Art Prints scattered on a table

How to Make Art Prints to Sell? (7 Tips)

Making prints of your artwork to sell can be a great way to generate profits and increase your exposure as an artist. But, getting high-quality prints made affordably can be a challenge.

Some factors to consider when making art prints include the type of paper, inks, the printer you use, and the settings on your printer. This article will provide tips on making art prints that sell without breaking the bank.

How to Make Art Prints to Sell?

You can create great prints that will sell well using high-quality materials, simple designs, and professional printing services. Be sure to proof your prints before selling them to ensure there are no errors, and promote them online and in person to get the word out in the market.

A lady artist preparing for making Art prints
How to make art prints

Creating prints of your artwork to sell can be a great way to make extra money and increase your exposure as an artist. But if you’re not careful, materials and printing costs can quickly destroy profits.

If you want to know about balancing quality, cost, and satisfaction from your buyers, please read on. There are a few key things you should keep in mind when making art prints.

Use a Professional Printing Service

You will need to use a professional printing service to make art prints that sell. They’ll be able to print your artwork onto high-quality paper, ensuring that the colors are accurate and the output is of a high enough standard that it’ll look good framed. You may need to crop your artwork slightly to fit the standard print sizes, but this is easy in most editing programs.

Physical prints also last much longer than digital files, meaning your customer can enjoy the purchase for years. Plus, there’s something special about owning a physical print that you can’t replicate with a digital file. So, if you’re serious about selling your artwork, use a professional printing service.

Use High-Quality Materials

Anyone can make prints of their artwork to sell, but to be a successful artist, it’s essential to use high-quality materials. It would help to make fine art prints on archival-quality paper with pigment-based inks. This high-quality print will ensure that your prints last many years without fading or losing color.

If you’re selling art prints of original artwork, it’s also essential to ensure that the image is closest to the original as much as possible. It means choosing a printing process to capture your work’s detail and beauty. When selling art prints, it’s also essential to consider the overall presentation of your art business.

For example, if you’re selling larger art prints, it may be helpful to frame them. This way, potential customers will see your work in its best light and be more likely to purchase a print.

By using high-quality materials and taking care of the overall presentation of your art business, you increase your chances of making sales and becoming a successful artist.

Keep Your Designs Simple

A framed Art print containing simple design on a table with books and table lamp in front.
Keep Your Art Print Designs Simple

If you’re looking to sell art prints, one of the most important things to remember is that simplicity is vital. When it comes to art prints, less is more. That’s not to say that your designs should be boring or unoriginal, but rather that they should be easy to understand and focused.

Often, less complex designs are more visually appealing and strike a chord with viewers. They also look better when printed, as more intricate designs can lose quality when reproduced. So if you’re looking to create digital art prints that are high quality and will sell, keep your designs simple.

And remember, even though prints don’t have to be perfect, they should always look professional.

Use a High-Resolution Image

If you’re interested in making art prints to sell, one of the most important things to remember is to use a high-resolution image. The high-resolution image will ensure that they are of the best quality. There are a few ways to get high-resolution images.

One is to use a scanner, which you can use to scan larger art pieces. Another option is a print-on-demand service, which usually requires a high-resolution image. Finally, you can use Photoshop to create high-resolution images from scratch.

Whichever method you choose, ensure that your prints’ quality is paramount. This will help to ensure that your customers are happy with their purchase and that your art prints look their best.

Proof Your Prints Before You Sell

When you’re ready to start selling your art prints, the first step is ensuring they’re high quality. That means you need a printer that can produce a quality print, and you’ll need to prove your prints before you sell them. You can either scan them yourself or outsource the scanning to a professional.

Once you have digital versions of your prints, you can use photo editing software to touch them up if needed. And remember, when you’re offering high-quality prints for sale, it’s essential to make many prints so buyers have a wide selection.

You will likely miss sales if only a few prints are available. So take time to learn how to make quality art prints, and then start selling your best prints customers will be happy to buy.

Offer Discounts For Larger Orders

Sample Art Prints two one over the other, ready for delivery
Offer Discounts For Larger Art Print Orders

Offering discounts for larger orders is a great way to increase sales of your art prints. Not only does it incentivize customers to buy more, but it also helps to generate word-of-mouth marketing. Customers who feel they’ve gotten a good deal are likelier to tell their friends and family about your business.

There are some different ways to structure discounts for larger orders. For example, you could offer a 10% discount for orders of $50 or more. Or, you could offer a tiered system, with different discounts for different order sizes.

Whichever approach you choose, ensure that the discount is significant enough to be meaningful but not large that it eats into your profits.

Promote Your Prints

There are a few different ways you can go about promoting your prints. One option is to sell the original paintings that you’ve created. It is a good option if you want to sell your art for a higher price in the art market.

Another option is to sell fine art prints of your work. It will be a good option if you want to sell physical copies of your work. You can also sell printables and digital files of your work that the buyer can print.

