Art prints explained - Limited vs. Open editions

So what is the difference?    

In short open means there's an open amount available and limited means the prints are limited in number.  

By limiting the number of prints in production the print becomes more valuable. Once all the prints have sold out, there aren't any more copies available unless you get one on the secondary market.    

By making open edition prints this also opens up the opportunity to the artist to use the print designs on other products like I myself, on cushions, mugs and notebooks etc...  

I like to offer open edition prints along side limited editions as they are a more affordable way to buy a piece of art and I can use the design on more products.    

What do the numbers mean?  

For example if it says 1/25 on the print, that print is the first print out of 25 available, if it says 250/400 it is number 250 out of 400 available. The second number also affects the end value as the more prints there are out in the world, then the less rare of a piece it is.    

Are they signed?  

Limited editions are usually signed by the artist on the opposite corner to the number.  I have personally chosen to use an embossed stamp taken from my hand written signature, as in the picture above on both open and limited edition prints.  

Is there a difference in paper?  

This is dependant on the artists decision. Some artists only sell open editions and some artists only sell limited editions.  I personally have chosen to use a more luxurious Hahnemühle paper for my limited edition prints.  However the paper for my open editions is excellent quality too and guaranteed to last 85 years the limited edition paper is guaranteed to last 100+ years.  

You can see my range of paper prints here