Edition prints rely on clear signing, naming, and numbering practices to ensure authenticity and value. These conventions are especially important for artists working with small studio presses, producing limited runs, monotypes, or hand-embellished prints.
Signing
Customary Medium: The traditional and most widely accepted instrument for signing fine art prints is a sharp graphite pencil. Pencil is preferred because it is archival, resists fading, and is difficult to erase or alter without detection. It also provides a subtle contrast that does not distract from the artwork. For prints with glossy or non-porous surfaces, a fine archival ink pen (such as a Micron pen) may be used, but pencil remains the standard for matte papers.
Placement: The artist’s signature is typically placed in the lower right margin, just below the image. This placement is consistent across most printmaking traditions and signals the artist’s approval of the impression.
Naming (Titling)
Placement: The title is usually centered below the image, between the edition number (left) and the signature (right), and written in pencil to match the signature and numbering.
Format: Titles are often in quotation marks or italics. If the print is untitled, “Untitled” is written instead.
Numbering
Format: Numbering uses a fraction, such as 3/10, where the numerator is the print’s sequence in the edition and the denominator is the total edition size. This is written in pencil on the lower left margin, below the image.
Order: The numbering does not indicate the order of printing but the print’s position in the declared edition.
Edition Markings
Marking Meaning & Use
1/10 First print in a limited edition of 10. Each print is sequentially numbered.
A.P. Artist’s Proof—reserved for the artist, typically up to 10% of the edition, not for sale.
P.P. Printer’s Proof—reserved for the printer, marked “P.P.”
B.A.T. Bon à Tirer—“good to print” proof, the standard for the edition, marked “B.A.T.”
H.C. Hors Commerce—“not for sale,” for exhibition or promotion, marked “H.C.”
E.V. Edition Variable—each print is unique within the edition, marked “E.V.”
Monotype A unique, one-off print, labeled “Monotype” or “1/1”
O.E. Open Edition—unlimited prints, sometimes marked “O.E.”
Application for Small Studio Presses
Artists working with a small studio press can apply these standards to ensure professionalism and clarity:
Small Editions: Use pencil to sign and number each print, even in editions as small as 2 or 5. Maintain the standard layout: edition number (left), title (center), signature (right).
Monotypes: Label as “Monotype” or “1/1” to indicate uniqueness. Sign and title as with any print.
Hand-Embellished Prints: For prints with unique hand coloring or details, mark as “E.V.” (Edition Variable) and number them (e.g., E.V. 1/3). Pencil remains the best medium for these annotations.
Record Keeping: Keep a log of all prints, including proofs and unique works, to document provenance and edition integrity.
By following these conventions and using the appropriate signing instrument—pencil for most fine art prints—artists can produce collectible, credible works, even on a small scale