Yep, I’m up for it, definitely. I already offer LTD editions from my own site, and would love this feature on ImageKind!

How are you going to control the edition? You may only sell a certain number, but what’s to stop the artist from selling more elsewhere? How do you assure your customers that this is truly a limited edition? If you’re POD then how does the artist sign and number the print? If they can’t do that is the value less? You could include a certificates of authenticity signed by the artist of course, but is that really the same?

Limited editions used to be limited because the printing process only allowed for a certain number of prints to be pulled. But now we artificially create limited editions. If you’re a digital artist for example, the only way to truly ensure a limited edition would be to destroy the file and make sure no other copies of that file exist.

Mary

As Mary says limited editions historically were about the number of impressions pulled before the printing master detoriated to the extent that it could no longer produce a decent print and it was destroyed.
In todays market especially with computer printing the Limited edition is a bit of a joke. Perhaps a new name needs to be coined to describe some of the features of a limited edition that can be applied to current prints ie signature, date, print number. Which were traditionally applied to the face of the print by the artist by hand and also implied that the artist had personally checked the print for quality etc etc.
My current thinking is to make Collector’s Editions available. They would be checked by me, signed, dated, given an edition number and be supplied with a certificate of authenticity. This will require me to order the print, check and signed by hand etc and then forward on to the purchaser. Obiviously this will require a further mark up, say 50% extra on the Imagekind purchase price. It would give those customers who collect signatures rather than images what they want and not the worry of if the artist is honest and will stop printing when they say they will with a limited edition. It will also give the artist the opportunity to cash in on a successful image without having to stop production at an artifically imposed number.
Henry

To do this may be actually in contradiction to the new rules for the new economy as described in Kevin Kelly’s book:

http://www.kk.org/newrules/newrules-intro.html

Perhaps reading this interesting book (available for reading free on the Internet at the link above) and then discussing the proposal above from the perspective of what is described in the book -may present some interesting ideas –

thank you!

Walter

Yes – I would like to see it implemented somehow. You would need to set the number in the edition and also the number available for printing (as some may have been printed elsewhere already). Once the number available goes down to zero, the high res image would need to be deleted from Imagekind’s secure server. The artist would have to be able to update prints available, register the sale details on their own records, sign. number and date at least a certificate of authenticity. I’m sure that there are a few other issues ….

I like Henry’s idea of maybe a Collectors Edition; however, being in Australia, it makes no sense to me to mail a print across the world for me to sign then possibly even send it back again for framing. (What would the customs implications be for a start?). Maybe Collectors’ Editions should be unframed?

I agree that the limited edition is somewhat artificial and quite difficult to control once the actual electronic image leaves the artist.

I have gone into a bit more depth on this issue at http://pissedpoet.blogspot.com

I offer both ‘open edition’ and ’signed and registered limited edition’ to my clients. My limited editions are a specific size, proofed and often retouched, then hand signed by me (not my assistant), registered, and I always include a personal hand written note to the buyer. They are paying me to have it in my hands, retouch and sign it for them. The registration adds to the value, in that they can add it to their financial records, insurance, and estate value.

I cannot see the advantage of Imagekind being in the middle, other than the ability to offer the framing option for the client, unless there is some magic formula in the middle that I cannot see – to me it does not weigh out.

Image kind would be taking on a huge project. I’d rather them be the best they can be with the print quality and customer service.

An artist can always advertise a Collectors Edition, sign it before it is shot, and note the limited number of sales in the description of the artwork or even on the artwork (pre scan), keep track of the sales yourself and cut it off when you’ve reached that number and pull the image. Alternatively, say it is a Collector Edition printed only during the year 2007 (or date to date) and never again (don’t limit the number of prints – but the year produced). It is not hand signed or registered but then the price is usually much lower too. I have done this several times for wildlife and humane fund-raisers, and the term Collector Edition does work.

It would be nice if Imagekind could make a special banner or star that the artist could click on, to alert IK and the buyers that this piece of artwork is a Collector Edition, adding it near the image on the artist’s site and promoting the fact. In addition, if it becomes popular – ad it to the search abilities. And someplace a definition of what a Collector edition is (the description box on an image is not large enough to do both).
It may be a good compromise and generate more art sales.

Have a creative week all, and thanks IK for asking…
Savanna

i can only see this as a good idea…i sell limited editions here in st.ives.

would be a nice feature

Yes absolutely. I have been waiting for something like this before using your service. Also, controlling the kind of print a buyer can purchase is important to me so I know they are getting the quality of print that I had in mind.

i have been left 2 numbered prints and a box containing sketchs by Christine Marshall. the box of prints has only been opened 4 times for viewing. does anyone know if there is a market for these, as I am not a collector of art, and someone who appreciates it should have them