Why do artists make prints?

The modern world is technologically advanced with latest printing facilities that can make hundreds of prints form any image or text within no time. But there was a time when artists had to make the prints of their work with the help of the same material that they used when they made the first art work. Some artist may still use this technique to create multiple copies of their work. Some of the reasons are stated in the following (Frank, 2013, p.126).

1. Art work may be much expensive when it is unique. Artist may make prints of their art work so that a bigger number of it is available which is less expensive and within the reach of a many audiences.
2. Art work can be a source of expressing social issues and advocating civil rights. Artists therefore, may make multiple prints of their socially motivate art work to motivate more people.