Creating art is a fulfilling endeavor, and sharing it with the world through prints can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re an artist wondering how to turn your original artwork into beautiful, sellable prints, you’re not alone. “How Do You Make Art Prints?” is a question many artists ask, and thankfully, there are several accessible and effective methods to explore. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, drawing from practical experience to help you produce high-quality art prints without breaking the bank.
Obtaining a High-Quality Image of Your Original Artwork
The foundation of a great art print is a high-resolution image of your original piece. This ensures that the print captures the detail, color, and essence of your artwork. Artists use various methods to achieve this, with scanning and professional photography being the most common.
For many artists, professional scanning services are an option, but they can be costly. On the other hand, relying solely on photographs taken with a camera can sometimes be unreliable due to lighting and distortion issues. A middle-ground solution, and one favored by many, is to use a scanner at home.
Initially, a standard all-in-one inkjet printer and scanner can suffice, especially when starting out. These combo devices are convenient and affordable, similar to models like the Canon Pixma series. They can serve well for initial forays into printmaking, although they might be slower and less precise for high-volume or professional needs.
Alt text: A Canon Pixma all-in-one printer and scanner, a useful entry-level device for creating art prints.
However, limitations can arise, particularly when dealing with specific colors or requiring exceptional detail. For instance, some standard scanners struggle to accurately capture fluorescent colors, often rendering them as grayed out or muted. This was the experience of one artist who, after encountering this issue with fluorescent orange paint, sought an upgrade.
After research, the Epson Perfection v600 scanner emerged as a highly recommended option. This dedicated scanner excels at producing high-quality images quickly and efficiently. It’s compatible with various computer systems and is known for its ability to capture colors accurately and details sharply. While it’s a more significant investment than a basic all-in-one, the Epson Perfection v600 is a worthwhile upgrade for artists serious about print quality and efficiency.
Alt text: The Epson Perfection v600 scanner, a high-quality device favored by artists for accurate and fast art image capture.
If you already own a functional all-in-one printer/scanner, it’s sensible to utilize it until your needs evolve. However, when choosing between a basic combo device and a dedicated scanner for art prints, and printing functionality is not a primary need, the Epson scanner presents a superior choice for image quality and long-term satisfaction.
Producing Your Art Prints: DIY vs. Outsourcing
Once you have a high-quality digital image, the next step is to produce the physical art prints. Artists have two main paths: printing in-house (DIY) or outsourcing print production.
Initially, printing your own art prints at home might seem appealing for control and immediate results. Using an inkjet printer, even a basic model like the aforementioned Canon, and cardstock paper allows for creating prints directly.
However, the DIY approach can quickly become challenging and potentially more expensive in the long run. Achieving professional-grade print quality requires high-quality paper and inks, which can be costly. Inkjet printers, especially when striving for vibrant colors and precise details, can consume ink rapidly. Experimentation and reprints to get colors and quality just right can lead to wasted supplies and frustration.
Outsourcing print production emerges as a viable and often more efficient alternative. Local print shops are an option, but they often cater to bulk orders, which might not be suitable for artists who prefer print-on-demand or have fluctuating sales volumes.
Online print-on-demand (POD) services offer a compelling solution. Redbubble is a well-known platform that produces a wide array of products, including art prints, with high quality. Redbubble handles the printing, packaging, and shipping, making it hands-off for the artist. However, the artist’s profit margin on Redbubble is typically quite small. Redbubble can be a good starting point if profit is not the primary concern or if you anticipate very high sales volumes where small per-print earnings accumulate. Redbubble’s card options, which come with envelopes and cello wrapping, are attractive, although the branding on the back of the cards might not be ideal for all artists.
Alt text: Example of art prints available on Redbubble, showcasing diverse styles and high-quality printing.
Another print-on-demand service favored by many artists is iPrintfromHome. iPrintfromHome focuses specifically on high-quality art prints on various media, including fine art papers. They offer prints with a white border, which is a preferred aesthetic for many art prints, and importantly, they provide drop-shipping services. This means iPrintfromHome can directly ship prints to your customers, eliminating the need for you to handle inventory or shipping logistics. Customer feedback often praises iPrintfromHome’s exceptional print quality and robust packaging. iPrintfromHome also offers bulk order options for artists who sell at fairs or exhibitions, providing cost savings for larger quantities.
Alt text: Example of iPrintfromHome’s packaging, highlighting the secure and professional presentation of art prints.
While iPrintfromHome does not currently offer matting, cello wrapping, or international shipping directly from their US/Canada base, their customer service is highly responsive and personable. The company’s human touch, evident in their customer interactions and anniversary cards, adds a unique and appreciated dimension to the service.
Ultimately, the “best” method for producing your art prints depends on your individual needs, budget, and priorities. DIY printing offers maximum control but can be resource-intensive and challenging to scale. Print-on-demand services streamline the process, handling production and shipping, but impact profit margins. Services like Redbubble are accessible entry points, while iPrintfromHome caters to artists prioritizing quality and drop-shipping convenience.
Finding a Sustainable and Affordable Approach
The key to successfully making and selling art prints lies in finding a production method that is both affordable and sustainable for you. If the process becomes overwhelming, costly, or time-consuming, it’s less likely to be maintained consistently.
Consider your budget, the volume of prints you anticipate selling, the level of quality you want to offer, and the time you can dedicate to print production and fulfillment. Experiment with different options, starting perhaps with a simpler approach and scaling up as your art print business grows. Remember, there’s no single “right” way to make art prints. The best approach is the one that aligns with your artistic practice, business goals, and personal resources.
Many successful artists have carved unique paths in print production. Some focus solely on original artworks and forego prints altogether, like the artist Micki Wilde, demonstrating that selling prints is a choice, not a requirement. You have the freedom to decide what works best for you, your art, and your business model.
If you are an artist who creates prints, what methods do you use? Do you have any recommendations or insights to share? Please leave your advice in the comments below! And if you’re considering making prints of your art and have unanswered questions, please ask them in the comments – your questions can help other artists too!
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