The Difference Between Original Artworks, Hand-Signed Prints, Wall Art & Digital Downloads
Claudia SchmidtIf you're new to Candy Decay, you might be wondering what the difference is between my original artworks, hand-signed prints, wall art prints and digital downloads.
All four feature the same artwork, but they're made for different collectors, budgets and spaces.
Original Artworks
Every original Candy Decay piece is a one-of-a-kind mixed media painting created entirely by hand on a wooden panel.
Each artwork begins with an idea before being built layer by layer using acrylic paint, acrylic markers and alcohol markers. Every original is sealed with acrylic varnish and finished with a thin layer of crystal-clear resin, creating the signature Candy Decay finish.
Because every original is handmade, small imperfections are part of the artistic process and make each piece unique.
Perfect if you want:
- The one and only original artwork
- A unique collector's piece
- The complete Candy Decay experience
Hand-Signed Prints
Hand-signed prints are the closest experience to owning an original without purchasing the original painting itself.
I personally photograph, edit and print every piece in my own studio in Germany using high-quality glossy paper. Every print is hand-signed and finished with my official embossed artist stamp before being carefully packaged and shipped by me.
Although multiple prints exist, every single one passes through my hands before reaching yours.
Perfect if you want:
- A personally signed artwork
- A collector's print at a lower price
- Something created and shipped directly by me
Wall Art
Wall Art prints are professionally produced by my trusted printing partner using premium archival printing.
Unlike my hand-signed prints, these are printed and shipped directly by the production partner. This allows larger sizes, worldwide fulfillment and shorter shipping distances for many customers.
The artwork is exactly the same, but these prints are designed for people who simply want beautiful wall art without needing a signature or collector's edition.
Perfect if you want:
- Larger print sizes
- Professional museum-quality printing
- Fast international shipping
- Affordable wall décor
Digital Downloads
Digital downloads are the fastest and most affordable way to bring a piece of Candy Decay into your home.
After purchase, you'll receive a high-resolution file straight from the original artwork, ready to print yourself at home or through your favorite professional print service. No waiting for shipping, no borders, and you choose exactly what size and frame it gets.
It's the same artwork as the originals, hand-signed prints and wall art, just without a physical product travelling to your door.
Perfect if you want:
- The most affordable way to start collecting Candy Decay
- An instant download with no shipping wait
- Full control over size, paper and framing
Which One Should You Choose?
If you're looking for something truly unique, choose an Original Artwork. There will only ever be one.
If you'd like something more personal while staying close to the original, a Hand-Signed Print is the perfect choice. Every print is produced, signed and packaged by me.
If you're simply looking for high-quality art to brighten your home, Wall Art offers the same illustration with professional printing and a wide range of sizes.
And if you want to start collecting Candy Decay right now for the lowest price, a Digital Download gives you the exact same artwork instantly, ready for you to print however you like.
No matter which option you choose, every Candy Decay artwork begins exactly the same way: with a tiny painted world created by hand in my little studio.
Thank you for supporting independent art. Every order helps me continue building the Candy Decay universe, one tiny world at a time.
Not ready to commit to a full piece yet? The Candy Decay Postcard Club is a low-cost way to start collecting, and you can read more about how the Candy Decay style came to be. Curious about the actual color process behind every piece? I wrote about why I can use 100+ colors in one painting and it still isn't chaos.