What is an Artist Proof (AP)?
In offset reproductions, artist’s proofs are additional prints not included in, but of the same quality as, the regular edition. In original prints, artist’s proofs are the first prints pulled, which are the truest prints in the edition because the plates and screens have not yet been worn down. Artist’s proofs are distinguished by the abbreviation AP and are numbered separately; they often represent 10 percent of an edition and are slightly more expensive than prints in the regular edition. In addition, Steve includes a small original drawing next to his signature on all AP prints.
