Have you thought about selling prints of your artwork but you do not know where to start? Print on Demand sites for artists are becoming more popular and making it easier for artists to generate extra income. In this article, I will share with you some tips on how to find the best POD site for your art business.
Print on Demand Sites For Artists
Selling prints of your artwork can help you generate more income but trying to learn how you can have your artwork printed can feel overwhelming at first.
There are basically three options you will have if you are interested in selling prints of your artwork.
- You can have a local printing service print your art in bulk.
- You can make prints yourself.
- You can use a Print on Demand service.
I will talk a bit more about each of these options later on, but first I want to mention the importance of taking high-quality images of your art.
Take some time to learn how to photograph your art. The quality of your images will not only help you sell your original art online but it will also increase your print sales.
Just like everything else, practice makes perfect. Practice taking images of your art every day. Become an expert at photographing art. This is a skill you will not want to overlook.
Learn how to photograph your art. Your online art sales depend on it. Click To Tweet
Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1,2, and 3 by Scott Kelby
Local Printing Services
Not long ago, artists would have to go to their local printers to get prints of their artwork if they were interested in selling limited edition prints.
Many artists would also have to hire a professional photographer to photograph their art.
Selling prints of original art was a gamble.
First, artists would have to decide what would art would be the best seller. If the prints didn’t sell they would take a loss.
The other risk was relying on a professional photographer to take high-quality images that would represent their artwork.
Many artists took a loss in those days, but today you can minimize the risk and the loss.
One way you can save money is by taking your own photographs.
Cameras are more affordable to purchase than they were in the past and you do not have to wait for your film to be developed to see if you captured a good shot or not.
Even though you can cut the costs by taking your own photographs, purchasing prints in bulk is still a risk. You will be losing money for every print that is not sold.
Review your goals to see if using a local printing service is best for you. If most of your sales come from craft shows, purchasing in bulk might be in your best interest. If you sell prints mainly online, using a POD service or making your own prints might be best for you.
Make Your Own Prints
Technology is making it more affordable for artists to generate an income from their craft.
You have the option of selling your original art and prints online to people around the world. Instead of paying a local art gallery fifty percent of a sale, you can own an artist website that is relatively inexpensive.
Today artists are making more profit from their craft than ever before.
Printers are now affordable for professional artists selling art prints.
In the beginning, you will have to sell a certain amount of prints to cover the cost of the printer and printing supplies, but once the printer is paid for your profit margin will increase.
Artists are making more profit from their craft than ever before.Click To TweetPopular Printers used by Professional Artists
Canon iP8720 Wireless Printer, AirPrint and Cloud Compatible
- Print wirelessly and effortlessly from your compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod
- Compatible with Individual/Combo CLI-251 XL Ink Tanks and PGI-250 XL Pigment Black Ink Tanks.
- You only need to replace the inks that run out saving you money.
- 6-color ink system, the results are photo quality perfect for replicating original artwork.
- 8 Dye based inks for amazing color.
- 3 Dye based inks are dedicated grayscale for beautiful, crisp black and white prints.
- The Optimum Image Generating System reproduces colors by logically selecting the optimum ink combination and placement.
- Save by replacing only the ink that runs out.
- 4800 x 2400 dpi for incredible detail, perfect for replicating original artwork.
Popular Paper Used for Fine Art Printings
Hahnemuhle William Turner 310gsm Deckle Edge 8.5″ x 11″ – 25 sheets Available in different sizes.
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308gsm Deckle Edge – 8.5″ x 11″ – 25 sheets Available in different sizes.
Hahnemuhle German Etching 310gsm 11″ x 17″ 25 Sheets Available in different sizes.
Hahnemuhle Museum Etching 350gsm 13″ x 19″ 25 Sheets Available in different sizes.
Hahnemuhle Fine Art Bamboo Fiber Natural White, Smooth Warm Tone Inkjet Paper, 290gsm, 8.5×11″, 25 Sheets Available in different sizes.
Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta 325, Ultra Smooth High Gloss, Bright White Inkjet Paper, 325gsm, 8.5×11″, 25 Sheets Available in different sizes.
11 x 17″ Photo Rag Baryta Fine Art Paper (25 Sheets) Available in different sizes.
Print on Demand Sites for Artists – What You Should Know
I have seen a large number of POD companies become available for artists in a short amount of time. POD is now a big business because of the rise in online art print sales. Everyone wants a piece of the pie so you will notice more and more POD sites popping up.
What is POD (Print on Demand)?
A Print on Demand site is a company that prints images (original art or photographs) or text (books) per order.
Most Print on Demand companies will do all of the work. All you have to do is provide a high-quality image of your art and drive traffic to the listing.
The Print on Demand site will take the order, make prints of your art and ship the item to the customer.
The amount of money you will make per print will depend on the POD site you are using.
You will not make as much money selling prints using a POD service but there is no risk. You will not have to invest in anything except a good camera and a computer.
Do you want to sell your art on merchandise?
There are POD sites that only focus on art prints while other companies offer prints on merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, giclee fine art prints and thousands of other items.
Here are a few examples of Print on Demand sites used by artists and photographers. (This list is a small list that is used by many artists selling prints online.)
- AbsoluteArts.com
- DeviantART
- ArtPal
- ArtSpan
- FineArtAmerica.com
- ImageKind
- ArtStar.com
- Society6
- Redbubble
- SaatchiArt
- Zazzle
- CafePress
Become familiar with each site’s terms and conditions prior to committing. Do not be fooled by the claims of companies having higher quality prints. Many companies use the same printing and fulfillment centers.
