How to Start Selling Prints as a Designer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a designer looking to start selling your prints? You're not alone! I’ve received countless questions on Instagram about this topic, so I decided to create this comprehensive guide to help you get started. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to improve your process, this guide covers everything from setting up your artwork to shipping your prints efficiently. Let’s dive in!


Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork for Printing

Setting Up the Right Dimensions and Resolution

Before anything else, you need to ensure your artwork is properly formatted. Here’s how:

  1. Choose the right size: A 4:5 ratio works best as it’s compatible with portrait sizes for Instagram and common print dimensions. For example, set your artwork to 16x20 inches at 300 DPI. This resolution allows you to print at sizes like 8x10, 16x20, and even 24x30 inches without losing quality.

  2. Add bleed and margins: To avoid important parts of your design being cut off during printing, include a clean edge or bleed. A margin of 0.5 inches (or about 150 pixels) is a good rule of thumb.

  3. Run print tests: Always print test copies to ensure the design looks as good on paper as it does on your screen. Double-check that any text is legible and your colors print as expected.

  4. Export in the right format: Save your files as TIFF or PDF for the highest quality.

Step 2: Printing Your Artwork

There are three main options for printing your designs. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Option 1: Print at Home

This is a good option if:

  • You have a high-quality printer capable of handling larger sizes.
  • You’re producing prints in small quantities.

However, home printing has limitations:

  • Most consumer printers max out at 8x10 inches unless you invest in a professional-grade printer.
  • Ink costs can add up quickly.

If you’re printing minimalistic designs, like black ink on colored paper, this could work. Otherwise, it’s better to outsource to save time and money.

Option 2: Use a Local Print Shop

Local print shops are a popular choice because they:

  • Offer personalized service and guidance.
  • Provide high-quality results with minimal errors.

By building a relationship with your local printer, you can test prints, experiment with different materials, and create limited edition designs. However, this option may not be feasible if you don’t live near a high-quality print shop.

Option 3: Use Online Printing Services

If you don’t have access to a local print shop, online printing services are a fantastic alternative. Some reliable options include:

  • Vistaprint
  • FedEx
  • Staples
  • Poster Print Factory
  • Costco Photo Center

Online services often offer bulk discounts, making them ideal for large print runs. Personally, I use Costco, and I highly recommend them for their excellent print quality, competitive pricing, and secure shipping. Their luster finish is perfect for semi-matte prints, and you can turn off auto-correct to preserve your design’s colors.

Step 3: Set Up Your Online Store

Choosing a Platform

Setting up your store doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some great options:

  • Big Cartel: Affordable and perfect for beginners. Their $10/month plan supports up to 50 products, which is ideal for most artists.
  • Squarespace: If you already use Squarespace for your portfolio, simply add e-commerce functionality to keep everything in one place.
  • Shopify: A robust option if you’re planning to scale your business.

Tips for Success

  • Offer free shipping within your country to encourage local orders.
  • Enable multiple payment options, including PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and Apple Pay, to make checkout seamless.
  • Invest in a custom domain for a professional look. Sites like HostGator make it easy to find affordable domains.

Step 4: Shipping Your Prints

Shipping can be tricky, but with the right tools and materials, you can streamline the process.

Tools and Materials

  1. Printing labels: Use a service like Pirate Ship for competitive shipping rates and easy label printing.
  2. Shipping materials:
    • For large prints (16x20 or 24x30), use sturdy tubes. Tape the ends securely to prevent damage.
    • For smaller prints (8x10), use reinforced envelopes with scrap cardboard or corrugated sheets to protect them.
  3. Pencils for signing: Archival-grade pencils, like Stabilo Museum pencils, are perfect for signing prints.

Eco-Friendly Tip

Avoid overstocking by batching your orders. For example, wait until you have 5–10 orders before printing. This reduces waste and helps you stay profitable.

Final Thoughts

Selling prints as a designer may seem overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success. Prepare your artwork, choose the right printing method, set up an attractive online store, and ship your prints efficiently.

I hope this guide has been helpful! If you have more questions, check out my playlist for more tips and tricks. Happy selling!

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