What is the difference between primary edition, artist proof and remarque edition?

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Primary Edition refers to the prints that make up the majority of impressions that are released of an image, i.e. the total number of prints in the main edition. In Northwest coast art print editions tend to be 99, 150, or 199.

Additionally, in printmaking tradition, an artist can take an additional 10% of the primary edition size and set them aside in what is known as Artist Proofs. These are given roman numerals, ie A/P III/IX. Artist Proof edition sell at 50% higher price than the regular edition because of the exclusivity of the number.

Furthermore, some artist take an additional 10% of the edition size as Remarques these are also signed with roman numerals, but are more exclusive as they feature a small hand drawn illustration near the artists signature. Remarque Edition’s sell at 100% higher price than the regular edition because of the exclusivity of the number and they feature an original hand sketch by the artist, making each one unique.

When prints are pulled by a professional screen-printer, the printmaker is also entitled to set aside a few signed prints as Printers Proofs.

When tallied up, an edition of 100 may be made up of a total of something like 126 prints (100 Primary Edition, 10 Artist Proofs, 10 Remarques, 5 Canvas and 1 Printer's Proof).

Art collectors prefer lower editions, and will often buy A/P or Remarque as they hold value and grow their value. If you are looking for art as an investment, these are higher in value and worth more over time.

 Does the print edition size effect the print value?

Yes. Generally speaking, the larger the print edition, the lower the value. This is also why un-limited print editions sell for much less, as there is no limit to their availability. However— there are exceptions to this rule because in Northwest Coast art the popularity and notoriety of the artists vary tremendously. A top echelon artist can command a high price at any edition size (most stick to standard editions as mentioned above). But we have to think in terms of exclusivity, the smaller any edition is - the more it is worth.

What is a giclee print?

Essentially, "giclee" is a fancy word for a digital print. Giclee printers use archival pigment-based inks and acid-free papers. They're quality rated longevity is similar to other fine-art prints. The benefit to digital prints is the full body of color that can be achieved, unlike screen-prints which lay one color down at a time and are often color-limited due to the nature of the process as well as being able to print onto many mediums such as wood, metal and acrylic.

Watch the short video of Erin answering all your print questions: click here