Printing Art for Artists: 5 Guides to Get You Started

If you’re an artist, printing your artwork can be a total game-changer. Suddenly, your one-of-a-kind creations can be reproduced and sold over and over again, giving you the chance to reach more people and boost your income.

It’s all about scaling your business and making the most out of your time and effort.

But printing isn’t straight forward, it takes a bit of know-how to get it right.

There are many important questions that need answering, such as:

• How do I make DIY prints of my art?
• What’s the difference between limited editions and open editions?
• Where do I get my prints made?
• How do I turn my art into digital downloads?

In this post, I’ve rounded up everything you need to know about printing art. Pay most attention to the first article. It contains advice you seldom find on the internet. It is real world advice from my own experience.

Ok let’s get started.

How to Make Prints of Your Art

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Making prints of your art is a smart way to grow your audience and make extra income. But how do you get started? This guide explains everything step by step, keeping it easy and stress-free.

First, you’ll learn how to digitize your art. Whether you’re using a scanner or a high-quality camera, the goal is to capture every detail. It also covers how to clean up your image and adjust colors, so your prints match your original work.

Once you’ve got your digital file, it’s time to save it in the right format. The guide explains the differences between JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files, so you’ll know which one works best for your needs. And don’t skip the color profile section—it’s the key to getting accurate colors in print.

Paper choice is another big part of the process. Do you want a smooth, glossy finish or textured matte paper? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each and helps you choose the perfect option for your art style.

There’s also a detailed section on print sizes. It’s not just about picking a size—it’s about avoiding awkward cropping and making sure your prints look balanced and professional.

By the end of the guide, you’ll know how to prepare your files, choose the right paper, and get your prints made, either at home or with a professional print service.

It’s a straightforward way to turn your original art into beautiful prints you’ll be proud to sell.

How to Start a Printables Business

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Starting a printables business is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income with your art. Unlike traditional prints, printables are digital files that customers download and print themselves. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

It starts with choosing the type of printables you want to create. Popular options include wall art, planners, calendars, digital stickers, and more. The key is to pick something that fits your style and resonates with potential buyers.

Once you’ve chosen your product, it’s time to design. The guide offers tips on creating high-quality files that look great when printed. You’ll learn about file formats, resolution, and how to make your designs compatible with different printers.

Selling your printables is easy with platforms like Etsy. This guide breaks down how to set up your shop, price your products, and write descriptions that attract buyers. There’s even advice on keywords and SEO, so your listings get found.

Promotion is essential for success, and the guide gives you practical ways to market your printables without being pushy. Think social media tips, email marketing, and how to build a loyal customer base.

Starting small and scaling up is the best strategy. You’ll be able to test different products, learn what sells, and grow your business at your own pace. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be on your way to running a successful printables business in no time.

Where to Print Art Prints from Etsy

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Finding the right place to print your art prints is crucial for running a successful Etsy shop. Quality matters, but so does cost and reliability. This guide breaks down the best options to help you choose what works for your business.

First, it explains the different types of printing services available. You’ll learn about local print shops, professional print labs, and print-on-demand services like Printful and Gooten.

Each option comes with pros and consthis guide helps you decide based on your budget, control over quality, and turnaround time.

If quality is your top priority, professional print labs are the way to go. They offer consistent results with top-tier papers and inks. Local print shops are great for small print runs or last-minute needs, while print-on-demand services let you skip inventory and ship directly to customers.

There’s also advice on how to prepare your files for printing. It covers essential steps like choosing the right resolution and color profile to avoid common mistakes. You’ll know how to create files that print perfectly every time with no surprises.

Shipping plays a big role too. The guide offers tips on handling prints safely and choosing the best packaging to protect them during delivery. This will help you avoid damage and keep your customers happy.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of where to get your prints made and how to manage your printing process like a pro. With these tips, your Etsy shop will stand out for all the right reasons.

What Are Limited Edition Prints?

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Limited edition prints can add value and exclusivity to your art. They’re a great way to make your work feel special and desirable. This guide explains how they work, how to set them up, and why they appeal to collectors.

A limited edition means you print a set number of copies and no more. Each print is individually numbered and signed, making it clear how many exist. The guide breaks down how to decide on your print run size and how to price your prints based on demand and rarity.

There’s a section explaining why transparency is key. You’ll learn how to communicate the edition size to buyers and avoid misunderstandings. Collectors love limited editions because they feel exclusive, and keeping things honest protects your reputation.

You’ll also get tips on how to number and sign your prints properly. This part matters—a small detail like a handwritten number can add value and make your prints stand out.

Managing your editions is another important step. The guide explains how to keep track of your print runs and what to do once you sell out.

Knowing when to re-release new editions or offer open editions alongside limited ones can boost your income without over-saturating your market.

By following these steps, you’ll know how to create and manage limited editions that attract buyers and add a new level of professionalism to your work.

How to Print from Procreate

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If you’ve been creating art on your iPad with Procreate, printing your work might feel tricky at first. But it doesn’t have to be. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make sure your digital art looks perfect on paper.

It starts with setting up your Procreate canvas correctly. Resolution is key—always use 300 dpi to ensure your prints come out crisp and sharp. The guide also explains why color profiles matter and how to choose the right one for accurate color reproduction.

Exporting your files is another crucial step. You’ll learn the differences between file formats like PNG, TIFF, and PDF, and when to use each one. This ensures your files are print-ready and compatible with any professional printer.

If you want to offer your prints in multiple sizes, the guide shows you how to resize your artwork without losing quality. Scaling can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll avoid blurry or distorted prints.

There’s also advice on how to print your Procreate art at home versus sending it to a professional printer. You’ll get tips on selecting the right paper and ensuring your colors match what you see on your screen.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to turn your Procreate creations into beautiful, high-quality prints that you can sell or display.

Bonus: Shipping Art Prints

When it comes to printing art, creating beautiful prints is only half the battle, getting them safely into your customers’ hands is just as important.

Even the most stunning print can lose its value if it arrives bent, smudged, or damaged. That’s why knowing how to ship your prints properly is a must for any artist selling their work.

This bonus guide ties perfectly into the printing process by showing you how to protect and package your prints for a professional finish.

How to Ship Art Prints Safely: The Easy Way

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Shipping art prints might sound simple, but there’s more to it than just popping them in the mail. The key is making sure your prints arrive safely and in perfect condition while keeping shipping costs reasonable.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid common mistakes.

It starts with choosing the right packaging. You’ll learn about the best materials, from rigid mailers to tubes, and when to use each one. There’s also advice on adding backing boards and protective sleeves to prevent damage during transit.

Securing your prints is crucial. The guide explains how to protect them from moisture, bending, and other risks. Taping everything properly and using clear instructions on the outside of your package can make a big difference.

Shipping options are another big topic. You’ll get tips on how to choose between standard mail, tracked delivery, and courier services, depending on the value of your prints and how fast your customers want them.

There’s even a section on calculating shipping costs and how to set realistic rates for your customers. Clear communication is key—let buyers know when to expect their prints and how they’ll be packaged.

By following these steps, you’ll ship your art prints like a pro, giving your customers a great experience and ensuring your artwork arrives in perfect condition every time.

Printing Artwork: Final Thoughts

Printing your art doesn’t have to be complicated and there are plenty of ways to create stunning prints without too much stress. If you know what to expect you’ll avoid the costly pitfalls.

Take your time, read the advice and follow the tips. Soon you’ll have professional-quality prints that you’re proud to sell.

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