How to Buy Art - Different Formats
Art comes in many forms - each with different pricing and merits. Your decision making will be impacted by where you plan to display the work, why you are buying the art, and what your budget looks like. If you are decorating your child’s bedroom, they may outgrow a trio of cute giraffe watercolors. Prints or digital downloads are a cost effective way to keep their space looking fresh! Buying a work of art for your living room or the large wall in your entryway may merit an original work of art that you will treasure for a lifetime. Likewise, if you are buying art as an investment or as a collector, you will be choosing original work over reproductions. Each situation offers you a unique set of considerations, use the list below to help sort through your options.
What are the different types of formats?
Original artwork is a one-of-a-kind piece created by an artist. It can be in any medium, such as painting, sculpture, or drawing. You may also have increased costs related to shipping and framing.
Prints are copies of original artwork that are produced by printing the image onto paper or canvas. There are several types of prints, including lithographs, screen prints, and giclee prints.
Giclee prints are high-quality prints made with inkjet technology. They are often used for reproducing fine art onto canvas and may be hand-embellished by the artist.
Limited editions are prints that are produced in a limited quantity, often numbered and signed by the artist. They may be more valuable than open edition prints because of their scarcity.
Digital downloads are digital versions of artwork that can be downloaded and printed by the buyer. They are typically cheaper than physical prints because they do not involve the cost of printing and framing.
What factors to consider when buying art:
Budget: Original artwork is often more expensive than prints. If you are working with a limited budget, prints may be a more affordable option.
Rarity: If you are interested in a piece of artwork that is one-of-a-kind or not widely available as a print, you may want to consider buying the original.
Quality: Original artwork is generally of higher quality than prints, as it is produced directly by the artist. If you are looking for the best possible quality, you may want to invest in an original piece.
Personal preference: Ultimately, the decision to buy original artwork or prints comes down to personal preference. If you are a collector and are interested in owning unique pieces, you may be more interested in original artwork. If you simply enjoy the aesthetic of a piece and want to incorporate it into your home or office, a print may be sufficient.
Buying art should be a fun process, one that brings you and your space joy and meaning. Expressing yourself through visual art is a wonderful way to liven your home and showcase your spirit while supporting the creative endeavors of artists! As always, I strongly recommend buying from living artists - your purchase goes towards supporting their work in a direct and impactful fashion.
~With love, Rose
