We have a fab guest post today full of tips for making prints of your artwork! I know a few of my readers are amazing artists so here
Your art is no doubt very important to you. It’s a form of self-expression, and every piece of art contains a little bit of you. Whether you want to print your artwork for friends, family, or even yourself (it’s okay to proud!), or you would like to make multiple prints to sell, there are many things to consider in order to make the most quality art possible. Here is everything you need to know about printing your art.
Criteria of Quality Printing
Resolution and Print Size
Artwork in your computer is made up of pixels. Essentially, images are measured in either DPI (Dots Per Inch) or PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The main difference is that DPI measures the amount of ink dots on a page, while PPI measures the number of pixels on a computer. Most digital photos are recorded at a resolution of 72 DPI. However, the standard resolution of a printed image is 300 DPI or PPI. In other words, that’s about 1200×1800 pixels for a 4”x6” image. Therefore, you need to make sure your art is at the standard size before printing.
That being said, make sure to take into account the size of your print when looking at pixels. For example, if you are printing something that is 12×24 inches, the pixels should come to 3600×7200, which is still 300DPI.
Ink and Surface Material
Ink is an important factor in printing quality art. Pigment-based inks are considered to be much higher quality than dye-based inks.
Similarly, the type of paper used to print the artwork is important. The best material to use is watercolor paper, rag paper, canvas, or any specially designed paper. Both the ink and the paper material should be labeled “archival”, which ensures quality printing.
Fine Art Printing: Giclée
If you’ve never heard of giclée, your probably thinking, what the heck is that and how do you pronounce it?? Well, it’s a high-quality printing option and it’s pronounced zhee-clay. Essentially, giclée is the first and only fine art print to be made with an inkjet printer. There is a major difference between giclée and digital printing, however. While digital printing is convenient, it is not an option that is made to last. Digital prints are not considered to be archival like giclée prints are because the materials are of lower quality.
In the end, giclée prints will not fade or be damaged by sun or humidity and they will invariably stand the test of time. The nice thing about giclée is that it is known as one of the best forms of fine-art printing and combines all the criteria of quality printing mentioned above.
Where Can You Print Your Art?
With a Printing Company
There are hundreds of printing companies out there, including many that specialize in giclée. With the quality of this type of printing, however, comes a more expensive price.
On the other hand, not all artists create fine art prints. If giclée printing isn’t something you are interested in and you are looking for a cheaper printing option, companies like Zoe Print have affordable options. You can get a custom quote and easily see if it’s the right printing option for you. Additionally, if you want your art on a brochure, business card, flyer, invitation, newsletter, postcard, or poster, Zoe Print is the perfect option.
At Home
You can always print your art at home. If you have a standard printer, you can print your artwork with that. However, as discussed before, digital printing produces a lower quality than fine art printing. As an option, you could purchase a printer that has a giclée option. In addition to the costs of paper and ink, purchasing a fine art inkjet printer can be costly. However, if you plan on making a large amount of art and are considering selling it, investing in a quality printer might be a good option for you.
Print Your Art Today!
Now that you are an expert at making prints for your artwork, you’re ready to share it with the world. No matter what kind of art you do -drawing, painting, photography, or other- you can easily create amazing prints of your artwork. Whether you decide to try giclée printing or go with a more affordable company like Zoe Print, rest assured nothing is more awesome than you sharing your art with the world!
This post is an entry for the #VicksTricks campaign. I was sent a lovely package to help us out including Vicks First Defence. Very comforting to have on standby in this cold weather!
