I’ve been selling both open and limited edition prints for over 20 years, and when I say selling, I mean face-to-face, from a market stall, day in and day out.
I’ve talked to thousands of customers, seen what sells (and what doesn’t), and figured out what works through real-world experience.
So if you’re wondering whether printing open editions are a good move for you, I’m in a pretty good spot to give you some no-nonsense, first-hand advice.
Read on…
What Are Open Edition Prints – Overview
Open edition prints are art prints that can be reproduced and sold in unlimited quantities. There’s no limit on how many you can sell. You’re not obliged to sign them, but you can if you want to. They aren’t numbered or restricted in any way.
Limited editions, on the other hand, are capped at a fixed number of prints. They’re signed and numbered, and at the higher end of the market, they may come with a certificate of authenticity to boost their value and credibility.
With open editions, you’re free to use the image however you like. You can keep printing it, license it for commercial use, and/or put it on merchandise. There are no restrictions, which potentially gives you more creative and financial freedom.
The Pros of Open Edition Prints
Open editions are popular for a reason. They’re simple to manage, easy to sell, and offer a lot of flexibility for artists at any stage.
Here are some of the main advantages:
Lower Prices = More Sales
Open editions are usually cheaper than limited editions, which makes them more appealing to casual buyers. Lower prices mean more people can afford your work, especially at markets, fairs, and tourist spots.
No Pressure to Limit Your Sales
You can sell as many as you like, whenever you like. There’s no cut-off point, so if a print becomes popular, you can ride the wave and keep making money from it.
Easy to Produce and Restock
You don’t need to track numbers or editions. If you run out of stock, you just print more. It’s hassle-free and straightforward, especially if you’re dealing with lots of different images.
Great for Building Your Brand
The more people who own your work, the more your name spreads. Open editions are a brilliant way to get your art into more homes and in front of more eyes.
Total Freedom with the Image
You can use the same image on anything you like—greeting cards, calendars, mugs, T-shirts, or license it commercially. You’re not tied to any rules or restrictions.
Optional Signing
You’re free to sign your open edition prints if you want to add a personal touch. But there’s no pressure to do so, which saves time and effort if you’re selling in volume.
The Cons of Open Edition Prints
Open editions have their place, but they’re not perfect. There are a few downsides worth thinking about before you commit.
No Sense of Exclusivity
Because open editions are unlimited, they don’t carry the same prestige as limited prints. Some buyers want the kudos of having something rare and collectible, and an open print won’t tick that box.
Can Feel Cheap
Collectors often see open editions as less “serious” or less desirable. They are considered ‘downmarket’. If you’re trying to position yourself as a respected fine artist, open prints might not help that image.
Harder to Raise Prices
If a print has been available at a low price for years, it’s tricky to increase the price later. People remember what they paid, and they’ll notice if the price suddenly jumps.
No Built-In Urgency
With limited editions, buyers know they have to act fast or miss out. Open editions don’t create that same pressure to buy now, which can lead to more hesitation and fewer sales.
Risk of Oversaturation
If you sell the same print everywhere for years, it can lose its charm. People may see it too often and stop valuing it. It’s easy to dilute your brand if you’re not careful.
Who Are Open Editions Good For?
Open edition prints are ideal for artists who want to sell in volume without the hassle of managing limited stock. If you’re selling at markets, craft fairs, or tourist hotspots, open editions make perfect sense.
They’re also great if you’re just starting out. You can test which images sell best without committing to a numbered edition or getting stuck with unsold stock.
If you’re aiming to make a steady income from affordable art, open editions are a practical way to do it. You can reach more people, keep your prices accessible, and still make a solid profit over time.
And if you’re someone who likes to reuse your artwork for products, merch, or licensing, open editions give you complete control to do just that.
Tips for Making Open Editions Work
Just because open editions are simple doesn’t mean you should treat them like throwaway items. A bit of strategy goes a long way.
Keep the Quality High
Even if your prints are affordable, they should still look and feel professional. Use good paper, sharp printing, and present them well. Cheap-looking prints can hurt your reputation.
Choose Your Best Images
Not every drawing or painting will sell. Focus on your strongest, most appealing work. Test a few different styles or subjects and pay attention to what people actually buy.
Sign Them If It Adds Value
You don’t have to sign your open prints, but sometimes a signature gives them a more personal touch. It’s a small detail that some buyers really appreciate.
Bundle or Upsell
Offer deals like two or three for a discount, or create sets around a theme. You can also upsell to larger sizes, mounted versions, or framed prints. Give customers a reason to spend more.
Use the Image in Other Ways
Don’t let a good image go to waste. Turn it into cards, calendars, mugs, or digital downloads. You’re free to get the most out of it, so take full advantage.
Keep an Eye on Saturation
If a print has been around for years and is losing steam, consider retiring it in favor of another. Having a new range on offer is a powerful selling point for fans.
What Printing Method Should You Choose?
Choosing the right printing method depends on your budget, your setup, and how many prints you plan to sell. Each method has its pros and cons, and no one option fits everyone.
Giclée Printing
Giclée printing refers to high-end inkjet printing that uses pigment-based inks and archival-quality papers. The results are rich in colour and made to be long-lasting, with manufacturers claiming a lifespan of up to 100 years under ideal conditions.
These prints are perfect for artists who want to offer a fine art product at a higher price. But giclée printing is not designed for high-volume runs. The process takes time, costs more, and requires careful handling. It’s best suited for selling fewer prints at a premium.
