There’s no denying that being a professional artist is hard. Not only are you coming up with creative ideas all the time, but there’s the added pressure of supporting yourself, which is increasingly difficult these days. Selling your work involves finding the right art galleries, applying to exhibitions, schmoozing at networking events, writing artist statements, updating your website, posting on social media, emailing collectors and answering DMs… OH, and still finding the time to create new work.
So how can you maximize your earnings without adding more responsibility to your plate? Prints are a fantastic way to let your art work for you.
When it comes to selling prints of your work, quality and ease are non-negotiable, so it’s crucial that you find a trusted, experienced print shop to partner with. It will make a huge difference to your collectors – and your stress level!
You can go online to a major company and upload your work, proof it digitally yourself, and hope they arrive as you expected…
OR, you can trust a print shop that specializes in color correcting; that will manage your files; offer physical proofs to make sure they’re perfect; and size them to exactly the dimensions you want. You’ve already got enough to think about, so why fill your brain with CMYK and ICCs?
First things first: What exactly is a Giclée?
The term ‘giclée’ comes with tons of misconceptions. So what does it really mean, and how the heck do you pronounce it?
Simply put, a giclée (jhee-clay) is a high quality print made using an 8 to 12-color inkjet printer and archival paper. Giclées offer rich, long-lasting color and can be customized to fit nearly any size you wish to create, making them the industry choice among professional artists and photographers. When properly cared for, a giclée print can last at least 100 to 200 years without obvious fading.
Sizing, Paper, and Pricing
Choosing the best paper for you is a matter of personal preference. Some papers are better suited for reproducing certain mediums, and your print partner should be able to guide you in selecting the best option for your artwork. Be sure to opt for acid-free and a luxurious feel – your artwork deserves it.
When it comes to sizing, we recommend sticking to standard frame sizes, as that will make framing much easier (and less expensive) for your collectors. If your original is an atypical size, you can build in margins to account for the odd size when it makes sense, or just advise your collectors accordingly.
Pricing your prints can get tricky. You want to cover your costs, consider the square footage, how many prints of each image you are offering (limited or open edition), and your marketability.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Print Partner
If you’re ready to set up a print shop or are in the market for a new print partner, be sure to find someone who understands your unique needs. They should be able to:
• Provide a precise color correction Proof of your work until it’s perfect.
• Offer archival materials
• Advise you on sizing and offer custom sizing as needed
• Respect your artistic vision and brand
Ask to see samples and don’t be afraid to request test prints. After all, your artistic reputation is on the line!
While it’s true that art printing is a very technical process, it’s also an art form in itself. It bridges the gap between originality and accessibility, giving artists more ways to share their work with the world while preserving its integrity.
At Amazing Art Printing,St. Pete’s newest boutique print shop, we take all of the legwork out of the printing process so you don’t have to even think about it. Our wide-format printers are capable of producing images up to 44” x 50’ large and as small as a greeting card. We have hand-selected specialty papers for their acid-free quality and exquisite feel, and work with local photographers to capture your artwork into high quality image files.
Questions? We’re here to help. Simply visit www.easelmanagement.com/amazing-art-printing or contact us at rosemary@easelmanagement.com.
Remember: Uniqueness does not have to mean singular. You can produce one-of-a-kind work, but why shouldn’t you sell it as many times as you’d like, without having to recreate it each time by hand? Giclée prints are the answer to your profitability as an artist.
Click above to visit Rosemary’s Amazing Art Printing.
