Dollar, Andy Warhol © MyArtBroker Studios 2024
Dear Clients & Friends,
As leading experts in the prints market, we’re committed to exploring the unique opportunities this sector presents - its growing accessibility, investment potential, and rising volume. While the current art market has faced challenges, primarily due to economic factors, we believe it’s time to move beyond this familiar narrative and focus on the positive developments reshaping the art landscape. This report provides a fresh perspective on print sales in today’s market. It highlights the enduring strength in sales volume and the impact of impending wealth transfers. Additionally, it explores the potential of online transactions and digital technologies to empower a new generation of sellers.
Drawing comparisons between blue chip legends with active living artists across established and emerging markets, we examine current trends in the print market, such as time-dropped releases. We further explore the opportunities and challenges this distribution model presents while emphasising the unique value prints bring to art collecting.
Our goal is to offer an unbiased overview of various selling channels, guiding you through this dynamic market. We aim to inspire informed conversations, spark innovation, and highlight the excitement of prints as an accessible entry point into the art world. With genuine passion and care for the future of the art industry, this report seeks to dispel misconceptions and shine a spotlight on the vibrant prints market. We hope you enjoy it!
MyArtBroker, 180 Strand Temple, London, WC2R 1EA (by appointment only)
Choosing Where & How To Sell
The Cost Of Selling
Auction houses have always been shrouded in an air of pomp and glamour, carefully crafted to resemble theatrical productions - a Broadway spectacle where the private dealings of elite collectors are played out in a public forum. However, the history of auction houses is marked by some of the most unforgettable scandals, particularly over the past 15 years. These controversies, interwoven with moments of triumph, have added layers of opacity to the art market, perpetuating a longstanding lack of confidence in its transactions. These headline-making events highlight the auction market’s power, it's inherent complexities, and the ethical and economic challenges it faces. Ultimately, they emphasise the delicate balance between innovation and tradition that defines today’s art world.
As 2024 unfolds, auction houses are undergoing a transformative shift from traditional sales methods to technology-driven strategies. This evolution is essential for engaging a new generation of collectors, primarily Millennials and the rising Gen Z demographic, who are heavily influenced by digital communication and social media.
From a market perspective, mid-year trends for 2024 show a softening in the high-end market. Artwork values declining while transaction volumes stay strong, and online sales now accounting for half of all auction activity. However, despite ongoing cautious sentiment, a clear trend has emerged since late 2023, highlighting growing interest in mid-tier works, particularly prints and multiples.
The prints and multiples market segment is driving sales due to its broader availability, diverse selling channels beyond traditional auctions, and accessible price points that attract a wide audience. For sellers, this presents a lucrative opportunity to capitalise on a thriving market. Success in the prints market depends on choosing the right platform, timing your sale by tracking value trends, and preparing effectively for the process. In the following sections of this market report, we offer a comprehensive guide for sellers, providing essential insights to navigate the print market effectively.
Selling Via Auction
Auction sales operate within a framework of rules that quietly influence outcomes and define the art market’s dynamics. One key example is the reserve price - a minimum threshold set just before the auction. If bidding fails to meet this level, the piece is discreetly withdrawn, protecting the seller from underselling but leaving the work unsold if interest falls short.
For vendors, pricing strategy involves navigating a complex web of variables, making auction estimates more nuanced than they appear. Market sentiment, competitive bidding, the condition and provenance of the artwork, auction timing, and even the skill of the auctioneer all play pivotal roles in determining the final sale price. Additionally, external events and recent comparable sales can sway buyer behaviour, underscoring the importance of flexibility and foresight when assessing auction house presale estimates.
For buyers, a buyer’s premium is an additional fee paid on top of the winning bid, which goes directly to the auction house. The rate of this premium varies between auction houses, while sellers must also account for commission fees charged by the auction house, usually calculated as a percentage of the hammer price. At major auction houses, the buyer’s premium is typically 25% plus VAT, added to the hammer price.
When consigning high-value works, sellers' fees are often negotiated on a case-by-case basis, underscoring the lack of transparency auction houses sometimes offer clients. The standard seller’s commission is typically around 15%, a critical revenue stream for the auction house but one that reduces the seller’s net proceeds. These commission fees generally exclude key expenses such as shipping, loss, damage, and liability (LDL) insurance, cataloguing, and marketing. These additional costs, deducted from the sale price, help cover the auction house’s operational expenses, further impacting the seller's final return.
