As an artist, it’s tempting to start making prints of your work before the original sells. After all, prints provide a way to share your art with a wider audience and offer a more affordable version of your work. However, there are several important reasons why waiting to make prints until after the original piece is sold can be a wise decision for both your artistic reputation and your business.
Preserving the Exclusivity of the Original
Original artworks are inherently valuable due to their one-of-a-kind nature. By holding off on making prints until the original is sold, you maintain the exclusivity and allure of the original piece. Collectors often appreciate owning a piece that no one else has in any form. If you create prints too early, it can diminish the value of the original and potentially reduce its appeal to serious buyers who prefer to own something truly unique.
Avoid Undermining Your Sales
If potential buyers know that prints are readily available, they may be less inclined to purchase the original artwork. Some might even opt for a print instead, especially if the cost difference is significant. By waiting to create prints, you encourage buyers who love the piece to purchase the original while it’s still available, instead of choosing a more affordable option upfront.
Maximize the Impact of the Sale
Selling an original piece of art can be a big milestone. It not only validates your work but also creates excitement around the piece. Once the original is sold, offering prints can extend that excitement and allow those who admired the work to still own a version of it. This creates a positive cycle: the sale of the original generates interest in the prints, and the prints keep the momentum of your artwork alive after the original is no longer available.
Enhance Your Brand as an Artist
As an artist, your brand is tied to the perceived value of your work. By waiting to make prints, you demonstrate that you value the original artwork and the buyer’s decision to invest in it. This practice builds trust with collectors and reinforces the notion that your work, whether original or printed, is worth the wait and worth the investment.
Creating a Legacy of Work
Finally, waiting to produce prints until after a sale allows you to build a more cohesive collection of original works. Rather than splitting your focus between originals and prints, you can concentrate on producing high-quality, unique pieces that showcase your skills and vision. Once originals have found their forever homes, prints become a secondary offering that expands your legacy, allowing your work to live on in more accessible ways without undercutting the integrity of your originals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, waiting to make prints until after your artwork has sold not only preserves the value and exclusivity of the original piece, but it also enhances your reputation as an artist, strengthens relationships with collectors, and ensures that both your originals and prints hold their worth. While prints are an important part of any artist’s business, timing is key to maximizing both sales and artistic integrity.
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