Print Artwork: What It Is, How It Sells, and Why It Matters

When you think of print artwork, a reproduction of an original piece made on paper or canvas for sale. Also known as art prints, it's how most artists turn their work into income without selling the original. It’s not just copying a painting—it’s a deliberate, market-driven process that includes sizing, paper choice, ink quality, and how it’s presented. People don’t buy prints because they can’t afford originals. They buy them because they want art they can live with, change often, and feel connected to.

Behind every successful print sale is a smart decision about art print sizes, the standard dimensions that match common frames and wall spaces. The most popular? 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20. These fit standard frames you can buy at any store, making the purchase easy. Bigger sizes like 20x24 are growing fast because buyers want impact without the cost of an original. And then there’s digital art prints, art created and sold entirely online, often as downloadable files or limited-edition files. These don’t need physical inventory—they’re printed on demand, shipped straight to the buyer, and can be sold globally in minutes.

What makes one print sell and another sit untouched? It’s not just the image. It’s the story. Buyers want to know why the artist made it, what inspired it, and how many are available. Limited editions with numbered signatures sell better than unlimited ones. And if the artist explains how the print was made—whether it’s giclée on cotton rag or archival inkjet—it adds value. You don’t need a gallery to sell prints. Etsy, Shopify, even Instagram can be your storefront. But you do need to know what sizes people actually hang on their walls, and how to price them so you’re not leaving money on the table.

Some artists think prints are a last resort. They’re not. They’re the backbone of a sustainable art career. The artists making real money aren’t the ones waiting for a museum show—they’re the ones who figured out how to turn their work into something people can own, afford, and love. You’ll find guides here on what sizes sell best, how to price your prints, how to avoid common mistakes, and even how to handle taxes when you’re selling online. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been printing for years, there’s something here that’ll help you make more from your art—without changing a single brushstroke.

20 November 2025 How to Get Your Art Turned Into Prints: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get Your Art Turned Into Prints: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to turn your original art into high-quality prints with step-by-step guidance on scanning, color matching, printing, signing editions, and selling your work-without expensive equipment or professional help.