Fine Art Prints vs. Fine Art Posters
Limited Edition Fine Art Print: “Summer Heat Wave” by Yankel Ginzburg
Artwork brightens up the home and office, but buying an original one-of-a-kind art piece often is out of one’s price range. Centuries of advanced imaging technology have led to the development of numerous collectible printed products. Two of the most common categories are ‘limited edition fine art prints’ and ‘art posters’. While the average consumer may have an idea for what a poster looks like, they may be unaware of the difference between limited edition fine art prints and art posters. Below is a brief look.
Fine Art Prints
Quality
Fine art prints are either high quality reproductions of original art pieces, or are original art in themselves not directly or completely inspired by another art form. Either way, fine art prints are produced with a clear focus on quality as opposed to quantity. Limited edition prints contain several subcategories defined by the imaging (printing) method used, including giclée, serigraphy, wood cuts and lithography. Each imaging technique generally aims to portray a visual creation through higher-quality inks and print materials for an authentic, and hopefully long-lasting result. Fine art printers, as well as knowledgeable collectors, consider their prints to be an art form in and of themselves, and are often not attempting to duplicate a painting or other original. One of the best aspects of serigraphy—or the serigraphic printing technique—for example, is that it can apply images to numerous printing materials, including canvas, watercolor paper, metal, wood, plastic, and more.
Uses
Businesses and consumers alike obtain fine art prints for their advantages of longevity, quality, and affordability. It’s true that they cost significantly more than posters, but they are also significantly less expensive than hand-painted original art. Businesses like hotels, offices, and restaurants can use fine art prints to define their style and create an inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, consumers can enjoy authentic artwork that showcases personal style or give a thoughtful, high-quality gift to friends and family.
Posters
Quality
Although poster manufacturing has more to do with quantity than quality, this print form also has a unique place. If you are looking for a fast and budget version of an art piece, posters are the way to go. Over time, however, their once vibrant colors will fade. To keep posters in better condition longer, keep them away from direct sunlight.
Uses
Even though posters do not last as long as fine art prints, they do have the advantage of a broad subject range. People prize vintage posters, posters about historical events or performances, posters of fine art, of art fairs, and more. Even these can look classy in an office, restaurant, or other kind of business. They can be educational, entertaining, and good conversation pieces. In many cases they may be less expensive.
Fine Art Poster: “Summer Heat Wave” by Yankel Ginzburg
Other Differences Between Prints and Posters
Although there are exceptions to every rule, Limited Edition Fine Art Prints are generally hand-signed and have limited wording on them. Limited Edition Fine Art Prints are produced in strictly limited quantities and the printing plates are destroyed after initial printing. Limited Edition Fine Art Prints are usually numbered. Posters are generally not hand-signed and may often have titles, date, event details, etc. Just occasionally a small part of a Poster edition may be set aside and numbered and hand-signed, and that would be called a Limited Edition Poster.
Contact Zimmerman Fine Art Today!
Since 1979 Zimmerman Editions Ltd. has worked closely with many internationally acclaimed artists to execute editions of their most unique images. Collaborating directly with the artists, Zimmerman Editions’ atelier has printed, fabricated, and published many special limited editions of fine art, including fine art prints, posters, and sculptures. All images have been faithfully produced to meet the artists’ most exacting requirements. Many of these high-quality art prints and objets d’art are represented in public and private collections around the world.
If you are a fine art dealer or marketer, or interested in collecting contemporary fine art, contact us today through our short form or our number at 888-484-1850. For more about fine art, keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!