Why Making Prints is a Smart Move for Artists
As artists, there’s nothing quite like finishing a piece — that moment when all the layers, textures, and details finally come together. But once the original is complete, the next question often becomes: what’s next? For me, creating prints has been one of the most rewarding (and practical) ways to share my art with more people while still honoring the quality and integrity of the original.
Here’s why making prints is such a good idea — and a few key things to consider before you start.
1. Prints Make Your Art Accessible
Not everyone is in the market for an original painting, and that’s okay! Prints allow your work to reach a broader audience at a lower price point, which means more people can live with and enjoy your art. It’s an incredible feeling when someone connects with a piece deeply enough to want it in their home — and offering prints helps make that possible for more collectors.
2. Quality Matters: Capture It Right
One of the most important parts of creating a great print starts before you even think about printing — it’s all in how you capture your work. The details, textures, and colors in your art are what make it special, so investing in a high-quality scan or photograph is key.
If your piece has texture, metallics, or depth (like mine often do with mixed media and resin), photographing it in the right light can make all the difference. However, for flat pieces or works with fine detail, scanning can be the better option.
Pro tip: always capture your artwork before adding varnish or resin. Those glossy finishes can create reflections that are difficult to edit out later, and you want your digital file to represent your true colors and tones as accurately as possible.
3. Think Ahead: Shipping and Sizing
When deciding which prints to offer, it’s important to think about logistics — especially shipping. Large prints can be costly to mail flat, while smaller ones can easily be shipped rolled or in a rigid mailer. Offering a few standard sizes helps streamline packaging and makes things simpler for your collectors.
Consider whether you’ll offer prints on paper, canvas, or both, and factor in how those materials will hold up during shipping. Investing in sturdy packaging not only protects your work but also helps your customers feel confident ordering from you again.
4. Longevity and Consistency
High-quality prints allow your art to live on, even after the original sells. Once a piece leaves your studio, having a professional file means you can continue to share and reproduce it — and even use it for future projects like licensing, collaborations, or merchandise. It’s a great way to build a consistent, recognizable body of work over time.
5. A Sustainable Way to Grow
Creating prints can also help you build a more sustainable art business. Originals are one-of-a-kind, but prints give you the ability to generate ongoing income from a single painting. It’s an empowering way to grow your practice and reach new collectors without constantly feeling like you have to produce at a nonstop pace.
In the End
Making prints isn’t just about reproducing your work — it’s about expanding your reach, building your brand, and sharing your art with more people in the world. With a little planning, the right capture, and attention to detail, prints can become a natural and exciting extension of your creative process.