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Should Artists Sell Prints or Only Originals? (What I’ve Learned in 5 Years!)

Abigail Emmert Art

7,559 views

Have you ever wondered if selling prints is actually worth it for artists?
After 5 years of selling my whimsical artwork, both originals and prints, I’m breaking down what I’ve learned, what really sells, and how prints completely changed my art business.

We’ll talk about:
Why selling only originals can be limiting, How prints can grow your collector base ,The real numbers behind my print sales, and tips for creating and selling high-quality fine art prints

🏷️ CHAPTERS
00:01 INTRO
01:05 WHY ARTISTS SHOULDN'T SELL ORIGINALS ONLY
03:46 WHY ARTISTS SHOULD SELL ART PRINTS
5:09 THE MYTH VS REALITY
6:16 ARTIST ADVICE

✨ Watch the Art Print Series
How to Create Fine Art Reproductions Without Spending a Fortune -How to Make Fine Art Prints Without Spendi...&list=PL6vsEHnx19o48aZGVxKhM065wIBYXPYc0&index=1&t=1s

📌 Subscribe for more upcoming videos in this printmaking series

💌 Don't miss out on shop updates, artwork launches, and other exciting behind the scenes. Join my newsletter today --- https://abigailemmertart.myflodesk.co...
🛍️ Visit my online shop https://abigailemmertart.com

And please let me know in the comments what you learned and would love to learn more of!

With Joy -
Abigail

17 Comments

@abigailemmertart Creator 11 months ago Pinned

Do you sell prints or only originals? I’d love to hear what’s worked best for you!
If you’re thinking about starting prints, what’s holding you back? I'm planning upcoming videos and would love to hear from you! Let’s chat in the comments 👇

@mg2023faith 10 months ago (edited)

I absolutely love your energy! This video is packed with wise advice. Thank you for sharing! I'm now subscribed. I have not started selling my art, but I have finally accepted that it is worth the investment, time, and commitment to actually sell. That's a big deal. I've always been creative, but never took my work seriously enough to consider marketing it. Now instead of just giving it away to people who I know and love, I am convinced there is value, message and meaning in my work. Thank you again for posting.

@daisyeast5638 3 weeks ago

Awesome. Really encouraging & helpful; thanks! 🙏❤️

@Melana35 10 months ago

Thank you for sharing! Your Art look Amazing 🤩!🌹❤️

@bethkrantz1562 3 months ago

Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I'm subscribing @

@PatriciaGodboutArt 10 months ago (edited)

Thank you for sharing very generous of you, great work, art and clear instructions. I used to sell both but have been out of it for many years. Tech has changed so much but I want to get back in. Thank you so much!

@VaerimaRants 10 months ago

I don't know whatt drew me to this video, being I don't sell my art, but i just wanted to let you know that you have such a soothing voice and I adore it. this probably doesn't mean much because im a random internet person but you got yourself a subscriber :>

@juliedrakeArtist 10 months ago

Rather than sell prints made up in a print shop or at home I prefer to sell fine art prints like lino-prints, drypoint intaglio, monotypes and kitchen litho prints. I also sell works on paper. These can all be sold at a lower price point and help me to develop as an artist and give people the chance to buy an original piece of art. I'd rather be in my studio making work than messing around on the computer and with the printer. Also I find prints to be a bit soulless compared to original work and more decorative rather connecting with the artist. Although I get your point about people getting to know you and your art through your prints. Only my opinion and I absolutely feel that one should do what feels right for you.

@KMercure 9 days ago (edited)

Thank you so much for this video! I have made the decision to sell ONLY prints and Limited Editions of them. My originals are very small because I use botanicals, so super enlarging them fits me and makes my art like a magical macrocosm of a fairy garden. (I will sell my originals but that is not my focus at all). Anyway, I really appreciate your enthusiasm, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Now I just have to completely change my website to make this happen. I'll be perusing the rest of your videos. 💕

@adamandlinds 11 months ago

Great video! I'm not even remotely a fine artist. Like I haven't touched a paint brush since we painted our 10 year old’s nursery (10 years ago 🤣). But I find myself fascinated by this behind the scenes look into what it's like to create fine art.

@principlephotography 8 months ago (edited)

Hi Abigail, I recently started selling prints and Greetings cards at a local Arts Market every month. The best part is talking to the customers about the images such as when and where they were taken.

@samstewart9249 10 months ago

The thing to keep in mind with originals is that there is only one. Two customers want it, who do you sell it to? And not everyone can afford to collect originals. Doesn't mean they don't appreciate the art though, does it?

@Everything-Bagel-123 1 month ago

What is the average size of a print that best sells? And how much could you sell a print for?

@SpiderwortStudio 10 months ago

Is it advantageous to be an LLC?

@robynleanna 11 months ago (edited)

I started selling my art, originals and prints, at craft fairs and markets just this year. I am curious as to the process of signing and dating and titling the artwork. Is there a right way and a definite wrong way? At this point, I am printing out my own, so I would definitely consider them to be decorative prints. I would love to see a video on how you do it or how you have seen others. Thank you so much for your videos and all your information! It is very helpful!