Art prints are a great way to show off your talent, decorate your home, and even make a little extra cash. Whether you’re an artist who wants to make copies of your work or just someone who wants to make a beautiful print from a digital image, the process can initially seem complicated. But anyone can make a beautiful art print that looks professional and one-of-a-kind if they have the right tools and know-how.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to make an art print step by step, from choosing the artwork to framing the finished piece. We’ll discuss everything you require to know about scanning or taking pictures of your art with photo editing software, choosing the suitable printing method and paper type, printing your art print, and framing it.
By the end of this article, you will get to know everything you need to know to print your art and show the world how creative you are. So let’s get started and learn how to print!
Step 1: Pick your piece of Art
The first step in making a print is picking the piece of art you want to copy. This can be a picture you made yourself or one you found online. When you want to use someone else’s artwork, make sure you have their permission.
Remember that specific colors and textures may look different in print than on canvas or paper when making your art. For the best results, choose art with a lot of contrast, bright colors, and clear lines.
If you use a digital image, ensure it has high resolution and quality. This will make sure that the final print is clear and sharp. You can find ideas for your print on websites like Unsplash and Pixabay that cost nothing.
Step 2: Scan or take a photo of your Art
When you have your art, the next step is to scan it or take a picture. This will create an electronic file that you can use. Make sure your scan or photo is of good quality and shows all the details of your art.
Use a high-resolution scanner and ensure your art is clean and free of dust or other particles if you want to scan it. Change the settings to ensure your scan has a high resolution and gets all the details of your artwork. Put your art on the scanner bed and close the lid carefully.
If you want to take a photo of your art:
- Use a good camera to ensure it is well-lit and focused.
- Set your skill on a flat surface, like a table or easel, and put your camera directly above it.
- Take a few pictures from different angles so you can choose from a few different options.
Step 3: Make changes to your Art
Once your art is in a digital file, you can use photo editing software to change it. This will let you change your art’s colors, contrast, and brightness and crop and resize it to fit the size you want to print.
There are both free and paid programs for editing photos.
Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Canva are all well-known choices. No matter what software you choose, ensure you know how to use it at a basic level before editing your artwork.
When editing your art, consider the colors, contrast, and brightness. Change these settings to ensure your artwork looks its best when printed. You may also have to crop or resize your art to fit the size you want to print.
Step 4: Choose how you want to Print
You can use different printing methods to make your art print, such as:
Inkjet Printing: This method is often used to make art prints because it makes prints with bright colors and fine details. Tiny drops of ink are sprayed onto the paper, which makes a high-resolution image. Most artists can use this method because inkjet printers are easy to find and not too expensive.
Digital Printing: Digital printing is like inkjet printing, but it uses a different printer. Digital printers don’t use ink but toner and heat to fuse the paper. Digital printing makes prints that are clear and full of colors and tones.
Screen Printing: Screen printing is an old way of making a stencil, or screen, and then putting ink on the paper through the net. Screen printing is great for making prints with a textured or layered look because it can make bright and bold colors. People often use this method to print on T-shirts and other fabrics, but it can also be used to make art prints.
Lithography: Lithography is a method that involves drawing or painting directly on a stone or metal plate that has been prepared in a certain way. The plate is then treated with chemicals to make it printable, and a press is used to move the image from the container to the paper. Lithography is a great way to make prints with fine details and a wide range of colors and tones.
Etching: Etching is a way to make a picture on a piece of metal using acid. The plate has a protective layer, and the artist uses a sharp tool to remove the protective layer where they want the image to show. You can make prints with fine details and a rough look using etching.
Consider cost, quality, and the look you want when choosing a printing method. Try out different approaches to see which ones work best for your art.
Step 5: Pick the paper
Choosing the right paper for your art print can significantly affect how it turns out. Different shapes have different textures, weights, and finishes, and other ways of printing can have different effects.
Some types of paper that are often used for art prints are:
- Matte Paper: Matte paper has a smooth, non-glossy finish and is often used to print fine art photographs and other images with subtle details.