Auction houses combine competitive performance with various fees to create an energetic environment that attracts sellers. Understanding these fees and tactics as a seller in the market is essential for navigating the auction process and setting realistic expectations for final returns. If you’re considering selling your artwork, our team is here to help. With their extensive auction backgrounds, our specialists are uniquely positioned to offer unbiased advice when looking to sell.
Time constraints at auction can also pose challenges for sellers, from managing consignment deadlines and auction dates to the uncertainty of whether the piece will meet its reserve. That said, the major players - Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips, and Bonhams - offer unmatched global reach, while smaller houses cater to niche categories, and others bring brand gravitas that many find appealing.
In a surprising shift, Sotheby’s announced their new fee structure in May 2024, reducing their buyer's premium to a flat rate of 20% on the hammer for purchases up to $6 million and 10% on amounts above that threshold.
For sellers, Sotheby’s has standardised the commission at 10% on the first $500,000 of the hammer price per lot, with no commission charged on the portion above that amount. Additionally, consignments with a total low estimate exceeding $5 million, the seller’s commission is waived. Although historically, seller commissions have been negotiable and rarely enforced at the full 15% for high-value works, so this adjustment represents little change from past practices.
Sotheby’s has also eliminated the 1% administrative fee on all sales. As of now, a performance commission of 1-2% still applies to works that exceed high estimates, incentivising exceptional results.
Charles Stewart, CEO of Sotheby’s, described this shift as being made “in response to consistent feedback,” marking the most significant overhaul of their fee structure in over 40 years - the first since 1984. Whether these changes will prove successful remains to be seen.
Undoubtedly, these adjustments aim to give Sotheby’s a competitive edge over the other major auction houses while aligning more closely with the efficient, low-commission models of online traders (at MyArtBroker, we charge 0% seller fees). Contact our team today to learn more.
Many major auction houses have dedicated private sales departments to handle high-value artworks. These transactions are typically for pieces valued at significant thresholds (usually $800,000 or more, depending on the house), offering sellers discretion and bypassing the public auction process. Commissions for sellers in this area are as private as the sales themselves, and fully negotiable, so research is crucial as a seller.
While public auction and dealer sales saw declines in 2023 - down by 7% and 3%, respectively - auction house private sales rose by 2% year-over-year (YoY), a growth trend originating from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. In 2020, as global fine art sales fell to their lowest turnover since 2009, private sales facilitated by auction houses rose by over 40%, demonstrating the appeal and resilience of discreet, private transactions during economic downturns. This is a continuing trend that we have seen spill over into the online marketplace with the rise of digital technologies.
Selling Via Gallery
Gallery spaces inhabit a world of contrasts - often showcasing art in the traditional white cube setting where artists and collectors meet as consignors, with sales facilitated through art fairs and exhibitions.
Emerging and mid-tier galleries. Galleries span several tiers, an important consideration when selling an artwork. At the entry level are emerging galleries, often new to the scene and dedicated to supporting young artists, likely graduate students. These spaces play a crucial role in fostering careers, offering artists their first exposure and inviting patrons who are eager to discover new voices in art. Mid-tier galleries occupy a unique space, bridging the gap between artist studios and major institutions, by supporting emerging or mid-career artists who have already gained some amount of secondary market recognition.
Blue chip galleries and mega dealers. At the top tier are blue chip galleries, known as ‘mega dealers’. These galleries often combine primary and secondary market artwork sales, and are esteemed spaces that showcase the work of established, high-value artists with global reputations. Often occupying multiple locations in major cities and cultural capitals, these galleries exude the same level of exclusivity and prestige as auction houses command, facilitating big brand artists' sales.
Exclusive access, curated offerings, and targeted transactions. Top-tier galleries handle both primary and secondary market sales, representing living artists as well as the estates of late artists, which often gives them access to works that have never been publicly sold - fresh to the market, primary works. Additionally, directors of blue chip galleries are often active buyers at public auctions and private sales, acquiring works to curate exclusive offerings for their clientele. This approach helps ensure a steady profit margin for the gallery while benefiting sellers through targeted transactions. Consequently, purchasing from a gallery often comes at a higher value compared to other avenues.
Financial challenges of galleries. In today’s economy, smaller galleries face financial challenges - with at least 19 closures in London and New York since 2023 - and even major galleries are navigating the balance between artistic goals and financial realities. In response to these pressures, galleries are adapting by creating unique experiences: transforming exhibitions into events, and embracing hybrid models that integrate physical and digital spaces, all in a bid to stay relevant and competitive in the art trade.
Gallery commissions for selling can vary widely. It’s important to remember that their business model is often more profitable for primary market works, where they can secure larger commissions. Additionally, it’s usually unrealistic to purchase a work from a gallery with the expectation of reselling it there for a profit. Galleries incur substantial costs to support exhibitions, tours, and fairs, and their pricing reflects the margins needed to sustain these operations.
