Licensing reproductions
16 Fine prints and limited editions
- Will the work be reproduced as a fine print or limited edition? A contract between an artist and the publisher of a series of original prints is a specialised form of licence agreement covering issues relating to printing, dealership and distribution.
- What is the size of the edition? Fine art prints are published in editions. These are limited print runs from one original.
- Will proofs be produced (for example, artist's proofs, publisher's proofs) and if so how many? The contract will need to define the number of artist's proofs and how they are to be signed.
Publisher's proofs are used for documentation and are not sold.
- Is there an option for the publisher to increase the print run or to reprint and under what terms?
- What will happen to the plates?
The plates used for printing are often scored through and a final print made to prove that the edition has been limited. Occasionally the plates are retained for archive purposes in which case it is necessary to specify whether the artist or publisher owns them.
- How will the edition be documented? Documentation covering the title, date, size of paper, size of edition, process and material, number and type of proof should always accompany the sale of prints.
- Who will bear the cost of distribution and selling? Usually the publisher or distributor.
- Who will be responsible for choosing an appropriate printer?
