numbered prints?

I hope to be entering my first art show very soon and would like to know is numbering my prints really necessary. I have personally signed all of them. I do all my own printing and my husband does all the frames and matts. I would have some prints framed and hanging, of course, but some of the same prints I would have unframed and matted in a rack. None are mass produced like posters. Thanks for your help.

Nancy Elwood

Not a yes or no question.

Always follow the rules, but to answer specifically, it depends.

Give me a call.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
412-767-8644

Nancy:

What is it you are printing? Photographs? Original fine art prints (etchings, serigraphs, woodcuts, engravings etc.)? Reproductions of works done in another media - such as Giclee prints of watercolor paintings? With the exception of a limited number (10%) designated as "Artist's Proofs,"all fine arts prints are editioned with the # of the individual print over the # of prints in the edition, i.e., 87/100. Photographers usually don't "edition" their work. Giclee reproductions of works in another media SHOULD NOT BE NUMBERED/EDITIONED as this practice misleads the potential buyer into thinking they are purchasing an original work of art, not a reproduction. Its all about professional ethics and personal integrity. Contact me at eickhors@missouriwestern.edu if you want to talk more about proper editioning practices.

Bill