A few questions for everyone. Can I have some feedback on selling only originals as opposed to selling prints, cards, etc? I currently sell only originals through a gallery. Sales are very slow and I am interested in perhaps selling framed prints, notecards, etc. I know many artists who sell the original at a gallery (or themselves) but also sell prints of the work at artfairs or online. How do you handle selling the original and notifying the buyer that prints of their original are out there? Do you do originals that you only intend to sell copies and not the original?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

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  • You did not sell your copyrights when you sold your originals so making reproductions is only a problem if you decide it is. In the future put a copyright disclaimer on your info or website that the copyright remains yours and you reserve the right to make reproductions later. You could also make sure your reproductions are significantly smaller size than the original. It's not really competition in that case.
    • There are now three threads dealing with canvas prints, etc.!  Larry and I responded to "Are Canvas Prints a Bad Thing?"
  • Many, if not most, art fairs limit reproductions to perhaps 20% of each artist's inventory at the show, and some shows prohibit them altogether. So if you plan to sell at fairs, you will have to bring originals. I sell only originals both at galleries and at art fairs, and most of the time I sell more at the fairs. It's a good idea to make originals in a range of sizes and prices.

    I'm not sure what to tell you about notifying buyers of originals of copies made after the fact. I'm sure you would get a variety of responses to that, both good and bad. The idea of making originals for the sole purpose of selling repros gets around that issue pretty nicely. I've thought of doing that as well---but not to sell the repros at fairs, where the "handmade original" concept is (or was) important. My thought was more to make dedicated repros for sales through consultants to corporate clients.

    It is definitely a good idea to have eggs in many baskets. Whatever you decide to do, good luck, I hope your sales increase!
    • Thank you Sheila! Your information is really helpful.
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