Artists Proofs and Limited Edition Collections
- Date: 2008-07-23 - Word Count: 394
Share This!
In recent years, fine art collectors have increasingly focused on acquiring quality limited edition photo prints deriving from work carried out in the pre-digital era. As in all collectors editions, the value of the investment is in the fact that each image is available in set numbers, so that once the edition is sold out, then logically the value increases over time. In the case of sought-after photographers, or sought-after iconic images such as for example in the rock and pop music world of the 60's and 70's, this has proved to be an interesting hunting-ground for the incidental and perennial art aficionados alike
Additional value is to be found in securing one of the limited numbers of artist proofs for any particular edition.
What is an Artist or Printers Proof?
When a photographer/ art-director/artist releases a new image as a limited edition print, test prints are made, often in different sizes or on different types of paper before an edition is created. These pre-edition prints are known as Artist Proofs (AP) or in some cases, Printer's Proofs (PP). Sometimes an AP is deliberated i.e. for a charity auction.
How many Astists Proofs are made?
An AP is approximately 10% of an edition i.e. if an edition is 50 there is likely to be 5 artist proofs and so on. If an edition is created by a company on behalf of an artist the company will usually give the artist a few APs as part of their royalty payment. The artist can then give them to friends or sell them themselves, usually in some customised way to distinguish them from the edition.
More commonly, once the edition is sold out, these numbered or un-numbered Artist Proofs are sold for an end-of-edition price. Being customised or rare they are highly collectable depending on the reputation of the photographer.
In the pre-digital era, photographers used to supply prints, usually 10 x 8 prints known as "glossies" to newspapers. Record companies also produced them by the 100s to give to fans and the press. These prints surface from time to time, sometimes signed by the artists, in auction sales, but they are not artist proofs or editions. In the digital era prints are no longer required for reproduction purposes and most digital images will never be seen as prints unless they are specially made for a friend, an exhibition or produced as an edition.
Additional value is to be found in securing one of the limited numbers of artist proofs for any particular edition.
What is an Artist or Printers Proof?
When a photographer/ art-director/artist releases a new image as a limited edition print, test prints are made, often in different sizes or on different types of paper before an edition is created. These pre-edition prints are known as Artist Proofs (AP) or in some cases, Printer's Proofs (PP). Sometimes an AP is deliberated i.e. for a charity auction.
How many Astists Proofs are made?
An AP is approximately 10% of an edition i.e. if an edition is 50 there is likely to be 5 artist proofs and so on. If an edition is created by a company on behalf of an artist the company will usually give the artist a few APs as part of their royalty payment. The artist can then give them to friends or sell them themselves, usually in some customised way to distinguish them from the edition.
More commonly, once the edition is sold out, these numbered or un-numbered Artist Proofs are sold for an end-of-edition price. Being customised or rare they are highly collectable depending on the reputation of the photographer.
In the pre-digital era, photographers used to supply prints, usually 10 x 8 prints known as "glossies" to newspapers. Record companies also produced them by the 100s to give to fans and the press. These prints surface from time to time, sometimes signed by the artists, in auction sales, but they are not artist proofs or editions. In the digital era prints are no longer required for reproduction purposes and most digital images will never be seen as prints unless they are specially made for a friend, an exhibition or produced as an edition.
Related Tags: photo prints, fine art photography, rockarchive, artists proofs
Jimi St. Pierre in collaboration with travel and hobbies author Penny Church writes for several UK travel and leisure companies including London-based www.rockarchive.com who specialize in limited edition photos covering bands and artistes from each of the past 5 decades.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- What are the Few Thing People Do When They Want Any Information?
Arts and entertainment are important parts and essence of everybody's life. When people want an - U.K National Lottery Information and Reference Guide
The United Kingdom's National Lotto is the biggest lottery game in the United Kingdom and is presen - Alternate Rules For Chess Games
There are many different ways to play a thrilling game of Chess. While a traditional game on a norm - PSP Music Downloads Made Easy
There are a variety of portable gadgets that now offer mp3 music playing. In fact, the extent of th - Music Download: A Boon or a Bane?
It was once considered to be the killer of the world's music enterprise. But now it has become the - Entertainment, New Concepts of a Successful E-Commerce Website
Nowadays, a large number of internet entrepreneurs work from home and succeed in their efforts t - Sharkboy And Lavagirl, An Unusual Classic
The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl takes viewers on a crazy ride in the grand tradition of fa - Wetsuit Dryer
Surfing can be done on various pieces of equipment, including surfboards, body boards, wave skis, kn - How to Play a Mahogany Blues Guitar
Ever played mahogany blues guitar? No, it won't produce depressing music! In fact, the blues guitar - Event Planners - Sit At Home And Relax At Your Own Special Event
Are you thinking to host any party or event in the most fascinating, stylish and vibrant city of New
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Complete Defenition of the 3D
3D computer graphics as seen on FaceYourArt.comA 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion - Unlimited Movie Downloads Tips - Pick the Best, Dump the Rest
Unlimited movie downloads have made it much easier for busy folks like us to watch our favorite movi - Get Your Alliance Character To 60 In A Week
You may have looked around on the internet for WoW power leveling guides and come up empty-handed or - Why Do We Gamble?
Why do People Gamble? Gambling is a past-time activity enjoyed by many people. Some play at hom - Top 7 Video Games For Children Ages 5 - 8
Many parents worry about the video games available to children today with all the violence. However - Video Poker (jacks or Better) Tips
Video poker made its entry in the 1970s. It has proven to be a popular form of gaming. Video poker o - Why I Love Strategy Games
A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence - Prison Break's Wentworth Miller: I'm not Gay
In an attempt to put a stop to the lingering gossip and to clarify his name once and for all, Wenthw - Guys, Valentine's Day will be Heaven or Hell for you...
Guys, I know it's not fashionable to get ahead of yourself for holidays. I don't buy Christmas gift - Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars
6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pros and cons, and both are e
