Let's Talk Numbers

The prints that you can buy online or from me in Red Brick Market or at events are all limited print runs. Each print is titled, numbered and signed on the mount.

The title reflects the subject or mood of the print - sometimes the names come very easily but sometimes I have to keep going back and forth to the image before I decide on a title that fits the image.

Now, let's talk about the numbers! My smaller photo prints (5x5" photo prints in 8x8" mounts) are all limited to 100 prints - so you will see 1/100 up to 100/100 written under the title of each print.

For the standard size photo prints (20x20cm photo prints in 30x30cm mounts) and the fine art prints, I tend to vary the number in each run. The standard size prints are mostly runs of 50 but for specific collections (such as the Gothic Collection), I go for smaller print runs.

For exhibitions (or for specific commissions), I also produce original prints (i.e. 1/1), guaranteeing that there will only ever be one of that particular image produced.

When I come to the end of the print run - that's it!

No more of that size will ever appear!

Sometimes, like in the picture above, you will see a second edition - this is an alternative edit of the same subject. In the above case, this is a different edit of the view of the Shankly Gates at Anfield. I may change the colours of the print and/or use a different base photo for a second edition.

How do I keep track of the numbers?I love a spreadsheet! I have a big spreadsheet where I record what numbers have sold, what number prints are in my unit in Red Brick, what numbers get taken to events and what numbers are still left to be sold.

So why do I do this? (I often ask myself this when I am busy at events and desprately trying to note down the number of the print I've just sold!) It's because I want my work to be more exclusive - I don't want to sell mass produced prints. Limited print runs keep me on my toes and makes me strive more to come up with different techniques and new work on a regular basis.

I try and make a note on the website of when prints are nearing the end of the print run & I will aim to put a 'Less than 5 left' message on. When there are only 1 or 2 prints left in a run, I tend to take them off the website & just sell face to face, as it just makes it easier to manage!

So I guess the moral of the story is ... if you have your eye on a particular print, please don't hang about too long!