Gallery Owner Advises Artists on Prints: Price at 10–25% of Originals, Track Editions
According to a gallery owner, the majority of galleries endorse artists in selling prints, provided these are separate from the original pieces. Giclée prints can attract collectors, but they must be labeled correctly to preserve trust. Artists should exercise caution when prints saturate the market or dominate their business, as this could jeopardize the value of original works. It is advisable for artists to maintain a catalog of printed editions, detailing size, numbers, and sales. Certificates of authenticity should specify the edition number, title, medium, and signature. Limited edition giclées ought to be priced at 10–25% of the original's value, influenced by demand, edition size, and materials. Open editions and inconsistent pricing should be avoided. Properly managed prints can assist new collectors without diminishing the worth of original artworks.
Key facts
- Most galleries, including the author's, accept artists selling prints if they are clearly distinct from originals
- Giclée reproductions can attract collectors not yet ready to purchase an original
- Limited edition giclée prints should generally be priced at 10–25% of the original's price
- A $2,000 painting suggests a signed high-quality giclée priced around $200–$500
- Editions of roughly 25–100 with archival materials and authentication can approach the 20–25% range
- Inventory records should track edition size, print number, consignment location and sold status
- Certificates of authenticity should include edition number, title, medium and signature
- Unlimited editions, conflicting price points across venues and neglecting originals are listed as pitfalls
Entities
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