What is the difference between a print and a poster?

Most reproduced images can be considered prints. Prints can be further broken down by Limited Edition prints and Open Edition prints. We would include Posters in the Open Edition prints category. The word Poster in and of itself has nothing to do with the quality of the image or paper it is printed on.

What kind of paper is it on?

Most publishers do not tell us what kind of paper each piece is printed on. Generally speaking, items like Movie Posters are printed a lighter weight paper, whereas Limited Editions are typically printed on a slightly heavier acid free paper. Fine Art Prints are often done on heavy archival paper. Once an item is framed, the weight or thickness of the paper is not of great significance.

What is a Limited Edition Print?

Limited Edition means the publisher has committed to only producing a limited number of prints. These may be numbered editions, or they may be time-limited, with the publisher producing as many as are ordered before a specified date.

What is an Open Edition?

Open Edition means there is no limit to the number of prints or sculptures the publisher can produce. Open Edition prints are not usually numbered, but may be signed by the artist.

What is a Fine Art Print?

Fine Art Print would denote a higher end product, usually on heavier archival type paper, typically smaller edition size, and usually produced with a better printing process like serigraphy, giclee, or a more labor intensive process such as stone lithography.

What is an Original?

An Original is a piece that is produced directly by the artist, as opposed to being a reproduction, and except in the case of multiple originals would be unique.

What is a Serigraph?

A Serigraph is a print made using a screening process, where each color ink is forced through a screen with a squeegee. Some serigraphs are pulled through the screens by hand. Each layer of ink can often be distinguished in a serigraph.

What is a Lithograph?

Most prints today are produced using Offset Lithography. Printing plates for each color are produced from an original image, then the ink is transferred from the plate to a blanket cylinder, then to the paper. Early printers used etched stones with the ink applied directly to the stone, then pressed onto the paper. With older stone and plate lithography, there was image degradation that occurred the more the stone or plate was used. Using modern lithography techniques, the last prints off the press are typically as good as the first.

What is a Giclee?

Giclee is derived from a French word meaning 'to squirt'. Giclees are produced using high tech inkjet printing, with 6 colors of ink. Giclees allow for much more accurate color than lithographs. Giclees are produced from digital images, without the need for negatives, as in lithography.

What is a Canvas Transfer?