As a local print resource to my community, I have often been asked…”How do I sell my artwork?” To make it easier for all our artistic clients, I’m posting this blog so you, too, can hear what I tell my clients.

First, have a budget in mind. When I ask this question, most don’t even know what to say. If I know you only have 300.00 to print your best artwork, then I will offer my best solutions in that range. Each answer will be different and have different outcomes.

Second, find out if the interest in your artwork is for larger pieces or smaller pieces. We can print digitally (up to 13 x 19) on our smaller presses and larger (up to 44-60”) on the large format presses. Each press has different toner and ink and each press has a very different price point.

Third, understand the paper that you’re printing on. There is a big difference in coated, uncoated and archival papers. Most printers have a swatch book that they offer for free so take them up on that. Archival paper will always be more expensive but these prints will be giclees and can be signed and numbered by the artist. Digital prints printed on toner are not giclees. You can still sign and number them as well but they will not be archival.

Fourth, ask for a variety of print sizes that fit within your budget. I always suggest printing at the size that will easily fit in a standard frame (8 x 10, 11 x 14, 12 x 18, 16 x 20, 18 x 24 etc). This will ensure that your client has options.

Lastly and most importantly, don’t print a large run for artwork you haven’t sold. If you don’t know anyone will buy them or you don’t have client lined up out the door, then start with a small run of 15 to 20 smaller pieces and 2-3 larger pieces.

It’s always better to err on the side of small to start. Make sure that you get your artwork professionally photographed or scanned digitally so that the printer has a high resolution file and can print your image without pixillation or distortion.

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