Captive audience and premium pricing. The advantages include ease of access for buyers, with many visiting galleries in person, creating a captive audience eager to purchase. For sellers, this exposure can be beneficial, but the convenience often comes at a premium, as works are typically priced above fair market value (FMV). Buyers are ultimately paying for the curated experience, and galleries that master this approach tend to thrive.
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Peer-to-Peer Transactions
Exercise caution when considering the peer-to-peer model for art transactions. While direct sales between sellers and buyers are gaining popularity, particularly in a fragile economy, this approach comes with both benefits and risks. On the positive side, peer-to-peer transactions (seemingly) offer convenience, quick “hassle-free” sales, and the ability to avoid intermediary commission fees. However, the absence of a professional intermediary can pose significant challenges.
Sellers risk from peer-to-peer sales. Sellers may struggle with verifying the buyer’s credibility and ensuring reliable payment. Pricing artworks accurately becomes difficult without expert guidance, increasing the risk of undervaluing or overvaluing pieces. Additionally, there are no formal mechanisms to resolve disputes over authenticity or condition, making returns difficult to handle and leaving sellers vulnerable if issues arise. Peer-to-peer transactions also limit market visibility, reducing access to qualified buyers. While the model has its appeal, these risks often outweigh the benefits, making professional intermediaries an essential safeguard for successful transactions.
eBay and unregulated marketplaces. Marketplaces, from eBay to more polished platforms, often allow fakes to circulate and leave provenance questionable. While these platforms may suit buyers looking for visual enjoyment of the artwork, sellers frequently struggle to achieve FMV for their work without professional guidance. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is - for both sellers and buyers.
Buyer verification and transaction safeguards. For sellers, the most critical advice is to ensure the buyer is paying FMV, that payment is secured before shipment, and that the buyer cannot back out of the sale. Essentially, you must “know your buyer” as thoroughly as a professional would - a challenging task with this transactional approach. If you’re willing to take the risk, request provenance documentation, a detailed condition report, and exercise caution until every detail has been verified. Also fundamental, ensure you have a return agreement in place to protect against discrepancies in condition or missing certificates and paperwork.
Selling With MyArtBroker
How To Sell With MyArtBroker
At MyArtBroker, we specialise in private print sales, facilitating a live trading network of verified buyers and sellers while acting as your trusted intermediary. Unlike auction houses and galleries, our team of specialists works closely with you to ensure you understand the FMV of your artwork, grounded in current market trends. This personalised approach offers a level of care and transparency that sellers won’t find through other selling avenues.
We also provide the convenience of accessing value estimations for specific pieces directly on our platform. Powered by our proprietary algorithm, this feature keeps you informed of real-time market trends. We recognise that simply hearing a valuation number can raise questions, which is why we display the current sales value clearly - empowering you with the information you need to make confident decisions about selling your artwork.
At MyArtBroker, our advisory services are completely free, providing sellers with expert guidance and support throughout the process. When you choose to sell with us, you’ll be assigned a dedicated specialist with decades of auction experience and extensive knowledge of Modern, Contemporary, and Urban art. Our specialists understand what’s performing well in the public market and will work closely with you to determine the best timing and competitive pricing for your artwork. We pride ourselves on an unbiased approach and will only proceed with selling your work if we are confident in achieving a successful outcome.
Selling with MyArtBroker costs you nothing, as we charge no seller fees. Our buyer’s commission is a market-leading low average of 18%, with no hidden costs. By operating a lean, online, and streamlined business model, we avoid the overhead expenses that drive up commissions on other platforms, ensuring an efficient and transparent experience for both buyers and sellers.
The Process Of Selling With MyArtBroker
The process of selling with MyArtBroker is simple:
Request a free valuation. Begin by requesting a free valuation using our online form. Our specialists assess your artwork using private sales data, auction results, and our proprietary algorithm to deliver a precise valuation.
Our specialists will contact you. Once your valuation is complete, one of our dedicated specialists will contact you to provide personalised advice. They’ll guide you through pricing, timing, and strategy based on your specific goals.
Your artwork will be listed on our live online marketplace. After agreeing on a competitive price, your artwork will be listed on our platform. With access to a global network of collectors, your work gains maximum visibility to the right audience.
Your artwork is matched with serious buyers. Our specialists then match your artwork with serious buyers, ensuring a seamless transaction while keeping you updated at every step.
Buyer is secured and we handle logistics. Finally, once a buyer is secured, we handle the logistics, including payment and delivery, so you can enjoy the benefits of a successful sale.
Our goal is to combine the efficiency of auction private sales for mid-market works with significantly lower commissions. We function similarly to an independent dealer, someone with years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the art world before transitioning into private practice - qualities that define MyArtBroker specialists. Our brand is trusted, and our sales specialists bring years of expertise from the auction market, particularly within the blue chip print sector. This ensures that our buyer base aligns perfectly with the prints we sell, resulting in targeted and effective transactions. Our approach combines flexibility with a personalised, one-on-one service.
We cannot overstate the importance of working with a trusted and credible source - like MyArtBroker - that handles transactions with transparency, professionalism, and care, ensuring a secure and successful sale. Artworks are high-value assets and deserve the same level of research and consideration as any other type of investment. Selling art can be an immensely rewarding process when you collaborate with the right people and take the necessary steps to prepare.
Trading Floor
Online trading floors are poised to further transform the art market, making transactions more accessible and dynamic than ever. The most recent studies on wealth transfer underscore this shift, with projections indicating that $84 trillion will pass between generations over the next 20 to 25 years. A significant portion of this wealth is expected to be invested in high-value assets, including art collections. Analysts have highlighted how this transfer will impact the art market, stressing the importance of innovation and adaptability to address economic and geopolitical challenges. Much of this wealth will transition to Millennial and Gen Z heirs, whose digital fluency and shifting preferences are likely to disrupt traditional art market practices and reshape communication strategies.
The art market will undergo this shift as tech-savvy generations drive a growing preference for digital buying and selling methods, fostering greater engagement and more accessible transactions. These generations prioritise transparency in pricing and FMV, seeking clear, accessible transaction information. MyArtBroker is meeting this demand by leveraging technology to deliver precise, data-driven insights that sellers need for smooth and successful transactions. This move toward digital engagement aligns with the values of the next generation of collectors, paving the way for a more adaptable and tech-forward art market.
How it works. MyArtBroker's Trading Floor is a sophisticated digital platform designed to increase transparency in art transactions by leveraging advanced technology. The system continuously monitors our user interactions, such as requests for works, and supply in our network. This data-driven approach enables the platform to categorise artworks as “In Demand,” “Wanted,” or “For Sale,” providing users with up-to-date information on market dynamics.
Our team supports our clients by conducting thorough condition checks, verifying authenticity, and coordinating secure shipping and logistics. Additionally, they offer expert valuations to determine FMV for free, ensuring that sellers receive factual pricing aligned with the current market.
This integration of cutting-edge technology with personalised expert support allows MyArtBroker to offer the convenience of global digital transactions while maintaining the reliability and assurance of traditional art dealing practices.
MyArtBroker’s MyPortfolio
At the heart of the evolving art market model is a push for greater transparency. Auction houses occupy a paradoxical position: they are both primary sources for pricing data and FMV for unique originals and editions, yet they remain limited in how they provide access to this information. While editions are comparable to a degree, they’re still subject to changing market tastes and economic conditions. Finding correlation between changing values requires extensive archiving, making it increasingly challenging to track an artist’s market trajectory over time. Moreover, auction houses are fundamentally sale rooms, not databases. Attempting to discern market patterns or trends by piecing together past auction results from these sites is nearly impossible without committing to extensive, meticulous data recording. Not to mention, the auction market for instance only occupies around 34% of the global prints market.
Throughout 2024, transparency, modernisation, and regulation remained central topics, becoming increasingly important for new sellers - many of whom have yet to adopt digitised collection management tool. This is where MyArtBroker’s MyPortfolio proves invaluable.
Launched in 2022, MyArtBroker’s MyPortfolio functions as a comprehensive portfolio management system, streamlining the process for new collectors entering the art market. As the next generation of heirs prepares to inherit significant wealth, and with art sales volumes increasing while values decline, engaging these heirs as both buyers and sellers is crucial for the market’s long-term sustainability. While this new generation of buyers has the financial means to invest, the challenge lies in inspiring them to see art as a strategic tool for wealth management and portfolio diversification through active participation in buying and selling.
How it works. MyArtBroker’s MyPortfolio provide a centralised platform for tracking an artwork’s current and historical value. These tools offer valuable insights into market trends and portfolio performance that are typically inaccessible through auction houses or require prohibitively expensive databases.
What sets MyPortfolio apart is its algorithmic value indicator, which compiles global auction data for blue chip prints, tracks repeat sales of specific editions, and visually presents this information in annual plot graphs. This gives users direct access to historical sales performance, empowering them to make informed decisions about their collections, including determining appropriate selling prices and identifying potential acquisitions.
For new collectors, MyPortfolio is particularly advantageous, offering intuitive tools to assess when to buy, hold, or sell without requiring deep art market expertise. By automatically and intelligently updating values and monitoring demand, MyPortfolio enables collectors to confidently manage and grow their collections while understanding their true value.
Understanding Market Saturation
For sellers, deciding where to sell, tracking value, and carefully preparing for sale - including strategic timing and ensuring the artwork’s condition - are essential steps to maximise returns. Understanding market saturation is particularly critical when determining the right time to sell. While auction sales are renowned for competitive bidding, they can also contribute to saturation by introducing a high volume of similar works across multiple sales. This approach, while aimed at driving prices above estimates, can sometimes distort perceptions of demand. In contrast, private sales often provide a clearer reflection of genuine market confidence, showcasing the prices buyers are willing to pay and what sellers are prepared to accept - especially in a market prone to unpredictable auction fluctuations.
In simple terms, saturation in the art market occurs when there are too many similar artworks by the same (or similar) artists become available for sale, and not enough buyers interested. This oversupply makes it harder for sellers to find buyers, dividing the buyer base, which can drive prices down. Prints offer a unique perspective in this context due to their inherently editioned nature. While widely circulated series by blue chip artists may initially appear saturated, the reality is more nuanced. Saturation risk is influenced by factors including the artist's brand strength, edition sizes, market demand, and economic realities. Being able to identify these instances helps timing with sales.
Consider the following case studies, of active and passed artists, where saturation may seem more or less obvious, but always manageable when working with experts:
Andy Warhol’s iconic works. Warhol’s prints, including iconic portraits of celebrities and consumer objects like Marilyn Monroe, Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Queen Elizabeth, exemplify how mass-produced editions can retain their value despite high volumes. His market remains remarkably resilient to fluctuations, bolstered by the cultural significance of his imagery, the rarity of certain colourways, the exclusivity of special proof editions and complete sets, and variations in condition tiers.
Damien Hirst’s high-volume editions. Hirst's market has tested the limits of saturation, particularly with iconic series like his spot paintings, produced in over a thousand variations ranging from high-value originals to more accessible prints. The 2021 The Currency project further expanded this approach, adding significant volume to his market. This abundance has segmented Hirst's market, with unique originals maintaining strong demand while large-edition prints have experienced price fluctuations. Time-released drops, where edition sizes are dictated by demand, often flood the market with thousands of multiples, creating downward pressure on prices. However, standout series like The Virtues and interpretations of his Cherry Blossom paintings continue to set records, solidifying their position as valuable investments within Hirst's market.
Banksy’s limited editions. Banksy’s print market illustrates both the challenges of saturation and the enduring value of limited editions. By controlling supply and offering authentication through Pest Control, Banksy ensures strong demand for his signed and unsigned prints of iconic works like Girl with Balloon and Love is in the Air. However, years of Banksy-only sales have introduced a challenging level of market saturation, with similar works entering the market in high quantities and dispersing demand. This shift has since stabilised prices positioning Banksy prints towards long-term investment potential rather than rapid resales.
Harland Miller's market brand vs. competition. Miller, a well-established blue chip artist, commands a robust market driven by his strong brand and recognisable imagery. While his prints have achieved record highs, other artists producing similar works with more accessible price points, like The Connor Brothers, has broadened the buyer base but also introduced challenges. Increased competition and market dynamics, such as saturation in the prints sector and shifting buyer preferences have led to mixed results, including unsold works on the public market. Despite this, Miller’s solid market foundation ensures his continued relevance and success.
The interplay of scarcity, market control, and collector dynamics. Saturation in the prints and editions market is driven more by market dynamics than by the artist or their work. Demand for older blue chip artists remains strong due to their contributions to art movements, while newer artists rely on the novelty and uniqueness of their work. However, their success also depends on brand strength and balancing availability with exclusivity.
Optimising Your Print's Appeal
Assessing condition and determining authenticity. When preparing to sell a print, assessing its condition and verifying authenticity are essential steps that can greatly impact its market value. Quality control requires a close examination for any signs of damage, such as fading, discolouration, or physical wear, which can reduce its appeal to discerning buyers. Authentication is equally crucial, though methods vary by artist. Most blue chip artists who are no longer living have foundations that manage their estates, but these generally do not authenticate prints. Instead, authenticity is often determined through a listing in the catalogue raisonné or by tracking the provenance.
Well documented provenance. Banksy is one of the few artists to control his market directly, having established his own authentication service, Pest Control, which issues certificates of authenticity through his team. With high-demand artists, forgery remains an ongoing concern, as counterfeit works frequently emerge. A print with well-documented provenance from a reputable source will therefore command higher value and buyer trust compared to a piece with uncertain origins.
Pricing strategy. Setting a pricing strategy requires balancing market awareness with realistic expectations. Researching recent sales of similar prints can reveal trends, helping to avoid overpricing or underpricing. Factors like edition size, scarcity, and the artist’s recent market performance are key. Smaller editions of sought-after works often command premiums, while widely available pieces may need more competitive pricing. A thoughtful price, based on the artist's popularity, demand, and market conditions, enhances the artwork’s appeal and increases the chances of a successful sale. Our specialists are always available to provide free advice and guide you toward the best market approach. Get in touch with us today and request and free valuation.
Artist Market: Key Players
Top Performing Blue Chip Artists
Blue chip artists in the print market are globally recognised for their contributions to significant art movements, making them enduringly appealing to collectors. Their strong branding, cultural relevance, and consistent performance across generations have established mature markets for their works, including high-value prints that attract seasoned buyers. These artists have excelled in both originals and printmaking, creating markets with notable demand.
Andy Warhol
Warhol's print market is considered mature, originating in the 1960s and spanning over 26 years until his death. His market reached its peak in 2022 and has since maintained strong performance, characterised by high volumes of works sold and annual turnovers in the double-digit millions. As a pivotal figure in Pop Art, Warhol utilised the reproducibility of printmaking to transform everyday objects and celebrity portraits into iconic works that have solidified his enduring brand. During his lifetime and active career, Warhol collaborated with various print publishers and worked closely with Leo Castelli.
Most In-Demand Andy Warhol Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 African Elephant (F. & S. II.293) Signed Print Andy Warhol | 20% | Very High | |
 Superman (F. & S. II.260) Signed Print Andy Warhol | 5% | Very High | |
 Dollar Sign Quad (F. & S. II.283) Signed Print Andy Warhol | -2% | Medium | |
 Marilyn (F. & S. II.27) Signed Print Andy Warhol | 14% | Very High | |
 Campbell’s Soup I, Tomato Soup (F. & S. II.46) Signed Print Andy Warhol | 9% | Very High |
David Hockney
David Hockney's print market is mature and enduring, with over 60 years of production. While his originals market thrives, his print market drives comparable high volume and value, peaking in record performance in 2023, and the same anticipated results at 2024 year-end. Hockney's average selling price (ASP) has steadily increased, with popular works ranging from Yorkshire landscapes, digital iPad drawings, swimming pools, and intimate portraits of friends, family, and literary interpretations available at various price points adding diversity to his market. Hockney has collaborated with numerous print publishers and is represented by various galleries. His work is celebrated for its deeply personal quality and strong sense of place, while his adaptability and innovations in digital art ensure his brand remains modern and culturally relevant.
Most In-Demand David Hockney Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hotel Acatlán: Two Weeks Later Signed Print David Hockney | 31% | Very High | |
 The Arrival Of Spring In Woldgate East Yorkshire 3rd January 2011 Signed Print David Hockney | Never Been To Auction | High | |
 Rain Signed Print David Hockney | 6% | High | |
 Artist And Model Signed Print David Hockney | NA | Medium | |
 Lillies Signed Print David Hockney | 11% | Medium |
Keith Haring
Keith Haring's print market is well-established (30+ years), and is celebrated for infusing street art’s vibrancy into fine art, focusing on accessibility and activism. Iconic motifs like the Radiant Baby and Dancing Figures are instantly recognisable, embodying social themes from equality to environmental awareness. His background in graffiti and dedication to causes like HIV/AIDS awareness attract a diverse collector base. Haring’s market performance shows a steady volume of works traded on the market, with millions in annual sales turnover, and a consistently rising ASP. During his lifetime he had a close relationship and was represented by Tony Shafrazi Gallery.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Keith Haring Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Andy Mouse 2 Signed Print Keith Haring | 50% | Very High | |
 Best Buddies Unsigned Print Keith Haring | 49% | High | |
 See No Evil Hear No Evil Speak No Evil Unsigned Print Keith Haring | 32% | High | |
 Barking Dog Signed Print Keith Haring | 12% | Medium | |
 Dog Signed Print Keith Haring | 11% | High |
Artist's Market: Active Publishers
Time-Release Drops & Demand-Based Editions
The art market is increasingly embracing innovative selling channels and time-released drops, where edition sizes are dictated by demand. While this strategy risks oversupply if demand falls short, it aligns with the digital marketplace shift and supports contemporary artists in building their legacies. These releases can potentially saturate the market, impacting buyer interest and secondary performance, but they improve accessibility, pricing transparency, and market responsiveness. Predicting secondary values for time-dropped editions remains challenging due to limited historical data, yet factors like an artist's brand strength, cultural relevance, and real-time demand are crucial in shaping outcomes.
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst’s print market, established over 30 years, features a wide range of complete sets, main editions, and special proofs. Since partnering with HENI in 2016, Hirst has introduced limited editions and time-dropped releases, sustaining high volumes in both primary and secondary markets. His butterfly and love themed prints, alongside The Virtues and Spots collections, remain top performers. When selling Hirst prints, timing is crucial, and private sales often offer an advantage due to the large edition sizes and frequent availability in public auction. For newer prints, ensuring excellent condition and verification from HENI, his primary publisher, is essential.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Damien Hirst Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Valium Signed Print Damien Hirst | -2% | Medium | |
 Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) Signed Print Damien Hirst | 8% | Medium | |
 H9-4 Politeness Signed Print Damien Hirst | 3% | Very High | |
 All You Need Is Love Love Love (diamond dust) Signed Print Damien Hirst | 6% | High | |
 The Souls On Jacob's Ladder 1 Signed Print Damien Hirst | 3% | Medium |
Harland Miller
Harland Miller has been creating prints since the early 2000s (20+ years), with his works entering the secondary market by 2013. Miller's market is well-established, featuring a strong presence in both primary and secondary sales. His market saw substantial growth in 2020, with sales values peaking. Although volume remains high, the ASP has declined somewhat, partly due to similar reproductions by other contemporary artists entering the market. Miller is actively represented by White Cube, with whom he collaborates on limited edition releases. His Penguin Book Cover series is his most popular, known for its impeccable printing techniques and vibrant colours. When selling a Miller print, pristine condition and certification from the publisher or gallery are essential for market-recognised value.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Harland Miller Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 I Am The One I've Been Waiting For (red) Signed Print Harland Miller | -7% | Medium | |
 This Is Where Its Fuckin At Mixed Media Harland Miller | -7% | Medium | |
 I'll Never Forget What I Can't Remember Signed Print Harland Miller | -2% | Medium | |
 Tonight We Make History Signed Print Harland Miller | -1% | Medium | |
 Incurable Romantic Seeks Dirty Filthy Whore Signed Print Harland Miller | -3% | Medium |
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin’s market is well-established, with a lower annual volume and sales value compared to some other blue chip artists, yet it continues to grow steadily. Her increasing annual ASP reflects consistent demand, likely bolstered by her philanthropic efforts and dedication to supporting the arts, including building artist studios in her hometown of Margate. Lithographs featuring female figures are her most sought-after prints, alongside various digital editions. Emin’s strong brand identity, rooted in her feminist advocacy, is a significant asset for sellers. To maximise value, Emin prints–often of recent production–should be in pristine condition.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Tracey Emin Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 In My Mind II Signed Print Tracey Emin | 3% | Medium | |
 Birds Signed Print Tracey Emin | 6% | Medium | |
 Believe In Extraordinary Signed Print Tracey Emin | 60% | Medium | |
 The Kiss Was Beautiful Signed Print Tracey Emin | 18% | Medium | |
 Laying With The Olive Trees Signed Print Tracey Emin | 21% | Medium |
Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter has been creating prints since 1965 (59 years), building a legacy marked by stable sales value, volume, and a steadily rising ASP since 2021. His print market is considered mature, tied to Post-War Conceptualism and Abstraction, and holds high value in both primary and secondary markets. Although currently focused on estate preservation, his print market remains active, with complete sets achieving top prices and individual and special proof editions often exceeding £100,000 (GBP). Richter is represented by David Zwirner and has collaborated with both Zwirner and HENI for recent limited edition releases. His newer prints are generally in excellent condition, while some older works may show signs of aging.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Gerhard Richter Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Betty Signed Print Gerhard Richter | NA | High | |
 Kerze Signed Print Gerhard Richter | 15% | High | |
 Eis 2 (Ice) Signed Print Gerhard Richter | 12% | Medium | |
 Schweizer Alpen II - B1 Signed Print Gerhard Richter | 33% | Medium | |
 Babette Signed Print Gerhard Richter | NA | Medium |
Ed Ruscha
Ed Ruscha has been creating prints for over 60 years, with a mature market deeply rooted in American Pop Art and inspired by cultural themes, landscapes, and text-based art. Represented by Gagosian, Ruscha has also embraced time-released limited edition drops, offering more affordable options. His print market has shown strong recent performance, with increasing YoY volume and values reflecting high demand. Notably, Ruscha excelled in the November 2024 marquee sales, a success likely to bolster his print market further. His highest-valued prints include individual editions featuring gas station and Hollywood landscape themes. For sellers, Ruscha’s blue chip status significantly enhances value, and prints in excellent condition are best positioned to maximise returns.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Ed Ruscha Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Standard Station Signed Print Ed Ruscha | 19% | High | |
 Mocha Standard Signed Print Ed Ruscha | 14% | Medium | |
 Made In California Signed Print Ed Ruscha | -2% | Medium | |
 Hollywood Signed Print Ed Ruscha | -2% | High | |
 Stranger Signed Print Ed Ruscha | 31% | Medium |
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s print market remains speculative, with a limited number of lifetime signed editions and occasional posthumous releases by his estate. Iconic works like Untitled and Back of the Neck are his highest-valued signed prints, while demand has grown for more accessible Anatomy prints and newer posthumous editions. Though these newer releases add interest and volume, their market trajectory is uncertain. Represented by and having a close relationship with Larry Gagosian during his life, Basquiat’s posthumous prints are now available only through direct publisher purchase or the secondary market. Some appear as complete sets, though most are sold individually, with certain prints reaching values of up to £100,000 (GBP). Given their recent production, these prints are expected to be in pristine condition.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Jean-Michel Basquiat Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Anatomy, Head Of The Mandible Signed Print Jean-Michel Basquiat | 1% | Medium | |
 Back Of The Neck Signed Print Jean-Michel Basquiat | -1% | High | |
 Cabeza Unsigned Print Jean-Michel Basquiat | 11% | High | |
 Untitled Signed Print Jean-Michel Basquiat | 9% | High | |
 Rinso Unsigned Print Jean-Michel Basquiat | 13% | High |
Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry’s print market is considered established (35 years) and maintains a growing presence in both primary and secondary markets. His public sales are characterised by low volume but show gradually increasing sales value, reaching a notable peak in 2023 with a steadily rising ASP. Perry has embraced time-limited release drops, adding accessible works to the market while maintaining demand for scarce limited editions. Represented by Victoria Miro Gallery, Perry’s prints are known for their rich thematic detail and complex printing techniques. For sellers, preserving them in excellent condition is crucial for maintaining their value.
Market Trends
Most In-Demand Grayson Perry Prints
| Artwork Details | AAGR | Collector Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Recipe For Humanity Embroidery Grayson Perry | 6% | Medium | |
 Hold Your Beliefs Lightly Embroidery Grayson Perry | 2% | Medium | |
 Gay Black Cats MC Embroidery Grayson Perry | 11% | Medium | |
 Sponsored By You Signed Print Grayson Perry | -22% | Medium | |
 Map Of Days Signed Print Grayson Perry | -4% | Medium |
Success in today’s art market relies on adaptability and strategic planning. Collectors and sellers must seek expert advice, leverage valuation platforms, and embrace digital tools to gain insights, track long-term trends, and navigate an increasingly interconnected and digital marketplace. The art market's growing alignment with global economic and political shifts underscores the importance of staying informed on tax regulations, buyer behaviour, and optimal timing for sales.
The art market is undergoing a digital transformation, whether traditional buying and selling methods are ready for it or not. Embracing AI-driven tools and digital selling channels can, and will, enhance transparency, provide valuable market insights, and expand reach to broader audiences. Those who adopt new technologies and innovative strategies will be best positioned to capitalise on opportunities. Despite ongoing uncertainties, the art market remains full of potential for those who prepare thoughtfully and stay ahead of its dynamic evolution.
Methodology
The provided data highlights the performance of leading and active printmakers during Q1–Q3 of 2024, comparing sales data to the same period in 2023. Demand for their works is categorised using a tiered scale:
Very High Demand: Regular sales across auctions and galleries, prices exceeding estimates, frequent market visibility, and strong collector interest in iconic works with historical significance.
High Demand: Steady sales with appreciating prices, occasional plateaus, and competitive collector interest in well-known but less iconic pieces.
Medium Demand: Occasional sales, stable or moderately fluctuating prices, and niche appeal among regional or specialised collectors.
Low Demand: Rare sales, stagnant or declining prices, minimal market visibility, and limited collector interest in lesser-known works or those in poor condition.
Comprehensive Insights: This market report delivers in-depth, data-driven analysis of the print market, focusing on selling blue chip prints and editions.
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