of 25 of select exceptional images with 5 Artist's proofs. Pricing is graduated increases in intervals of 10, 5, 5, 3, 2.
It is too early for me to get a handle on success but response has been positive.
I finally caved and started offering a small collection of my images as limited editions. I plan to keep this a very exclusive set, mainly for collectors. I wanted the edition size to be realistic and meaningful (not like some who use 4- and 5-digit limits, or different limits by size, or different limits by edition, and all kind of other tricks to keep milking the image without *really* limiting it), so I set mine at 50.
Guy
Posted by Susie Hopkins on March 12, 2008 at 8:12 AM
I sell local prints to local people and reassure them I will keep my limit to 10 on select images.. They like the exclusiveness of it.. Keep in mind, this is an Island with a summer population of about 2000.. I think there are a lot of variables when it comes to limited editions..
Posted by Mike DiVita on March 12, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Guy,
Does this mean you have other images that aren't limited editions?
I'm working one an upcoming show and the gallery owner wants a one of a kind size, one edition print, but I'm free to sell any other sizes that I want too.
Does this mean you have other images that aren't limited editions?
Correct. Most of my images are not. I created a small exclusive set for collectors and galleries who are interested in limited editions. My goal is to share the beauty with as many people who can appreciate it as I can. Selling all my work as limited editions would go against the very reason I create it.
I have kept my image not-limited for that very reason. With the new Baryta papers like Epson Exhibition Fiber, I was planning on printing the same images that I now do that are unlimited as limited editions of 25 on the Baryta papers. I think that is a more collectable print as it is on a very premium paper.
Discussion
8 repliesThanks a bunch.
I also have some prints that I printed many years ago that are not limited edition. If you start doing limited prints make sure you keep track of them. I usually start my number at about 50/450 in case a company orders a bunch of the same print. (Christmas gifts, promotional items, etc.) Yes I have retired some prints.
The decision to do limited editions is an important marketing consideration. After much though and consultation with gallery owners and other artists I came to the conclusion late last year that if I was going to target the high end market, limited editions were essential. To that end I have started offering truly limited editions of 25 of select exceptional images with 5 Artist's proofs. Pricing is graduated increases in intervals of 10, 5, 5, 3, 2.
It is too early for me to get a handle on success but response has been positive.
Guy
Does this mean you have other images that aren't limited editions?
I'm working one an upcoming show and the gallery owner wants a one of a kind size, one edition print, but I'm free to sell any other sizes that I want too.
Mike
Don: I did't quite follow what you meant by starting your numbering at 50/450. Can you kindly explain?
Correct. Most of my images are not. I created a small exclusive set for collectors and galleries who are interested in limited editions. My goal is to share the beauty with as many people who can appreciate it as I can. Selling all my work as limited editions would go against the very reason I create it.
Guy
I have kept my image not-limited for that very reason. With the new Baryta papers like Epson Exhibition Fiber, I was planning on printing the same images that I now do that are unlimited as limited editions of 25 on the Baryta papers. I think that is a more collectable print as it is on a very premium paper.