Getting Your Fine Art Printed
Guidance on how and where to print your visual art
Visual artists spend many hours creating a single piece of work. You can expand the reach of each piece (and earn more for your time) by offering high-quality prints.
By creating prints, you create a whole new experience for your customers. Printed art looks different, it feels different, and if done correctly, it can be just as perfect as the original, if not more so.
Here are a few guidelines to help you get it right.
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Formatting Art for Print
If you're working with a local print shop that can scan your artwork for you, congratulations! You can bypass this section. Otherwise, your first step will be capturing your art in a digital format you can send to a printer.
High-resolution capture
If you are photographing your work, use a high-quality camera that can capture images in RAW format. The original file size and quality are crucial, so use the highest resolution the camera allows.
Use 300dpi resolution
That's “dots per inch.” You choose the DPI when processing your image in Photoshop or another image editor. Typical printers print 300 ink dots per inch, so by saving your artwork at such a high resolution, you can take advantage of each dot for the clearest image. Set your resolution in Photoshop, with these instructions.
Choosing the Right Paper
The choice between papers depends on your artistic preferences and the specific effects you want to achieve.
Cotton paper. Cotton offers exceptional archival quality and a luxurious texture.
Alpha cellulose paper. Alpha cellulose is a more affordable option, still with good archival quality.
Canvas. Choose canvas for prints that present similarly to an original painting.
Bamboo paper. Bamboo is an eco-friendly choice, durable, with a warm tone.
Cold press paper. Its textured surface conveys depth and contrast with a soft, organic look.
Hot press paper. Pressed through hot metal rollers, this paper is ideal for fine lines, sharp details and subtle colors.
Finding a Printing Partner
You'll want to find a print shop that is specifically set up for fine arts. For example, they should use archival quality paper to ensure the longevity of the print without fading or deteriorating. If you're ordering large prints, they'll need a wide format printer.
Here are a few recommended options:
Local
Brilliant Graphics - Exton, PA
Van Gogh Again - Drexel Hill, PA
Timlyn Vaughan - West Chester, PA
Online
The printing process can greatly influence the final quality of your art.
Choosing the right materials for each piece dictates what your customers see and feel in person, and formatting your file correctly means your printed piece will accurately reflect your artwork, with integrity.
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