Original Art vs Prints: What’s the Difference (and Which Is Right for You?)

Buying Art: Original vs Prints - Where Do You Start?

One of the most common questions I hear in the gallery is: should I buy an original artwork or a print? The short answer is - there’s no “right” or “wrong”. It often comes down to your budget, where you are in your art journey, and what feels most meaningful to you right now. Original art is a wonderful investment, but prints play an equally important role in making contemporary New Zealand art accessible, collectible, and joyful to live with.

Let’s break it down.

What Is an Original Artwork?

An original artwork is a one-off, unique piece - once it’s sold, that exact work will never be recreated. This includes original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and one-of-a-kind mixed media works. Original artworks often sit within an artist’s wider body of work or ongoing practice, and for many collectors, they carry a strong sense of connection - both to the artist and to a moment in time. If you’re drawn to owning something truly singular, original art may be where your heart lies.

Understanding Art Prints: The Different Types Explained

The world of prints can feel confusing, so let’s clarify the main types you’ll encounter in the New Zealand art scene.

One-Off Prints: These are original works in their own right. Created by printmakers using techniques such as screen printing, lino cuts, or woodcuts, each print is individually made by hand. While they may form part of a series, each print is considered an original artwork.

Artist Proofs (AP): An Artist Proof is typically a variation or test print made during the printing process. These are often produced in very small numbers and can differ slightly from the final edition, making them highly collectible.

Open Edition Prints: An open edition print has no fixed edition number. That said, particularly within the New Zealand art world, “open edition” does not mean mass-produced. Because we are a small market, these prints are often produced thoughtfully and circulated with care by the artist.

Limited Edition Prints: Limited edition prints are produced in a set number - for example, 20, 50, or 100. Each print is numbered and signed by the artist, so you know exactly how many exist. Once that edition is complete, no more are made. These are often high-quality reproductions of an original artwork, printed on archival paper using professional processes. While more accessible than originals, they still hold strong value and collectability.

Which Is Right for You?

Budget often plays a role - and that’s completely okay. Whether you’re buying your first artwork or adding to an existing collection, both originals and prints have a place. If you fall in love with a piece, if it brings you joy, if you can imagine living with it - that’s what truly matters. Art doesn’t need to be intimidating or overly strategic. As I mentioned in my previous blog on buying your first artwork, connection always comes first.

A Personal Take: How I Collect Art

Our home is filled with a mix of original artworks, limited edition prints, open edition prints, photographs, and one-off sculptural pieces. It’s eclectic, but cohesive - and every piece tells a story. Some works remind us of trips we’ve taken, people we’ve met, or particular moments in our lives. We’re partial to a classic portrait or landscape, but we love mixing materials, scales, and subject matter.

Art is meant to be lived with.

Final Thoughts: There’s No “Less Than” in Art

If you can surround yourself with sumptuous original artworks - do it. If prints allow you to build a collection you love - that’s just as valid. Mix mediums. Play with framing. Combine sizes. Let art hold its own in your space or become the hero of a room.

Art is to be enjoyed - no matter the edition number.