Whatever option you choose, ensure that you are promoting your prints in a way that highlights their quality and makes it easy for potential buyers to purchase them.

You can successfully promote and sell your art prints with a little effort. Watercolor prints, in particular, can be delicate, so take care when packaging them for shipping. Also, ship the prints to protect them from damage during transit.

Why Sell Prints of Your Artwork Instead of the Original Pieces?

Many artists choose to sell prints because it allows them to reach a wider audience and generate more income. They are also less expensive than the original artwork so you can sell them at a lower price.

And if you know how to make prints yourself, you can eliminate the cost of hiring a printer. However, there are some things to remember if you sell artwork prints. These are already discussed above but reiterated once again.

First, make sure you use a high-quality printing process on fine art paper to ensure your prints look as close to the original. Second, offer a variety of print sizes and editions to give buyers options. And finally, don’t forget to sign and number each print to add value and authenticity.

Tips for selling prints on Etsy or Other Platforms

An Artist sitting in front of a laptop and updating information with coffee mug in her left hand
Selling Art Prints on Etsy

1. Research Etsy and other similar sites to see what kinds of prints are popular and in demand to give you a good idea of what to sell. If you’re an artist who sells prints, you may wonder how to start selling on Etsy or other platforms.

2. Make sure your prints are high quality and professionally done. Customers on online platforms are looking for quality products, so make sure your prints meet these standards.

3. Use good photography to show off your prints. Customers on online platforms want to see clear, well-lit photos of the ones they’re considering buying. Make sure your photos show them in their best light.

4. List your prints at a fair price. Consider the cost of materials and shipping when setting your prices, and don’t forget to factor in your own time and labor. Remember that customers are looking for bargains, so don’t price yourself out of the market.

5. Promote your products on social media and other online platforms. You can reach a wider audience by promoting your prints on social media and other websites. Be sure to include links to your Etsy shop so potential customers can easily find you.

Follow these tips, and you can start selling your prints on Etsy or other platforms and make a profit from your art.

Benefits of Using a Print Company to Create Prints of Your Art 

High speed press with Printing happening.
Benefits of Using a Print Company for Art Prints

As an artist, you have many options for printing your work. You can print it yourself, use a local print shop, or go with an online company. Every option has its benefits and drawbacks, but using a print company can be a great way to get high-quality prints at a reasonable price. Following are a few reasons to consider using a print company for your next printing project:

1. Print companies have the latest printers and technology, producing crisper prints that are more vibrant than what you could get from a home printer. They can also print on different types of paper, including archival-grade paper that will last decades without fading.

2. Print companies have experience working with artists. This means that they understand the specific needs of artists and can help you choose the right paper and printing options for your project. They can also offer advice on the best display and market your prints.

3. Print companies often offer discounts for larger orders. You can also save money by bundling different prints together into one order. This can be a great way to save money if you plan on selling.

4. Print companies offer a wide range of finishing options, including framing, matting, and mounting services, to help your prints look their best. These services can be beneficial if you sell them or display them publicly.

Taking the service of a print company to create your art prints is a great way to get high-quality results at a reasonable price. With the latest technology and experienced staff, print companies can help you create beautiful prints that will last for years.

Conclusion

If you’re an artist, selling art prints is a great way to make extra money. You can charge more for prints than you would for the original piece, and people love having art prints in their homes.

In this article, we’ve outlined a few tips on how to make art prints that look professional and will help you sell more copies. We also looked at the benefits of a print company for creating artwork prints. So what are you waiting for? Start making art prints and start earning profits.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What type of paper should I use for my prints?

    The paper’s weight and quality can significantly affect your prints’ overall look and feel. Heavier, higher-quality papers will generally produce a more professional and polished finished product.

  2. What should I consider when designing my prints?

    Keep your design simple and clean for the best results. Use high-quality images that are suitable for printing, and be sure to proof your prints before finalizing them. It is essential to consider the colors you use and the sizing and orientation of your prints.

  3. How do I market my art prints?

    You can sell your art prints online through Etsy or your website. Promote them through social media, and consider offering discounts or special deals to customers who purchase multiple prints. You can participate in local art fairs or exhibitions.

  4. What kind of shipping options do I have?

    If you’re selling prints online, it’s essential to offer shipping options that are both affordable and reliable. Try to find a printing service that offers tracking numbers for added security and milestone updates to keep your customers informed. For large orders, it may be necessary to use a freight service.

  5. Can I sell digital prints?

    Digital prints can be attractive for buyers who want to save on shipping costs or don’t have frame access. Just be sure that your files are high quality and in the correct format for printing.

  6. How do I Turn my Art Into Digital Prints?

    Transform your artwork into digital prints by creating a high-resolution scan or photograph of the original. Then, use software like Adobe Photoshop to format and adjust it as necessary. From there, partner with quality printing services that can produce exceptional copies of the art for sale and distribution.

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