Inkjet Printing (Dye-Based)
For faster and more affordable production, standard inkjet printers that use dye-based inks are a great choice. These inks still last around 25 years and often produce brighter, more vibrant colours.
They’re much quicker to produce than giclée printers, and the inks are far cheaper. This makes them ideal for affordable open editions and ephemera like greetings cards, fridge magnet. They are more practical for selling in higher quantities at art markets or craft fairs
Offset Litho PrintingOffset Litho Printing
Offset litho is a traditional printing method that’s best suited for large print runs. Once it’s set up, the cost per print is low, which makes it attractive for bulk orders.
That said, it’s not perfect. The quality can vary slightly throughout the run because the printing plates wear down as they’re used. Modern litho printing usually uses disposable plates, which means you’ll likely need a fresh plates for each new run.
You should also expect some wastage. Early prints in a run can come out too dark and as the ink needs topping up they can run too light. It’s common to lose a number of prints during this adjustment stage. You keep an acceptable middle band.
Storage is another issue. Ordering in bulk means you’ll have to find space to store thousands of prints. They need to be kept dry, flat, and clean. Paper is heavy, and large quantities can be a real headache if you don’t have a proper storage system.
Offset litho works best if you have a proven seller, a high turnover, and the space to manage your stock. Otherwise, it can end up being more trouble than it’s worth.
Home Printing or Outsourcing?
When it comes to producing your open edition prints, you’ve got two main choices: print them yourself at home or outsource the job to a professional printer. Obviously, if you decide on offset lithography, you’ll outsource the job.
The real choice is whether you use a pigment or dye-based printer at home or contract the work out. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on how hands-on you want to be, how much profit you desire, and how much control you need.
Home Printing
Pros:
You have full control over the whole process. You can print on demand, tweak colours, experiment with papers, and avoid holding loads of stock. It’s great for small batches or when you want to test a new image without a big upfront cost. The profit margins can be very good.
Cons:
It comes with a steep learning curve. You’ll need editing software like Photoshop, a calibrated monitor, and an understanding of colour profiles.
Maintenance is another issue. Giclée printers are notorious for clogging if not used regularly, and ink isn’t cheap. You also have to store your paper flat and dust-free, and be ready to handle any technical hiccups along the way.
Outsourcing to a Print Shop
Pros:
You get professional results without the technical hassle. A good print shop will have the best equipment, offer consistent quality, and usually give you a choice of papers and finishes. You can order only what you need or place bulk orders if you’re confident in your sales.
Cons:
It costs much more per print. You also lose some control over the final result, especially if the printer doesn’t specialise in art prints. Turnaround time can be an issue too, particularly if you need something quickly or during peak times.
Outsourcing to a Print-on-Demand Company
Print-on-demand (POD) services are tempting. You upload your artwork, and they take care of everything—printing, packing, and shipping. It sounds ideal, especially if you don’t want to deal with stock or logistics. But there are trade-offs.
Pros:
You don’t need to buy prints in advance or hold stock. The printer only produces a copy when a customer places an order, so there’s no financial risk if something doesn’t sell.
No storage or shipping hassles. They handle the packing and shipping, which saves you time, space, and a whole lot of faff. You can sell from anywhere, even while travelling.
Great for testing new designs. You can upload new images quickly and see how they perform without committing to a print run.
It’s easy to scale. If something takes off, they handle the volume. You don’t have to worry about fulfilling large numbers of orders yourself.
Cons:
Low profit margins. POD companies take a big chunk of the sale price. You’re paying for the convenience, and that cuts into your earnings.
You also have less control over quality. You won’t see each print before it goes out. If the colours are off or something gets damaged in the post, it reflects badly on you, even though you didn’t pack it. You can’t sign them either.
Which leads us onto the limited customisation. Most POD services offer a fixed selection of paper types, sizes, and finishes. If you have a particular look or standard, you might find their options too restrictive.
Depending on the company, there may be longer shipping times. Delivery can be slow if the company is overseas. That can frustrate customers and lead to complaints or refund requests.
Pros and Cons of Open Edition Prints: Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong way to sell your art, but when it comes to making a living, open edition prints are hard to beat. They’re flexible, affordable, and built for the long haul.
If I were starting again today, I wouldn’t even bother with limited editions. The truth is, very few of us will ever be recognised names in the art world. And that’s fine. The goal isn’t fame. It’s freedom. It’s about doing what you love and making a sustainable living from it.
Open editions give you the best shot at that. Over time, they’ll earn you far more than a limited run ever will. You can keep selling your best work without limits and build a business that actually supports your lifestyle.
If I had to start from scratch, I’d invest in a good dye-based printer. Something like the Epson 8550. It’s affordable, the print quality is excellent, and the longevity is more than good enough for most buyers.
It all comes down to the market you want to serve and how you see yourself and your work.
If you’re ready to get serious about selling your art, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide called Selling Art Made Simple. It’s packed with everything I’ve learned from two decades of selling prints to real customers, face to face. No fluff. Just practical, real-world advice that actually works.
Take a look and start building the art business that works for you.
Want more like this? Read these:
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- Art Business Names: How to Find the Right Name
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- How to Price Art Commissions: Your Art Pricing Guide
- How to Price Art Prints: A Practical Guide For Beginners
- How to Connect With Art Buyers
- Art Business Checklist
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Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy