Posters Or Prints - What's The Difference

no difference....wish there was, then posters would be more affordable, as they should be.

That's what I thought Marlene, on another POD site I use their poster prints are about a quarter of the cost compared to prints of the same size.

Maybe posters are one of these super secret new products we keep hearing about?
Currently, it seems to be just another word for "photo print"

not a new product.....just a euphemism for a big print, as used here on faa.
Traditionally, posters are used for public display, for events and such. Hence, cheaper paper to make a purchase reasonable for mass use.
On faa, it just means a 'poster-sized' print...same paper, same price.

Print ratio perhaps? In America, posters usually run 16"x20", 18"x24", or 24"x36" with 18"x24" being more common. Although they can be POD, people assume there is no limit on the number printed and they aren't usually acid free. If you sell posters, people may assume the image is automatically more pop or commercial. The word "print" will beg the question "what kind".

LOL, Melany. Shh. Still, in FAA's defense, I imagine it's hard to secure a supplier without a competitor scooping them up before contracts are signed.

print sounds fancier, and poster is often printed on cheaper paper. Z sells posters, but if you upgrade the paper, it's a print - probably because of price.

---Mike Savad
MikeSavad.com

@ Paul, a few facts about "posters" vs. 'Prints".

Posters are not at all the same as a FineArt print created on FineArt paper. It's a H U G E misconception, however no jail sentence if ya guess wrong :) It has no relationship with the print size, or the aspect ratio. That is pure guesswork.

Here's the deal:
Posters are a Quantity based value. Quantity vs.Quality is a giant marketing gap. Posters can be produced in large quantities and VERY, VERY cheaply. FAA does NOT sell posters, they sell the artist works on quality Fine Art papers. They only use the term "posters" loosely because so many folks in general have no concept that separates the facts. In defense of them, a good marketing ploy despite the possibility it will turn off many high brow collectors.

Whats the difference in Paper? Posters are printed on a printing press, in other words offset printing. Genuine cheap posters are definitely NOT archival quality, and people will not pay a high price for artwork on poster paper. Posters begin to fade rapidly.

FINE ART prints are made on inkjet printers. The paper stock is archival safe, the inks will outlive you and your children if displayed properly. The stock is also quite expensive, a minimum of @ 10 ml thickness up to 21 and 23 ml.

A Fine Art print provides the seller leverage. How? You can tell the buyer it's museum quality (providing your work backs up your pricing)

Other CHEAP methods to create prints on paper in quantity are postcards and typical calendar paper.

Hope this helps :))

Not pure guesswork :) A print is still the product of any number of processes including offset, but calling it an "art print" might help.

However, if size isn't a consideration, then poster is about as clear as "print", methinks.

P.S. My heart holds a special place for the well trained press operator :). Many of them are artists in their own right.

Posters mean a less expensive option for the buyer. They are 'quantity, not quality' based. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a good result, as far as crisp clean detailed image w/perfect coloration, though. I have some excellent posters of my own work!

Some sites offer them in either matte or glossy, as well. I've offered both posters & prints for years and heard no complaints about either. Btw, just because it's an art print or a giclee, printed with archival inks on higher quality paper, doesn't mean it always going to 'look' better image-wise. I've seen some pretty washed out prints and some posters with perfect detail & coloring!

So, yes, there IS a difference between a print & a poster. However, here, I think they may mean the same thing? Not sure...or sure 'why' that would be? It's kind of confusing.

But, posters give those on a the smallest budget a chance to 'own' a piece of your work. I've yet to hear a mention re fading with any I've sold. Maybe it's because they have taken precautions re protective glass or location of in home or office?

In any event, life is short...and options are available, which is a good thing for both artist & patron, whatever their pocketbook & desires dictate!

I imagine the biggest difference between ink jet and offset would be whether or not there were a halftone. But perhaps technology has changed. If there is ever a question about longevity or process that isn't included in the description, maybe asking the producer would be a good idea.

Edit: No, no evidence that digital offset has completely abandoned the halftone. And mass production at an impressive scale is possible even with inkjet.

I don' think the word "poster" should be anywhere on this site.

It could confuse a lot of people. If they come here thinking they are going to get a "poster" and then find out I cost $50.00+ they are going to split really quick.

If they think they are buying a large fine art print, they may stick around.

Good point, John. When does the suggestion thread open again?

I agree, John! It's confusing to the buyer...and, obviously, a lot of members, as well!

Fine Art and Poster are a juxtaposition of terms.

"Fine Art and Poster are a juxtaposition of terms"

???

Further clarification:

http://www.zdnet.com/article/will-inkjet-printing-kill-offset/

Additional article.. once you understand the fact the ink is transferred via plates when offset printing (posters) you will clearly see how much more valuable modern inkjet printers are to the professional Fine artist.

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/printingfinishing/f/offset_desktop.htm

http://wallposters.org/articles/difference-between-a-posters-and-art-print.html