Do you have original artwork that deserves to be seen by the world? Great news! If you learn how to make prints of your art, you can share your artistic talent and earn money by selling them online.
This article will guide you through transforming your creations into high-quality prints.
We’ll explore the different types of prints available so your paint and paper masterpieces reach a broader audience and earn you money.
Key takeaways
- Offer your art prints on different materials, like canvas, metal, and fine art paper.
- Print-on-demand services lower upfront costs, letting you focus less on logistics and more on creating artwork.
- Marketing on social media helps you connect with a broader audience and sell more art prints.
Print vs original: What’s the difference?
Originals
Original artwork is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece created by the artist. Owning an original often carries special significance and emotional value because it’s the direct result of the artist’s creative process. They’re more expensive because of their uniqueness and the materials used.
Collectors and art enthusiasts treasure original art pieces for their authenticity, often viewing them as investments that will become more valuable over time.
Prints
Art prints are reproductions of original artwork created using different printing techniques on materials like canvas and fine art paper. These prints let artists sell the same image multiple times at an affordable price.
A high-quality print captures the color and detail of the original, making art accessible without the high cost of an original piece. If you want to keep a sense of exclusivity, sell limited-edition prints.
How to make and sell art prints in 6 steps
Create professional-quality prints of your original works to expand your art business and make more money. Follow these six steps to digitize, produce, and sell prints of your art online.
1. Go digital
First things first, you need to convert your masterpieces to digital form.
Scan
This method is ideal for capturing your artwork’s fine details and colors. Use a high-quality scanner, clean up any stray marks, and save your scanned image file with a minimum resolution of 300 PPI (pixels per inch).
Photograph
No scanner? No problem. High-quality photographs are just as good.
Take a photo with a camera or smartphone. Use good lighting to avoid shadows and reflections that distort colors and details.
2. Prepare your file for printing
Your files will need a bit of adjusting before they’re print-perfect.
Photo editing
Use photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop to adjust the colors and contrast to match your original artwork. For the best printing results, put your file in CMYK color mode instead of RGB.
High resolution
The resolution for printing should be at least 300 PPI to ensure the art print is as clear and detailed as the original. Larger prints may need a higher PPI, so consult your printing company before ordering big art prints. Save files in PNG, SVG, or JPEG format.
3. Choose how to make your prints
There are a few ways to turn your original artwork into high-quality prints. Choose based on how much time, money, and effort you can put in.
Making your own prints at home
This gives you complete control over printing, materials, and quality. However, you’ll have to buy a high-quality printer and materials, which are expensive and will take up space in your home.
Using Print on Demand
Print-on-demand services like Printify make it easy to sell art prints online.
Our Product Catalog has many different options for printing artwork, from posters and canvases to acrylic and ceramic. Choose the material, use our Product Creator to upload your artwork, set a price, write an item description, and list it on your online store.
When a customer purchases your prints, our worldwide network of Print Providers will print, package, and ship your artwork to them. This frees you from the hassle of order fulfillment and upfront investment so you can keep the creativity flowing.
4. Decide what materials to print on
Printify offers many different materials to create all types of art prints.
Canvas
Want to add some texture and depth to your work? Canvas prints mimic the look and feel of original paintings.
Posters
Posters are a versatile and cost-effective option for artists who want to make their work accessible to more people. Choose photo paper, matte paper, framed, or unframed. We recommend using acid-free paper to avoid yellowing and fading.
Framed prints
Create prints with frames for a more polished look. They’re ready to hang right out of the box, making them great for gifts.
Fine art prints
Choose fine art paper or archival paper for high-quality prints that’ll stand the test of time. Matte paper’s smooth finish is perfect for gallery displays with textures closer to original paintings.
Metal prints
Here’s an art print material you probably didn’t expect – aluminum. These metal panels offer a modern aesthetic appeal, vibrant colors, and unmatched durability.
Acrylic prints
Acrylic prints provide a high-gloss finish that brings out the radiance of your colors. They’re perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to modern artwork and photographic prints.
5. Get samples
Order samples before selling your art to check if the print company’s work meets your standards. Take high-quality photos of your samples to include in your online listings.
6.Start selling your art online
Here comes the exciting part – selling your art to people worldwide!
Pick a platform
Popular platforms include online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay or dedicated eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce. If you have advanced tech skills, consider creating your own website.
Online marketplaces
Marketplaces like Etsy are perfect for creators selling art prints and handmade goods. They offer a simple way to connect with eager shoppers. However, customization options are limited, and transaction fees may reduce your profits.
eCommerce platforms
Platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce give you way more creative control with customizable storefronts and handy apps to make order management easier. Unfortunately, they have transaction fees, and getting started takes time.
Your own website
Creating your own website gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility but requires more technical know-how and resources. If you’re not a coding whiz and don’t want to hire one, it’s better to stick to an eCommerce platform or marketplace.
Personalize your art store
It’s time to build your virtual storefront and customize it as much as your chosen platform allows. Include a bio so customers can get to know the mastermind behind the beautiful art they’re buying.
Build a brand identity
Your brand identity is the core of your business. It’s the sum of your values, communication style, and visual elements that make your art recognizable.
Pick a catchy store name that perfectly captures the essence of your art and the vibe you want to create. Place your logo on all your artwork and products to build brand recognition and make your art business unforgettable.
