In the art market, a digital print is only considered “original” if the artist creates or manipulates an image on the computer in order for it to be actualized via a variety of supports, such as printing it onto paper or canvas.

Therefore, an original digital print is not a “reproduction” of an artwork which already exists in other media ( painting and so on).

It’s important to note the significance of the terms “original” and “limited-edition” in defining the status and investment value of digital prints.

Limited-edition digital prints, even those numbered and signed by the artist, can still be reproductions.

When printing from an image created on the computer all the prints are “originals”.
The artist decides if the image will be printed in a limited number of impressions; that is, a limited-edition.

Collectors understand that the fewer the impressions of the same image, the higher the value placed on each print. However, in a digital limited-edition, all the impressions, if desired, can look exactly the same. Most importantly, this means that the thirtieth print of the digital limited-edition has exactly the same value as the first.

This is not the case in traditional fine art printing methods, in which the prints of an edition may have notable differences and the value of each can vary.

In digital fine art printing, again the artist can decide how many to print, so the occasional buyer or collector can only trust the artist’s word as to its value or place in a series. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to authenticate your prints, by doing research and, if possible, getting to know the artists and their practice, or the dealer of their works.

This is why The Pattern Tales invites enquiries from collectors, dealers and galleries. We are happy to give full disclosure on information about our artworks, the stories behind them and us as artists.