What Is an Artist’s Book? A Beginner’s Guide

… and why you should start buying them (if you haven’t already)

Although there isn’t a standard definition of what an artist's book is, in this article I’d like to explore the concept by combining definitions from various sources. More importantly, I’ll focus on aspects that make artist books valuable from the perspective of those who don’t create them—potential buyers like you.

This is not an exhaustive guide, but rather an accessible and straightforward introduction for those unfamiliar with artist books. By the end of this, you’ll know what they are, how to recognize them, and why they’re worth exploring.

More Than A Conventional Book.

We’re all familiar with the traditional concept of a “book,” especially those composed of text (narrative, essays, poetry) or visuals (comics, manga, graphic novels).

However, an artist's book breaks away from this conventional idea, approaching the concept of a book from a completely different perspective—both in terms of form and content.

As the name suggests, it’s logical to assume that artist books are created by artists. While that’s true to some extent, this is not the most precise definition.

Let’s start with a general definition: an artist's book is a form of artistic expression that uses the book format as its primary medium. It is a work of art in itself, designed by its creator to convey ideas, emotions, and concepts in a unique and often experimental way. Artist books typically have no creative boundaries beyond the materials used and are not constrained by commercial considerations.

10 Defining Characteristics of Artist’s Books

1. The most common form of an artist's book is, of course, a book—but not always. Experimental forms, often resembling objects or sculptures, are frequently used. These are often referred to as “book-objects.”
2. Imagery is key. Many artist books contain no text at all, while others combine text and visuals. These books often serve as artistic supports for visual works such as photography, illustrations, collages, or image interventions.
3. They often intersect multiple disciplines, blending formats, techniques, and materials to create rich and interactive works. They push the boundaries of creativity by merging various artistic and narrative expressions.
4. The author’s message is crucial. In artist books, this message is closely tied to the artist’s vision and creativity, enhancing the experience of “reading” or, more accurately, “viewing” the book.
5. Their themes are diverse, often reflecting the artist’s personal experiences, travels, concepts, or reflections.
6. The term "artist" can feel vague. While artist books are often created by visual artists, they can also be the work of illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, or editorial designers.
7. Every detail counts. From the content to the design, binding, and presentation, the final piece is a complete work of art, often resulting in carefully crafted, aesthetically valuable editions.
8. Artist books are typically exclusive or even unique, with limited editions or handmade copies that exist in small numbers.
9. Despite their exclusivity, not all artist books are expensive. While some may exceed €600, many are priced around €20 or €30.
10. Artist books are often self-published or released by specialized publishers. They are commonly found in museum stores, galleries, or bookstores focusing on independent publishing.

What Isn’t Strictly an Artist’s Book?

Given the broad nature of the term, many types of books can fit under this definition. However, some are better categorized separately, such as:

• Zines. Lightweight narrative and aesthetic expressions that share intentions with artist books but have a distinct identity.
• Photobooks. Often considered a type of artist’s book, these focus exclusively on showcasing photographic works, with no interventions or mixed disciplines.
• Art Books. Books that document or analyze art or artists, often with a more educational or documentary intent, rather than being standalone works of art.

Three Reasons to Buy Artist’s Books.

1. If you love art, artist books offer an accessible way to own works by experimental or unconventional artists.
2. They aren’t just for reading; they’re for viewing, touching, and experiencing. They can even serve as decorative pieces in your favorite spaces.
3. Buying artist books is a direct way to support independent creators, small artists, and local talent.

How to Choose an Artist’s Book.

Choosing an artist's book can be tricky; you might want to buy them all! But given limited budgets, here are some tips:

• Consider whether you prefer photography, illustration, mixed techniques, or experimental pieces.
• Look for books on themes that interest you.
• Pay attention to the book’s interior pages to see if the visual style resonates with you.
• A good synopsis can provide insight into the concept and message behind the book.
• Support local or national creators as a way of fostering nearby talent and culture.

Above all, let yourself be guided by intuition, aesthetic connection, or an emotional response—just as you would with any other work of art.

Where to Buy Artist’s Books.

• Browse our Singular Papers artist book collection, featuring works from around the world.
• Visit independent bookstores, museum shops, or art galleries.
• Explore specialized artist book fairs in your area.
• Check artists’ or publishers’ official websites and online stores.

Do you want to choose an artist book to interact with? Take a look at our Artist Book collection below and choose your favorites.