If you’re an artist thinking about selling your work, limited edition prints are one of the most effective ways to create value and build a dedicated collector base. They combine the accessibility of printmaking with the exclusivity of fine art collecting — and when done right, they can become a strong and sustainable source of income.

But what exactly is a limited edition? How do you number them? What papers and printing methods should you use? And how do you price them?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about limited edition prints — from concept to sale — with practical advice on getting started.

🎨 What Is a Limited Edition Print?

A limited edition print is a high-quality reproduction of an original artwork, produced in a fixed quantity. Once that number is reached, no more prints of that edition will be made — creating scarcity, exclusivity, and added value.

Each print in the edition is:

  • Individually numbered (e.g., 1/50, 2/50, etc.)

  • Often hand-signed by the artist

  • Printed to consistent specifications (same size, paper, and colour management)

  • Sometimes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity

This is in contrast to open edition prints, where an unlimited number of prints can be made over time.

🖼️ Why Limited Editions Are So Popular

Limited edition prints strike the perfect balance between affordability and collectability. Here’s why both artists and collectors love them:

✅ For Artists:

  • Allows you to monetise a single artwork multiple times

  • Adds a sense of exclusivity and professionalism

  • Lets you control your output and pricing

  • Encourages urgency from buyers (“only 10 left!”)

✅ For Collectors:

  • Offers a more affordable alternative to buying original art

  • Limited numbers make them more desirable and valuable

  • Often includes a personal signature or story from the artist

🔢 How to Decide on Edition Size

There are no hard rules on how many prints should be in a limited edition — but your decision will affect pricing, demand, and perceived exclusivity.

Common edition sizes:

  • Small runs (10–25 prints): More exclusive, can command higher prices

  • Medium runs (50–100 prints): A balance between scarcity and accessibility

  • Large runs (100–250 prints): Suitable for popular pieces or large audiences

You can also create multiple editions of the same artwork, such as:

  • A small edition of A2 prints

  • A larger edition of A4 prints

Each size would be treated as a separate edition and numbered independently.

💡 Tip: Once an edition is complete, don’t produce more. Keeping your word builds trust and collector value.

✍️ How to Number and Sign Prints

Traditionally, limited edition prints are hand-numbered and signed by the artist using a pencil in the bottom margin of the print.

Example layout:

  • Bottom left: “12/50” (the 12th print out of 50)

  • Bottom right: Signature and date (optional)

  • Bottom centre (optional): Print title

This simple presentation adds value, confirms authenticity, and makes each print feel personal.

📃 What Is a Certificate of Authenticity?

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document that confirms:

  • The name of the artwork

  • Edition number and size

  • Printing method and paper

  • The artist’s name and signature

  • Date of issue

While not mandatory, COAs are widely used by professional artists and galleries to reassure collectors and boost the perceived value of the print.

You can design one in Canva, Photoshop, or even order branded versions if you’re building your own art brand.

🖨️ Choosing the Right Printing Method

If you want your limited edition prints to be taken seriously — and to last — printing quality matters. That’s why the vast majority of professional artists use Giclée printing for limited editions.

Why Giclée is Ideal for Limited Editions:

  • Pigment-based inks: Long-lasting, fade-resistant colour

  • Museum-grade papers: Textured and archival-quality

  • High resolution: Captures every detail of your original work

  • Colour-managed workflow: Ensures consistent results across the edition

At Giclée UK, we use Epson SC-P9000 printers with 11-colour UltraChrome HDX inks and carefully calibrated equipment. Whether you’re printing 10 or 100 editions, your colours, sizing, and paper quality will be consistent every time.

📐 What Size Should Your Prints Be?

There’s no right or wrong size — but here are some helpful considerations:

  • A4: Budget-friendly, easy to frame, good for entry-level collectors

  • A3: A popular “standard” for art prints

  • A2 and larger: Makes a visual statement; great for limited editions

  • Custom sizes: For square or panoramic pieces

Make sure your original file has enough resolution for the chosen size — we recommend 300 DPI at the final print dimensions.

We’re happy to check files and run proof prints before you commit to the full run.

💸 How to Price Your Limited Edition Prints

Pricing limited edition prints is part art, part science. Here’s a simple structure to guide you:

Basic Pricing Formula:

(Printing Cost + Packaging + Time) × Markup = Sale Price

Key Factors to Consider:

  • Edition size (smaller = more exclusive = higher price)

  • Print size (larger prints can be priced higher)

  • Artist reputation (more known = higher demand)

  • Signature or extras (hand-signed COAs, custom embossing)

Example:

  • Printing cost: £15

  • Packaging/shipping: £5

  • Time: £5

  • Total base: £25

  • Markup: x3 = £75 per print

It’s also common to increase the price as the edition sells out. For example:

  • Prints 1–10: £75

  • Prints 11–20: £95

  • Final prints: £125

This creates urgency for buyers and rewards early supporters.

🛍️ Selling Your Prints: Online and Offline

You’ve got options when it comes to selling your limited editions:

🖥️ Online

  • Your own website or store (e.g., WooCommerce or Shopify)

  • Marketplaces like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Artfinder

  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook Shop)

🖼️ Offline

  • Local galleries and art fairs

  • Pop-up markets and creative events

  • Studio visits and exhibitions

Bonus Tip: Share behind-the-scenes shots of your printing and signing process — collectors love to see the care that goes into limited editions.

📦 Fulfilment & Shipping

Your packaging should reflect the quality of your product.

At Giclée UK, we ship prints using:

  • Acid-free tissue

  • Reinforced tubes or flat mailers

  • Protective sleeves

  • Tracked delivery options

We also offer drop-shipping — meaning we can print, pack, and ship each order directly to your customer, saving you time while keeping everything professional.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Limited edition prints offer a unique opportunity to grow your income and audience without giving up control of your original art. They give collectors something valuable, and they give you the chance to build a sustainable creative business.

By choosing the right printing method, paper, edition size, and pricing — and presenting your prints with care — you’ll be well on your way to building a successful body of work that people love to collect.

Need help getting started with your first edition?
Get in touch with us at Giclée UK — we’ll guide you through paper selection, proofing, and managing your first run of prints.