Art Terms Explained: Originals vs. Prints

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

I’m Kiki and here I'll explain some of the artwork and print definitions that I use on my website. My experience comes from working as a graphic designer since 2014 (including in the commercial print industry) and an artist since 2017. 

[Note: Different art disciplines sometimes use the same terms (such as prints) to mean slightly different things. That's why the definitions I use will sit within the scope of paintings, photos and illustrations - rather than methods of print-making (such as screen printing, lithography and etchings).]

First we'll discuss original artworks and then go into depth about prints.

Original Artwork

What are original artworks?

Original artworks are:

• the first authentic unique custom-made work of art that an artist creates.

The Eden Gallery (2021) explains that "An original artwork would, for example, be the first version of a painting an artist creates".

Original artworks are not:

• reproductions of other artwork (including subsequent prints)
• mechanical or digital copies
• imitations of any other existing artwork

"The term original art can be applied to the fine visual arts painting, such as sculpture, and photography. But it may also apply to the first productions of performance work or other kinds of media" (Eden Gallery, 2021).

Check out Eden Gallery's article for more information.

Prints

What are artwork prints?

Prints are paper reproductions of original artworks that have been carefully scanned and adjusted for printing. In comparison to original artworks, prints are reproductions that can include photographs, drawings, sketches, paintings, etchings, linocut, 

Originals and prints comparison

• Originals tend to be more expensive because of the exclusivity
• Prints tend to be more affordable and accessible
• Originals (generally) tend to be higher quality and last longer because the artist will put more effort into it, though you can get very high quality prints

There are many different elements / aspects to prints - check out my article to learn more. I'll go into depth about print types, paper, ink and editions and teach you what it means when someone says, 'Can I please have a fine art (Giclée) print on textured 240gsm archival stock?'.