I’ve talked about art in another alt asset deep dive, and I really believe art can be a fantastic investment, but I am also very aware for some people can be prohibitive from a $ to get started.

That’s where art prints come into play.

They’re often more budget-friendly than original paintings, making them an attractive option for collectors.

And in 2024, more people are turning to art prints as an investment.

So, should you consider investing in limited-edition prints? What makes them worth it? That’s exactly what I am going to dive into.

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Topics covered:

• Limited edition art prints explained
• Art prints vs originals
• How to figure out the value of a print
• Where to purchase prints
• Resources and links to print dealers

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Limited Edition Art Prints Explained

If you plan on purchasing limited edition art prints, it’s important (as always!) to conduct thorough research first, but let me try and help give a sense of what you need to look out for.

So first up, there are several types of art prints – for example:

• Signed and unsigned prints
• Artist proofs
• Unlimited prints/ open edition prints
• Limited editions

Essentially, prints are reproductions of original works of art.

Art prints are usually created using inkjet printers on premium-grade paper or canvas. Signed prints are prints that have been signed by the artist personally. They are usually more valuable than unsigned prints.

An artist’s proof refers to the print impression from the printmaking process. Artists will create proofs in order to assess the printing condition. Some artists will sell these proofs as they are one-of-a-kind! The imperfections may actually make the proof more valuable.

Unlimited prints or open-edition prints may be less valuable as they have no limit, which means there is lower demand. That being said, they can still sell for thousands of pounds depending on the condition and the artist.

A limited edition print comes from a set number of prints available. They are limited, which therefore increases the demand.

This is why limited edition prints are so valuable.

Editions can vary in size – some artists will only print 50 prints, whereas others will print over 200. Prints from smaller editions hold more value due to the increased demand.

Prints are typically numbered – a print taken from a 50-edition, for example, may be named 3/50 – in order to determine which number the print is as well as the edition size. With limited editions, you’ll be given a numbered certificate of authenticity.

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Art Prints vs. Originals

Art prints are reproductions, typically made in editions, so there can be several prints from the same edition. Originals, on the other hand, are unique, one-of-a-kind works of art.

Originals often come signed by the artist and have a certain depth that prints might not capture, like the texture of the paper or the way the paint sits on the surface.

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How to figure out the value of a print?

Many things can affect the price of prints. To help figure out the value of a print you own or one you're thinking of buying, here’s some key factors that can impact both value and price.

The Size of the Edition

Limited edition prints are usually numbered at the bottom right corner, showing the total number of prints and the specific print’s place in the edition. For example, "33/150" means it's the 33rd print in an edition of 150. The first print in the edition is often the most valuable, as collectors consider it closest to the artist’s original vision.

Prints may also have special markings like A/P, P/P, or T/P, indicating different types of proofs. These are often even more valuable than the numbered prints.

Trial Proof (T/P)

Artists create trial proofs (marked T/P) to experiment with ideas, colors, and compositions. These prints are unique, as they’re usually one-of-a-kind tests that didn’t make it to the final edition. Once not for sale, trial proofs have become highly sought after, especially since artists like Andy Warhol started selling them.

Bon à Tirer Proof (B.A.T)

Once the artist finalizes the artwork, a bon à tirer (B.A.T) proof is made. This French term means "good for printing" and serves as the standard for the rest of the edition. Typically, there’s only one B.A.T proof per edition, making it highly valuable.

Artist’s Proof (A/P)

During printing, artists occasionally pull prints to check the quality. These are known as artist’s proofs (A/P). Though they look the same as regular prints, they’re more exclusive, making up about 10% of the edition. They’re often more valuable due to their rarity.

Printer’s Proof (P/P)

Printer’s proofs (P/P) are identical to other prints in the edition but are given to the printers as gifts. Since they’re limited to the number of printers involved, they’re even more exclusive and valuable.

Hors Commerce Proof (H.C.)

Hors Commerce (H.C.) proofs are prints made for dealers and galleries to showcase the artist’s work. Although marked "not for sale," these proofs sometimes enter the market and are highly prized for their rarity.

The Condition of the Print

A print’s condition significantly impacts its value. Prints are vulnerable to damage like water stains or fading. Before buying a print on the secondary market, ask for a condition report. Even minor damage, like trimmed margins, can lower the print's value.

The Artist’s Signature

An artist's signature greatly increases a print’s value, often doubling or tripling it. Signed prints are easier to resell, so it’s worth spending a bit more on a signed piece if possible. However, if you have an unsigned print, it can still be valuable, especially if it comes with a certificate of authenticity or art provenance.

Provenance and Authenticity

Unsigned prints can still hold value if they come with a certificate of authenticity or a provenance document. These records prove the print’s originality and history, making them important for verifying its value.

The Size of the Print

Size can also influence a print’s value. Larger prints, especially those over 40 inches, are more expensive due to higher production costs and the skill required to produce them.

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Where to purchase art prints

OK, so now you have a feel for art prints and why they’re potentially a good investment, now you have to actually buy your print. So how do you do that?

Well, there are three ways to do that:

• Auction
• Gallery
• Broker

The auction house is generally your last resort, try to avoid them unless it’s the only way to secure a specific, desired piece. They are very expensive as they end up taking 40-50% by charging both buyer and seller (and just to reiterate: make sure you see the work in person as their condition reports aren’t always reliable).

The gallery route is also expensive thanks to large overheads such as retail space, and costly art fairs.

Dealers and brokers will charge significantly less than the other two, and this is generally the best route, not just for the saving on commission, but for their bespoke service and guidance. Once they discuss with you your intentions, they can source various options through their network.

Resources 📝

• 1st Dibs - online marketplace where you can source rare prints
• 20x200 - limited-edition prints starting at $24, with new releases every week.
• Tappan Collective - ****a curated selection of emerging artists, offering both original works and limited-edition prints.
• Artfinder - connects buyers directly with independent artists, offering a diverse range of styles and mediums.

That’s it for this deep dive - hope you found it helpful.

Jason

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. Finbrain is strictly for educational purposes.

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