Start your online business · Side hustles · 3 min read
How to Make Art Prints to Sell
Short answer
To make art prints to sell, capture your artwork at high resolution (scanning or careful photography), color-correct the file, choose a printing method such as giclée from a professional printer, print-on-demand, or home printing for small runs, select archival paper, price to cover materials, fees and your time, and package flat or in tubes with protective sleeves.
Prints let artists sell the same piece many times at accessible prices, turning original work into steady income. Making good prints takes care at every step, from capturing the art to packing the box.
Step 1: Digitize your artwork
Scanning
For flat work that fits a scanner, scan at high resolution (often 600 dpi or more for smaller pieces). Larger works can be scanned in sections and stitched, or scanned professionally.
Photography
For large or textured pieces:
- Use a good camera on a tripod
- Shoot in even, diffused light (two lights at 45 degrees avoids glare)
- Keep the camera parallel to the artwork
- Include a color reference card if possible
- Shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility
Professional art reproduction studios offer high-end capture if you want the best results.
Step 2: Edit and color-correct
- Crop and straighten
- Adjust color to match the original
- Clean up dust and specks
- Save a master file at full resolution
Print a test and compare with the original under daylight. Monitors and printers display color differently, so calibration helps.
Step 3: Choose a printing method
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Professional giclée printer | Highest quality, archival | Higher cost per print |
| Print-on-demand service | No inventory, ships for you | Less control, lower margins |
| Home printing (pigment printer) | Full control, good for small runs | Upfront equipment cost, learning curve |
| Offset printing | Cheap per unit in large runs | Large minimums |
Many artists start with print-on-demand or a local printer, then invest in their own printer once sales justify it.
Step 4: Choose paper
- Fine art papers (cotton rag, matte) for watercolor and illustration
- Lustre or satin papers for photography and vivid work
- Canvas for a painting-like finish
Ask for sample packs and test your art on several.
Step 5: Decide on sizes and editions
Offer a few standard sizes that fit common frames. Decide between open editions (unlimited) and limited editions (numbered and signed). Limited editions typically command higher prices.
Step 6: Price your prints
Include:
- Printing and paper cost
- Packaging and shipping supplies
- Platform and payment fees
- Your time for handling
- Profit
Look at what comparable artists charge, but don't underprice. Your pricing formula still applies.
Step 7: Package carefully
- Clear protective sleeves
- Backing board for flat shipping or sturdy tubes for larger prints
- "Do not bend" labels
- A thank-you note or certificate of authenticity for limited editions
Damaged prints mean refunds and bad reviews.
Step 8: Sell
- Etsy for built-in buyers searching for art
- Your own website (Shopify, Wix, Squarespace) for brand control
- Art fairs and markets
- Social media to show process and new work
Read how to start selling your art for marketing ideas.
Pricing tiers that work
Many artists offer prints in three sizes, priced so the middle size feels like the natural choice. Small prints work as affordable gifts and impulse buys, mid sizes suit most walls, and large prints carry the highest margin. Limited editions sit above all of these. Bundles, such as a set of three small prints from a series, raise order value without discounting. Keep your price list consistent across your website, Etsy and markets so buyers never feel they paid more in one place than another.
Protect your work
Keep master files backed up, add your name to listings and watch for copies. Copyright belongs to you as the creator in most countries, but registration can strengthen enforcement in some.
Prints are a great product for artists because they scale. Pair them with originals and commissions for a balanced income. If you also make crafts, see handmade Christmas craft ideas to sell.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution do I need for art prints?
A common target is 300 pixels per inch at the final print size. Larger prints need higher-resolution captures.
What is a giclée print?
Giclée generally refers to high-quality inkjet prints made with pigment inks on archival paper or canvas, designed for longevity and color accuracy.
Should I offer limited editions?
Limited editions can justify higher prices and create collectibility. If you do, keep accurate records and never reprint beyond the stated edition.
Sources and further reading
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.