Edition project research

Research for the new 'Edition' project.

What is an edition?

-the entire number of like or identical items issued or produced as a set ­ 
-the form in which a publication is issued
-a version of anything, printed or not, presented to the public 
- the whole number of impressions or copies of a publication printed at one time.

Examples of editions:

Jillian Tamaki - Black Beauty for Penguin Threads

The idea behind the "Penguin Threads" project was redesign classic book covers using a traditional medium (in this case embroidery), which is interestingly refreshing because so many book covers are now made digitally - it's like embroidery has come full circle in this example, it seems exciting and new. The original was hand sewn, though the printed editions are sculpt embossed in favour of time, cost, and practicality. 

Read more on the Penguin website (video interview included) and the artist's blog. 

Lizzy Stewart - "Cardigan Heart" book

I have admired the work of Lizzy Stewart ever since happening upon one of her beautiful gift cards being sold in a gallery shop. This book features a collection of illustrated stories and has been litho printed in full colour. The price is a mere £5, so not a very profitable book?! Taken from the artist's online shop, though I wish I could own it.

Daniel Jamie Williams - sticker set

Stickers are a cheap and fun form of an edition! To my knowledge, these were drawn digitally and printed onto vinyl. This method makes it an easy option to have further editions printed in the future. Found in the artist's online shop.

Yumi Sakugawa - "A Special Message For You Hand-Delivered To You From The Universe" (comic book)

This book is made up of a collection of comics by the artist. Though physical copies are also available, it is also being sold as an e-book as a PDF file, which means the editions are unlimited and the artist cannot lose profit. It is also cheaper for the buyers and environmentally friendly! Everyone wins. Found in the artist's online shop.

James R. Eads - "The Light Visions" Tarot card set

This card set is by illustrator James R. Eads. The cards were hand drawn initially and have been most likely digitally printed, though designed to resemble woodblock printing. There were 500 made sold at $66 per pack, contained in a wooden box with a hand carved design. A beautiful example of packaging design, found on the artist's website. 

James R. Eads - moe. New Orleans poster

The artist above also makes beautiful screen print concert posters that are used for the event and then sold as collectors items. This print was sold in an edition of 170, costing $40. Though it is a poster, it is so intricate and skilfully drawn that I believe it is an art piece in its own right. More on the artist's website.

The Fantastic The (John Gourley & Austin Sellers) - The Satanic Satanist album art

My favourite album art - I own the limited edition foldout version (cannot find information on this but I believe the signed editions were limited to 1000), where there are multiple paper cutout layers that fold out into an art piece. Amazing!!!

The Fantastic The (John Gourley & Austin Sellers) - Poketo x Portugal. The Man Wallet

More merchandise by the same artists - not sure how many were produced, but they made three limited edition wallet designs made of digitally printed artworks on paper, and a plastic protective layer, which is stitched on. Each wallet also comes with a little badge! I believe they were sold for $20 each. I am lucky enough to own two. More on the artists' website.