Stock the virtual shelves
It’s time to add your beautiful art prints to your store. Research pricing strategies to make sure you’re covering production costs and making a profit.
Use high-resolution photographs and write detailed product descriptions highlighting each item’s unique qualities.
Mention the paper type, size, and other properties. The more info you provide, the more confident your customers will feel when clicking Buy Now.
Promote your store
Promoting your store is key to driving traffic and getting sales. Here are some effective strategies.
Social media
Create accounts on popular social media platforms to display your artwork. Instagram and Pinterest are great for visual art, while TikTok and YouTube are perfect for sharing your creative process.
Share high-quality images of your prints, behind-the-scenes peeks, and stories about your artistic journey. Time-lapse videos of your work in progress can be super engaging.
Interact with your followers through comments, messages, and live sessions. Use relevant hashtags to help people discover your work.
Experiment with paid ads on Facebook and Instagram to target specific demographics.
Email marketing
Collect email addresses at art shows, through your website, or on social media. Offer a small incentive, like a discount or exclusive access to limited-edition art prints, to get people to sign up.
Update subscribers with newsletters featuring new prints, upcoming collections, or the stories behind your art. Offer special promotions, limited edition releases, or exclusive discounts.
Connect with art communities
Get involved in art forums and groups on Reddit, DeviantArt, or Facebook. Share your work, give feedback, and build connections with fellow artists.
Participate in art fairs, exhibitions, workshops, and webinars to connect with other artists and art lovers.
Partner with local galleries to exhibit or sell prints of your art.
Advantages of selling your art prints
Selling prints of your artwork lets you reach a global audience, increase your income, and share your unique vision with art lovers everywhere. Let’s look at some of the biggest advantages of sharing your art with the world.
Growth
Creating prints of your original artwork is an excellent way to grow your art business. You can sell multiple copies of the same piece without the time and effort required to create new originals.
Steady income
No more waiting until your latest piece is complete to make some money. Selling prints provides a consistent income stream since you can sell reproductions of your popular artworks again and again.
Low risk
If you sell prints with an on-demand printing company like Printify, you won’t pay for production until a customer orders. This reduces your upfront investment and financial risk.
Brand exposure
Offering prints improves your brand’s visibility. More customers can afford prints and will likely share your name and work with friends and family, increasing your market presence.
Many sizes and formats
Prints come in many sizes and formats, ensuring there’s something for everyone. There are dozens of sizes are available in Printify’s Catalog.
Tips for selling your art online
Creating prints can be very profitable if you use the right strategy. Here are some tips to help you maximize your success and reach more potential customers.
Set the right price
Set prices that reflect the value of your work while remaining competitive. Check out our guide on pricing your products for success.
Maximize your earning potential
Expand your market beyond fine art papers and canvases. Offer high-quality prints on other products to appeal to more people and increase sales.
Affordable and collectible, postcards are a great way for customers to own a small piece of your art.
Functional items featuring your art prints appeal to students, professionals, and art enthusiasts who enjoy unique stationery.
Print your art on calendars to display your artwork collection throughout the year.
Mugs are a great way to display your work daily in homes and offices.
Customize phone cases with your beautiful paintings, high-resolution photographs, or abstract art.
Create a marketing strategy
Here are some ways to effectively market your art prints:
- Content calendar – Create a Google Doc or spreadsheet to plan your social media posts. Identify the times your audience is most active and post then.
- Social media plan – Post a mix of images, videos, and stories. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Include relevant hashtags to attract new followers interested in art prints and original paintings.
- Email marketing – Build an email list and send regular newsletters with updates about new collections, exclusive offers, and upcoming events.
- Promotions and discounts – Run special promotions and discounts to attract new customers and reward existing ones.
Connect with customers
Engage with your audience to build strong connections.
- Take the time to personally thank customers for their purchases and encourage them to share photos of your artwork in their spaces.
- Share the inspiration and process behind your art. This transparency builds trust and lets customers feel more connected to your work.
- Allow customers to request customizations or commissions. This will add a personal touch and increase the perceived value of your art.
Creating art prints FAQs
When mapping out how to make prints of paintings, you’ll need to digitize your masterpiece first.
There are two methods:
- Scanning – Use a high-quality scanner to capture a digital image of your painting. For the best print quality, use at least a 300 PPI resolution.
- Taking a photo – If your painting is too large for a scanner, use a high-resolution camera in natural light to capture a clear image.
Once you have your digital file, use a print-on-demand service to create high-quality prints on paper, canvas, acrylic, or metal.
If your art is already digital, you’re one step ahead. Use photo editing software to remove imperfections, adjust the colors, and save as a high-resolution file. Then, choose a printing company, like Printify, and follow their steps on how to make prints of digital art on their platform.
Many print companies offer canvas prints, including Printify. Simply choose a canvas, size, and style. Upload your digital artwork to our Product Creator, adjust its size and position, and let the printing pros handle the rest.
The best printing method for your art print depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and the type of artwork.
Here are the most popular printmaking techniques:
- Giclée printing – Also known as inkjet printing, this is a favorite among artists and galleries for its exceptional color accuracy and quality.
- Screen printing – Requires a lot of patience and can be messy but offers vibrant colors and a unique textured feel.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to expand your reach or a newcomer eager to learn about making art prints, the opportunities are endless. Art is made to be seen and admired, and creating prints is the perfect way to share your masterpieces with the world.
Trust Printify to bring your art to life today!
