An original print is a piece of art created through a specific printmaking process. The artist intentionally designs and produces the image as a print rather than re-creating an existing artwork. Original prints are considered original artworks because the artist is directly involved in creating the printmaking plate, screen, or, in my case, lino blocks. Each print is usually part of a limited edition that the artist controls.
Key characteristics of an original print:
The artist designs and produces the print. They may carve, etch, or draw the image on the medium used for printing (e.g., a lino block, woodblock, metal plate, or screen).
Common printmaking techniques for creating original prints include linocut, woodcut, etching, etching, collagraph, screenprinting and monotype or monoprint.
Original prints are not reproductions of paintings or drawings made by mechanical or digital means. They are standalone works of art created specifically for the print medium.
Because of the manual process involved, each print in an edition may have slight variations, adding to its originality and uniqueness. No two hand-printed prints are the same.
Original prints are more affordable and typically less expensive than one-of-a-kind paintings or other artworks, making buying art accessible to a broader audience.
Limited edition prints are typically produced on archival-quality paper and printed with highly lightfast printmaking inks, ensuring durability.
What is a limited edition print?
A limited edition print is a handmade original print or high-quality reproduction of an artwork (such as a painting, photograph, or digital work) produced in a specific, pre-determined quantity.
Original prints are typically created in limited editions, meaning a specific number of prints are made from the plate, screen, or, in my case, lino blocks. Each print in the edition is numbered (e.g., "5/50") and signed by the artist.
Because of their exclusivity, limited editions are more valuable than open-edition prints (which are produced without limits). Because of their rarity, limited edition prints often appeal to collectors.
Characteristics of a limited edition print:
Fixed quantity: A limited edition has a set number of prints, such as 20, 60, or 100. The artist determines this number and indicates it on the print (e.g., "5/60" for the 5th print in an edition of 60). No additional prints are made beyond this number, ensuring the edition's exclusivity.
Once that number has been printed, the original block or printing plates will be destroyed to prevent further production. Some printmaking techniques involve printing matrices that naturally deteriorate during the printing process, adding unique qualities to each impression.
Numbering and signing: Each limited edition print is hand-numbered in the bottom left corner of the artwork(e.g., "5/60"). The artist (Michelle Hughes) also signs the prints by hand, adding value and authenticity.
Exclusivity: The limited number ensures rarity.
Other terms you may hear when buying prints
What does VE or Varied Edtion mean?
On an original print, VE stands for Varied Edition.
In printmaking, a varied edition refers to original prints in a series with individual differences despite originating from the same source. These could be different colour schemes, unique hand-painted details, or embellishments added to each print. These variations might occur intentionally while making a print or as part of the creative process. Despite the differences, all prints in the varied edition originate from the same base matrix, such as the same woodblock, etching plate, or screen.
The abbreviation VE is usually written after the edition number. For example, ‘2/60VE’.
You may also see the term Edition Variable or Edition Variée used. This is abbreviated as EV or E/V).
If you’ve bought any of my original linocut prints, you may notice I often sign my prints VE next to the edition number. I make my prints in limited editions but only print part of the edition at a time.
Sometimes, I make the first prints in the edition using a couple of different colour palettes. These can be subtle colour differences, such as differing tones of green, or more obvious differences, such as a teal background on one print and an orange background on another.
On other occasions, I make the first prints in just one colour combination but sign each print with its edition number and VE. This allows me to make future prints in the edition in a different colour palette. I don’t always do this, but I prefer being able to do this as ideas evolve.
What is an Artist’s Proof?
On an original print, AP stands for Artist’s Proof.
An artist's proof is a special print made by the artist during the printmaking process, typically before the official edition of prints is released. Artist’s proofs are not part of the numbered edition, but they are usually created for the artist’s personal use, to evaluate the quality of the print, or to make adjustments to the image or technique.
While artist’s proofs are primarily intended for the artist’s reference or collection, they are occasionally sold. An informal guideline in the art world suggests that no more than 10% of the total edition size should be designated as artist’s proofs, ensuring their rarity and exclusivity.
What is a Giclée Print?
A giclée print is a high-quality reproduction of an artwork created using advanced digital printing technology. These prints are typically produced with archival inks on premium materials such as fine art paper or canvas, ensuring excellent colour accuracy and longevity. While giclée prints are often made in limited editions, they differ from hand-made original prints in their production process as they are not hand-printed.
About my linocut prints
All of my linocut prints are original, hand-printed artworks carefully crafted in my studio. They are not giclée prints or reproductions—each one is created through a traditional printmaking process, making every piece a unique and authentic work of art.
Please visit my online shop to purchase any of the original linocut prints featured in this guide.
Sign up to my VIP list
for news on my latest releases, workshops and creative inspiration
I only send monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) news
About the author
Michelle Hughes is a North Yorkshire landscape artist. Much of her work depicts the Yorkshire landscape and Yorkshire coast, including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
Michelle loves exploring the British countryside by bike or on foot, with her camera in hand, and capturing ideas for her next linocut prints. Back in her garden studio, Michelle creates simple but stylised silhouettes based on her photographs and carves these shapes into lino. She hand prints with an etching press, using oil-based inks to create tonal blocks of colour.
Comments