You are Selling Fine Art Reproductions - not Prints!

A print and a fine art reproduction both let you share an artwork beyond the original, but they differ in how they’re made, how close they are to the artist’s hand, and how collectors perceive their value. The core distinction is that a print is an artwork in its own right, while a reproduction is a high‑quality copy of an existing artwork.

🎨 What a “print” means in the art world

A print is an original artwork created through a printmaking process, not a copy of a painting. The artist designs the image specifically for printing and is directly involved in producing the final piece.

• Artist involvement — The artist creates the plate, block, screen, or digital matrix themselves.
• Original artwork — Each print is considered an original, not a copy, because the artwork exists only in printed form.
• Editioned — Prints are usually produced in limited editions, signed and numbered, which contributes to their value.
• Higher collector value — Because the artist is hands‑on in the creation, prints often carry more prestige and can be highly collectible.

🖼️ What a “fine art reproduction” is

A fine art reproduction is a high‑quality, machine‑produced copy of an artwork that originally exists in another medium (like a painting).

• Copy of an existing artwork — It’s derived from a finished painting, drawing, or mixed‑media piece.
• Digitally produced — Often created using giclée or other advanced printing technologies.
• Not an original artwork — It’s valued for accuracy and beauty, not for being artist‑made.
• Accessible price point — Reproductions allow more people to enjoy the image without the cost of the original.

🧭 The key difference in one line

A print is an original artwork created through a printmaking process; a fine art reproduction is a high‑quality copy of an artwork created in another medium.

🪞 Why this difference matters for artists and collectors

• Value — Prints often hold higher long‑term value because they are original works. Reproductions are valued for accessibility and beauty, not rarity.
• Authenticity — Prints reflect the artist’s direct hand; reproductions reflect the artist’s finished painting.
• Purpose — Prints expand an artist’s creative output; reproductions expand an artwork’s reach.

So, that's the technical part, and the most important part. But here's another great reason to use the correct wording.

The words you use to sell your art are important from both a technical and marketing perspective.

Let's forget the technical part for a minute and look at this solely from a marketing perspective.

Think about the image you want to create when selling your product. I'm talking about the perceived value.

Think Standard model versus Super Deluxe Edition. In your own mind, which of these do you think would sell for more money, Standard or Super Deluxe? Of course, the Super Deluxe would be the more expensive one - we've been marketed to our whole lives using this concept - good, better, best, which one will you have? 80% of people choose 'better'.

Think now about why almost all artists call their reproductions 'prints'. 

• They don't know the technical difference
• They want to offer a 'cheap' product compared to their originals

Do you think customers really want a cheap product? Or do they want a great product at a good price? 

Selling art, like selling anything, is about finding the right words that resonate with the buyer, helping them decide to purchase.

In your own mind, say to yourself these two lines, as though you are explaining your product to a customer, and decide which has the highest perceived value...

• These prints are made using archival papers and inks but I can sell them cheaply because they are only copies.
• I offer fine art reproductions of my art to allow my clients to own beautiful art at a fraction of the price of an original.

Your 'Prints', if you make them, should sell for more than a 'Fine Art Reproduction', but that does not mean that a Fine Art Reproduction should be considered cheap!

Wording matters, truth in advertising matters. Train yourself to use the right words for the products you offer.