The Best Print on Demand for Artists, 101

Craig
13 Jan, 2024

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best print on demand for artists

In the ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression, where creativity knows no bounds, artists are constantly seeking innovative avenues to showcase their work. As the digital realm continues to revolutionise the way we connect with art, Print on Demand (POD) services have emerged as an indispensable ally for artists worldwide.

For those seeking to transform their masterpieces into tangible, high-quality art prints, the quest for the “best print on demand for artists” becomes a paramount pursuit. So, let’s delve into the realm of Print on Demand, exploring the diverse options available and guiding artists toward the most exceptional platforms to bring their visions to life.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or an aspiring artist, join us on this journey to discover the ideal print on demand solution for your artistic endeavours.

Summary

• Print on Demand allows artists to sell their art prints without having to invest in inventory upfront.
• POS is often more cost-effective, convenient, with the ability to offer a wider range of products.
• When choosing a Print on Demand service for art prints, consider factors such as pricing, product range, and customer service.
• Picking the correct paper stock is crucial for ensuring high-quality prints that accurately represent the artist’s work.
• Marketing and promotion are key to successfully selling art prints with Print on Demand services.

Benefits of Print on Demand for Artists

One of the most significant advantages of using POD services as an artist is that there are no upfront costs involved. Traditional methods of selling art regularly require artists to invest in printing large quantities of prints before they even make a sale. With POD, you only pay for each print as it is ordered by customers.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about managing inventory or storage space. As an artist, your primary focus should be creating new artwork rather than dealing with logistics. With POD services, all you need to do is upload your designs onto the platform, and they take care of everything else – from printing to packaging and shipping.

Furthermore, print on demand platforms offer a wide range of products and sizes for your artwork prints. Whether you want your art printed on canvas, posters, fine art prints, or mugs – there are countless options available at your fingertips! 


Additionally, one major advantage that cannot be overlooked is global reach. By utilising print-on-demand services as an artist, you instantly gain access to customers from all around the world without having to worry about international shipping or customs. This opens up a whole new market for your art and increases your chances of making sales.

Lastly, print on demand platforms are designed to be user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The process of uploading your designs and setting up your online store is straightforward and intuitive. Most platforms provide step-by-step guidance, making it easy for artists to navigate through the entire process from start to finish.

Choosing the Best Print on Demand Service for Art Prints

When it comes to choosing the best print on demand for artists, thorough research and comparison are essential. There are several factors that you should consider before making a decision.

Firstly, pricing plays a crucial role in determining which POD service is right for you. Compare the base prices offered by different platforms and take into account any additional fees or charges that may apply. It’s important to strike a balance between affordability and quality.

Secondly, consider the range of products available on each platform. While art prints may be your primary focus, having the option to expand into other products such as apparel or home decor can diversify your offerings and attract a wider customer base.

Lastly, customer service should not be overlooked when selecting a POD platform. Prompt responses to inquiries or issues can make all the difference in ensuring smooth operations with minimal disruptions.

Some popular print-on-demand services specifically tailored towards artists include Papello, Society6, Fine Art America (now Pixels) and Zazzle among others – each with its own unique features and benefits worth exploring further based on individual needs.



Print Quality and Materials: Choosing the Correct Paper Stock


As an artist selling prints through print on demand services, ensuring high-quality prints is of utmost importance. The quality of the paper stock used can significantly impact the final result and how customers perceive your artwork.

There are several types of paper stock available for art prints, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different artistic styles. Matte paper offers a smooth finish with minimal glare, making it ideal for detailed or intricate artworks. On the other hand, glossy paper provides a vibrant and reflective surface that enhances colours and contrasts.

If you’re looking for quality papers, consider a print on demand company that offers a range of fine art paper stocks. Whilst the cost may be slightly higher than other papers, combining your artwork with fine art paper stock can add a premium to your pricing model, one which customers can truly feel when receiving their delivery.

If you’re unsure of which paper to use, at Papello we offer a free sample pack.


Sizing it up: What Size & Framing Options Should You Offer Your Customers


Offering a variety of sizes and framing options for your art prints is crucial in catering to different customer preferences. By providing choices that suit various budgets and display preferences, you increase the chances of making sales.

Popular sizes for art prints typically range from small A4 all the way up to large A1 inches or even larger depending on the platform you choose. It’s important to strike a balance between offering enough size options without overwhelming customers with too many choices.

Framing options also play a significant role in enhancing the presentation of your artwork. Many print-on-demand platforms offer framed versions of their products as an additional option for customers who prefer ready-to-hang pieces. Offering both framed and unframed versions allows customers more flexibility in how they select to display their purchased artwork.

Determining pricing for different sizes and framing options can be a challenging task. Find a print on demand service that is transparent about pricing. At Papello, prices for all size and framing options can be found on our product pages.


Shipping and Fulfilment: What to Expect from Print on Demand Services


When a customer places an order for one of your art prints, the print-on-demand platform takes care of all the logistics involved in producing and delivering the product.

Shipping options vary depending on the platform you pick. Some offer standard shipping methods, while others provide expedited or express options at an additional cost. It’s important to communicate these options clearly on your online store so that customers can make informed decisions during checkout.

Most print on demand providers will offer 100% white label packaging, meaning they won’t include any of the branding.
When looking to the best print on demand for artists, ensure you check whether they offer white label packaging.

At Papello, all our packaging is white label & eco-friendly. 



Marketing and Promotion: How to Sell Your Art Prints with Print on Demand


While print-on-demand services provide artists with a convenient way to sell their art prints, marketing and promotion play a crucial role in driving sales. Here are some tips for effectively promoting your art prints:

1) Utilise social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter to showcase your artwork regularly.
2) Engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process or hosting live Q&A sessions.
3) Collaborate with influencers or other artists who have a similar target audience.
4) Participate in online art communities or forums to connect with potential customers and gain exposure.
5) Offer limited-time promotions or discounts to incentivize customers to make a purchase.
6) Consider investing in paid advertising on platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience.

Print-on-demand services can also be used as a marketing tool themselves. Many platforms offer built-in marketplaces where customers can discover and purchase art prints from various artists. By optimising your product listings with relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions, you increase the chances of being discovered by potential buyers browsing these marketplaces.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Print on Demand for Artists


Choosing the best print on demand for artists requires careful consideration of factors such as pricing, product range, quality, and customer service.

Print quality is crucial in ensuring customer satisfaction, so selecting the correct paper stock is essential. Offering different sizes and framing options allows you to cater to diverse customer preferences, while determining pricing requires research and competitor analysis.

Understanding how shipping and fulfilment work with print-on-demand services ensures a smooth customer experience. Marketing and promotion play an important role in driving sales – utilizing social media platforms, collaborating with influencers or other artists, participating in online communities are all effective strategies.

Good luck out there!

Written by Craig

eCommerce, SEO & Small Business Marketer

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