- Glossy Paper: Glossy paper has a shiny, reflective finish and is often used to print images with solid colors and much contrast.
- Canvas Paper: The rough surface of canvas makes it look and feel like canvas. This kind of paper is great for making art prints that look painted.
- Watercolor Paper: The rough, textured surface of watercolor paper makes it perfect for making copies of watercolor paintings and other artworks with a similar look.
When choosing your paper, consider the texture and finish that will look best with your artwork and how you print it.
Step 6: Have Your Artwork Printed
Once you’ve chosen the art, digital file, printing method, and paper for your art print, it’s time to print it. Follow the directions for how you like to print, and use high-quality settings to get the best result.
Before you print, proofread your artwork and double-check all the settings to ensure everything is correct. You can also print a test page to ensure the colors and details look how you want them to.
Step 7: Add the Last Touches
After making your art print, add some finishing touches to make it look better and keep it from getting damaged. Some well-known finishing touches are:
- Mounting: Putting your art print on a backing board can help it stay flat and stop it from warping or curling over time. You can stick your picture to the board using glue spray or double-sided tape.
- Matting: Adding a border around your art print can make it look more finished and professional. You can use a mat that is already cut or cut your own from the mat board.
- Framing: Putting your art print in a frame can help protect it from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. It can also give it a nice border. You can choose from frames made of different materials, colors, and styles to go with your artwork.
- Varnish: Varnish can help keep your art print from getting faded, discolored, or damaged in other ways. You can protect your photo by adding a spray or brush varnish.
Adding these finishing touches to your art print can take it to another level of excellence and make it look more professional and polished.
Step 8: Sell Your Print of Art
Once your art print is done, it’s time to sell it. You can sell your art print in several ways, such as:
- Selling online: You can sell your art print on many online marketplaces, like Etsy, Amazon, or your website.
- Selling in person: You can also sell your art print at art fairs, craft shows, and other events where you can meet buyers in person.
- Social media: Use Instagram and Facebook to show off your art print and connect with people interested in buying it.
- Word of mouth: Tell your friends, family, and others who might want to buy your art print.
By marketing your art print well, you can make it more visible and reach more people interested in buying it.
Making an art print is a fun process that requires imaginative thinking, technical skill, and attention to detail. If you follow the steps in this article, you can make a high-quality art print that looks professional and shows off your unique artistic vision.
To take your print to the next level, choose your artwork carefully, choose the suitable printing method and paper, and add some finishing touches. And remember to market your art print well so that people who will appreciate and enjoy it will buy it.
With time and practice, you can keep improving at making prints that are true works of art.
Q/A
What types of artwork are suitable for making art prints?
Almost any artwork can be turned into a print, but some styles and mediums may work better.
What printing methods are best for making art prints?
There are several different printing methods, each with strengths and limitations. Some popular options include giclee printing, screen printing, and digital printing. The best way to present your artwork will depend on factors such as the desired print quality, the colors and textures in your artwork, and your budget.
Do I need a high-end printer to make art prints at home?
A high-quality printer can help produce better prints, but it’s only sometimes necessary.
How do I choose the right paper for my art print?
The type of paper you choose will significantly impact your art print’s final look and feel. Some factors to consider include the weight and texture of the paper, as well as its archival quality. Depending on your artwork and printing method, choose a glossy or matte paper or one with a specific texture or finish.
How can I make sure my art prints are copyright compliant?
If you’re making prints of your artwork, you likely own the copyright and can reproduce and sell the photos as you see fit. However, if you’re using someone else’s artwork, you may need to obtain permission or pay licensing fees.
What are some tips for marketing and selling my art prints?
Some effective strategies include building an online presence through social media and online marketplaces, participating in art fairs and shows, reaching out to galleries and other retailers, and encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers.
What file format should I use for digital artwork when making prints?
Use a high-resolution file in a lossless format such as TIFF or PSD.
