Buying Unique Art Prints: The Complete Guide
⏱️ 8 minute read
You want to buy an art print. Not just any poster from a webshop with thousands of identical prints. You want something with a story. Something created by someone who truly put thought into it. Something that hangs on your wall and tells a tale.
But where do you start? And what truly makes an art print unique?
In this guide, I'll explain what to look for when buying unique art prints, the difference between a true art print and a mass-produced poster, and how to make the choice that suits your interior and taste.
In short: A unique art print begins as an original artwork. Pay attention to paper type, edition size, whether the print is signed, and if the artist themselves created the work. Mass production and uniqueness are mutually exclusive.
What truly makes an art print unique?
The term "unique art print" is widely used, but few shops live up to it. Here's what makes the difference:
1. It starts as an original artwork
A truly unique art print is a reproduction of an original, handmade artwork. Not a digital design that never existed on canvas. At KOJO Art, every piece begins as an acrylic or oil painting in my studio in Tilburg. Only then is it professionally reproduced as a print.
That difference is visible. The composition, the color choices, the subtle irregularities that only arise when a human works with paint – that's ingrained in the piece.
2. Limited edition
A print produced in unlimited quantities is not a unique art print; it's a poster. Unique prints are limited: there's a maximum number of copies, and once the edition sells out, the design is no longer produced. This gives the print both character and collector's value.
3. High-quality paper and inks
Mass-produced posters are printed on thin paper with standard inks that fade within a few years. Unique art prints are printed on heavy, acid-free paper with archival pigment inks that remain lightfast for 100+ years. You'll feel the difference as soon as you hold the print.
At KOJO Art, I use linen texture paper (300g) for standard sizes and premium matte paper (230g) for large sizes. Both are acid-free, both FSC-certified, and printed in the Netherlands.
4. Signed by the artist
An artist's signature is more than a formality. It's proof that the artist stands behind the work, that there's a human behind it who created and approved the piece. KOJO Art's limited edition prints are hand-signed and numbered.
🎨 View the unique art print collection
All KOJO Art prints begin as original paintings. Printed on high-quality paper, shipped worldwide.
What to look for when buying unique art prints?
The artist behind the work
Do you know who created the print? Can you find anything about the artist, their style, their studio? A unique art print has a story and a creator. If that information is missing, there's a good chance you're dealing with an anonymous design from a catalog.
I am Jordy Koumans. I paint from my studio in Tilburg, Netherlands. My work combines geometric precision with organic color – from Mediterranean landscapes to abstract color field compositions. Every piece I offer as a print, I painted myself.
Paper type and weight
Always ask about the paper weight and type. Anything under 200g is essentially poster paper. High-quality art prints start at 250g and higher. Acid-free paper is essential for longevity.
Want to know more about paper types? Read my comprehensive guide: Linen Texture vs. Premium Matte Paper.
Edition size and numbering
Is the print numbered? Does the print indicate how many copies there are? A print of 1/500 is less exclusive than 1/50. Unnumbered prints are open edition and are essentially printed indefinitely.
Price as a quality indicator
A unique art print from a genuine artist on high-quality paper costs more than a €5 poster. That's logical: more work, more material, and more attention go into it. But expensive doesn't automatically mean unique. Always pay attention to the points above, not just the price.
My rule of thumb: If you can't find out who made the print, what paper it's printed on, and how many copies there are, it's likely not a unique art print but a mass-produced poster with a premium price tag.
Which style suits your interior?
Buying unique art prints starts with knowing what you're looking for. Here are the most requested styles and which KOJO Art collections match them:
Mediterranean and warm
Earthy tones, sun, sea, and organic shapes. Fits interiors with terracotta, natural wood, and linen. Check out the Theros. collection – inspired by the Greek coast and mythology.
Abstract and minimalist
Color fields, geometric compositions, tranquility. Fits modern and Scandinavian interiors.
Figurative and symbolic
Portraits, figures, stories. Fits eclectic interiors looking for a conversation piece. View the Figurative. collection with works like Geisha Kiku, Noh Player, and Blinded Man.
Urban and graphic
Clean lines, urban energy, architectural forms. Fits modern and industrially inspired interiors. Check out the New York Districts series with Dawn, Day, and Night.
Buying unique art prints: online vs. physical
Buying online
The advantage of buying online is the selection and accessibility. You can compare prints, research the artist's background, and calmly make a decision. The disadvantage is that you can't feel the paper, and colors on a screen are always slightly different from reality.
My tip: look at product photos on different devices and read the paper description carefully. At KOJO Art, I describe for each product which paper is used and how the colors behave in different lighting conditions.
Buying physically (fairs and studios)
At art fairs and open studio routes, you can see and feel prints in person. That's the best way to judge if a print suits you. I regularly participate in events in and around Tilburg – follow KOJO Art on social media for announcements.
✉️ A unique art print by post every month
Want to discover unique art prints without having to make a big decision right away? With the Print Club., you receive a hand-signed, exclusive print via snail mail every month. This way, you build a collection step by step.
Frequently asked questions about buying unique art prints
What is the difference between a unique art print and a poster?
A unique art print is a high-quality reproduction of an original artwork, printed on heavy, acid-free paper with archival inks. A poster is a mass-produced item on thin paper with standard inks. The difference lies in the paper, the edition size, the origin of the design, and its lifespan.
How much does a unique art print cost?
At KOJO Art, art prints start from €10 (A6 size) up to €22.50 for larger sizes. This is deliberately kept affordable – unique art doesn't have to be unattainable. Original paintings start from €55.
Can I buy a unique art print as a gift?
Absolutely. A unique art print is a personal and lasting gift. At KOJO Art, every print is carefully packaged and shipped worldwide. Or give a Print Club. subscription as a gift for a monthly surprise.
How do I know if an art print is truly unique?
Check: is there information about the artist? Is the print numbered and/or signed? Is it stated what paper and inks were used for the print? If the answer to these questions is missing, there's a good chance it's not a truly unique art print.
Are the prints delivered framed?
KOJO Art prints are delivered unframed, so you can choose the frame that suits your interior. Want advice on frames? Read my complete wall styling guide.
How long does a unique art print last?
With acid-free paper and archival pigment inks: 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, and the colors will remain beautiful for generations.
Do you ship outside of the Netherlands?
Yes, KOJO Art ships worldwide. Delivery times vary by destination. Within Europe, you can expect 3-7 business days.
Related Articles
- 🎨 Original Art vs. Art Prints: What's the Value?
- 📄 Paper Types for Art Prints: Linen Texture vs. Premium Matte Paper
- 🖼️ How to Style Your Wall with Art Prints
- 🏠 View the Full Art Prints Collection
About KOJO Art
KOJO Art is the brand name under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell from my studio in Tilburg. Every piece begins as an original acrylic or oil painting. The art prints are professional reproductions of these originals – unique in concept, accessible in price. Shipped worldwide.