Deciding on a POD Service
Selling prints of your art is a great way to generate more money from a piece of art you have already created. Click To TweetThere many things to consider when you are deciding on what company you will be using. Here are some questions you will want to have answers for prior to committing to a service.
How much will you make per print?
The amount of money that you will make per print will vary from site to site. Some sites allow the artist to decide how much money they want to make per print. The company will then add that price to their costs in order to come up with a selling price. Other sites will only pay the artist 5% of the sales. Every site is different so make sure you read the fine print.
When will you get paid?
When you get paid will also vary from site to site. Some sites will pay you once a sale has been completed, other sites will hold your money until you reach a specific dollar amount, then they will pay you.
What is the quality of the merchandise?
The quality of the merchandise will vary little between the different POD sites. I recommend ordering a print so you can perform a quality check on the merchandise, print quality, package and handling and customer service.
How much traffic does the site generate?
The amount of traffic will tell you how reputable the company is.
Many artists believe that if a company generates a ton of traffic, they will have a better chance of landing a sale. This is not the case. You will have to market and promote your prints if you are interested in selling a lot of prints. The amount of traffic will only tell you if a company is perceived well by buyers.
Does the site have promotional tools that will work for your goals?
Most promotional options will be similar. However, some sites will provide better tools for you to use. Take a look at the different options each site has.
Is the site easy to use?
Some sites make it very easy for artists to upload and sell their prints, while other sites make it more challenging. Your time is valuable, decide on what site will be the easiest for you to operate.
Does the site allow you to customize the look and feel of your store?
Will the site allow you to customize your shop to compliment your brand? In order to be successful selling art online, you have to make an online presence. This starts with your branding.
Does the site offer analytics?
Most sites I have looked into lack in this category. I am predicting a change in the near future. It is important for you to know what is working for you and what is not. If the site does not offer analytics, look into the option of using Google analytics. In order for you to build your business, you need to know the statistics.
How to be Successful Selling Prints
The amount sales you generate from selling prints will come from the amount of time you spend on marketing your art.
Do not make the same mistake many artists are making. They upload an image on a POD site then forget about it. After a while the are wondering why they are not selling any prints.
You have to learn how to market your art and drive traffic to your POD site where people can make a purchase.
Block off some time every week for marketing. If you are new to selling art you will need to focus on the basics.
Visit Sell Art Online Startup Plan to learn how to build a solid foundation for your art business.
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Conclusion:
Selling prints of your art is a great way for you to generate more money from a piece of art you have already created.
Take some time to decide what will be the best solution for you, either purchasing prints in bulk, printing yourself or using a POD site.
You might want to consider using a Print on Demand site and learn how to market your prints before you invest in a printer or purchasing prints in bulk.
If you notice a particular print is selling well, you can decide on an alternative printing method so you can make more profit per sale.
Best of luck selling your art prints.
You might also be interested in:
- How An Artist Can Supplement Their Income
- Art Marketing Plan – How to Make a Presence Online
- Art Marketing Resource
- How To Price Your Artwork
- Can You Sell Art Online Blogging – Proven Over Time [Infographic]
- Elevator Pitch for Artists
- How To Write Great Art Descriptions That Sell?
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Hello there!
Thank you for the inputs with your blog posts, always finding some interesting points.
But regarding this statement as Most Print on Demand companies will do all of the work. All you have to do is provide a high-quality image of your art.
NO WAY. They do nothing FOR YOU except giving the space where a lot of possibilities to meet potential clients, handle printing and customers. But all work for promotion completely on the shoulders of the artists. And than earlier to understand it, than earlier possible to start selling.
Im for 6 years on POD sites (my all time favorite and preference is FAA) and previously I saw the coming sales without outer marketing, just key wording, descriptions and activity on site. About 3 years ago its totally changed, nowadays without marketing you will get nothing only waste of time.
Jenny Rainbow Fine Art Photography
Hello Jenny, thank you for your thoughts. I could not agree with you more. When I was talking about what they provide was the (taking orders, printing, collecting revenue and shipping.)
At the end of the article I included these thoughts:
How to be Successful Selling Prints
The amount sales you generate from selling prints will come from the amount of time you spend on marketing your art.
Do not make the same mistake many artists are making. They upload an image on a POD site then forget about it. After a while the are wondering why they are not selling any prints.
You have to learn how to market your art and drive traffic to your POD site where people can make a purchase.
Block off some time every week for marketing. If you are new to selling art you will need to focus on the basics.
Thank you for pointing this out, I am going to add a note in that section. The only way to be successful selling art online is to be an expert on digital marketing.
I think this is a better way of saying it, Most Print on Demand companies will do all of the work. All you have to do is provide a high-quality image of your art and drive traffic to the listing.
Thank you, Jenny!
Yep, that sounds much better, Dave ))) Traffic is our all!
Sorry I started to answer before read the post till the end, later I continued to read and saw your advise ) Just very often facing with artist opinion that we will put images online and sit back and wait for the sales…
Im actually teaching the artists to sell on POD sites and a big part of this tutorials is marketing strategies, because for now near impossible to get sales without being active in several medias.
Jenny,
I agree with you, “It is near impossible to get sales without being active in several medias.”
I have been involved with selling art online for over 15 years and because I had a marketing background I knew the importance of marketing and building brand awareness. We now have tools available to build a presence to people around the world, but tools will only work if they are used properly.
Best wishes on your tutorials!