Limited Edition Prints
Publishing your artwork as a limited edition print - some common questions
If you decide to publish your artwork as a limited edition print, can you change the quantity of the prints produced later or even change the media or size of the prints in the run?
The answer is to make your intentions clear at the outset - your marketing material and certificate of authenticity should all clearly state the number of prints in the edition, their size(s) and the media(s) to be printed on. So for example, it would be OK to state a limited edition of 50 prints with 25 prints at 20ins x 16ins on Baryta and a further 25 prints at A2 on Photo Rag so long as this was made clear at the outset.
An example certificate of authenticity might state: "This numbered edition of 50 - A2 prints is printed on Photo Rag media and is from an authentic single limited publication. It is produced using a giclee printer with a LUCIA 12-colour pigment ink system and is approved signed and numbered by the artist. To ensure the integrity of the edition, all original files have been securely deleted and extra-copies were destroyed on completion. The artist and printmaker hereby affirm the authenticity of this limited edition with this certificate".
A certificate of authenticity is a great way to market your high quality, limited edition, giclee print as it assures the buyer, and any future buyer, that they can verify the authenticity of the giclee print.
It would be unethical and damaging to your reputation to later extend your limited edition once all the prints have been sold. Equally it would be unethical to use the same artwork on a Christmas card or any other commercial media, once your artwork has been published a a limited edition, it should not appear on further prints or in any other form.
If you purchase an original artwork, does that give you the right to reproduce it?
The short answer is no, you have no right to reproduce that artwork. The original artist or photographer will always retain the copyright of that work and you would not be permitted to make copies without the permission of the copyright owner. The only exception would be if the artwork was out of copyright and this is usually when the artist or photographer has been dead for seventy years and the artwork then passes into the public domain.
