How to Turn Your Sketches Into Prints for Sale
If you’re an artist, one of the best ways to increase the reach of your work and generate additional income is by turning your original sketches into prints for sale. Not only does this allow you to sell multiple copies of a single piece, but it also provides an affordable way for art lovers to own your creations.
The process of transforming your sketches into professional-quality prints involves several important steps. Below, we walk you through the essential stages—from digitizing your sketches to choosing the right print medium and selling your prints online or in galleries.
1. Prepare Your Sketches for Scanning or Photography
Before you can create prints of your sketches, they need to be in digital form. There are two main ways to digitize your work:
- Scanning: A scanner provides a high-resolution image of your artwork, ensuring the fine details of your sketch are captured accurately. If your sketch is small, this is the best method. Ensure that the scanner is set to the highest resolution (at least 300 dpi) for optimal quality.
- Photography: If your sketch is large or difficult to fit into a scanner, photographing it with a high-quality camera is another option. Use natural light or controlled studio lighting to avoid shadows or glare, and make sure the photo is crisp and clear.
Tip: If you’re using a camera, try using a tripod and shoot the artwork directly from above to prevent distortion.
2. Edit Your Digitized Sketch
Once your sketch is digitized, it’s time to edit it for printing. Most artists use software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to make necessary adjustments. Here’s what you may need to do:
- Clean Up the Image: Remove any dust, stains, or imperfections that may have appeared during scanning or photographing. Use the “Spot Healing Brush” or “Clone Stamp” tool in Photoshop to correct small flaws.
- Adjust the Contrast and Brightness: To make sure the details of your sketch stand out, adjust the contrast and brightness levels. If the sketch is too light or faded, increasing the contrast can bring out the dark lines and subtle shading.
- Convert to the Desired Color Format: If your sketch is in grayscale and you want to keep it that way, ensure it’s in a black-and-white format. If you’d like to add color, use software tools to digitally color your sketch. Alternatively, you can leave it as a monochrome piece, which often appeals to buyers who appreciate simplicity.
Tip: Save your edited image as a high-resolution .TIFF or .PNG file for best quality.
3. Choose the Right Print Medium
Choosing the right print medium is crucial to the look and feel of your prints. Different types of prints appeal to different customers, so think about the style and aesthetic of your sketches when deciding on the printing technique.
Here are some common print mediums you can use:
- Giclee Prints: Giclee printing is a popular choice for artists because it produces high-quality, archival prints. The process uses fine art paper and inks, resulting in rich color reproduction and fine details. Giclee prints are perfect for selling limited editions of your sketches.
- Lithograph Prints: Lithography is another traditional printing method that is ideal for reproducing sketches. The process uses stone or metal plates, and the prints are known for their sharpness and precision. Lithographs are suitable for larger print runs.
- Screen Prints: If you’re looking to produce bold, graphic versions of your sketches, screen printing may be the ideal choice. This technique involves layering ink on a screen to create textured, vibrant prints, perfect for limited editions.
- Digital Prints: Digital printing is a cost-effective way to create prints from your sketches. With digital printing, the image is printed directly onto paper or canvas using a high-resolution printer. This method is excellent for producing high-quality prints quickly and affordably.
Tip: Choose a medium that complements the texture and feel of your original sketch. For detailed line work, giclee prints are often the best choice, while screen prints are ideal for a bolder, more graphic style.
4. Select Your Paper and Materials
The type of paper or material you use for your prints will significantly affect the final product. Some options to consider:
- Fine Art Paper: This high-quality paper mimics the texture of traditional watercolor or drawing paper. It’s ideal for art prints, as it gives the artwork a luxurious and professional finish.
- Canvas: For a more textured, classic look, canvas prints are a great choice. These prints give the impression of an original artwork and often have a gallery-style presentation.
- Matte vs. Glossy: Matte finishes are preferred for sketches, as they preserve the subtleties of line work and shading without creating too much glare. Glossy finishes tend to enhance color saturation but may reduce fine details.
Tip: Always order samples from print shops to ensure the material complements your sketches before going into full production.
5. Decide on Print Sizes and Editions
Now that you’ve chosen your print medium, it’s time to decide on the sizes and editions of your prints. The most common approaches include:
- Open Edition Prints: These prints have no limit on how many can be produced and sold. Open edition prints are usually priced lower and can help you reach a wider audience.
- Limited Edition Prints: These prints are numbered and limited in quantity. They are often priced higher, as the exclusivity adds value. You may also choose to sign and number each print to make them more collectible.
- Standard Sizes vs. Custom Sizes: Choose standard sizes (e.g., 8×10, 16×20, 24×36) to make framing easier for your customers. Alternatively, you can offer custom sizes for a more personalized touch.
Tip: Offering both open and limited edition prints can help you cater to different buyer preferences, from collectors to casual buyers.
6. Market and Sell Your Prints
Once your prints are ready, it’s time to sell them. Here are some ways to get your prints in front of potential buyers:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder are great platforms for selling art prints. They provide access to a global audience and often have dedicated sections for prints.
- Your Own Website: If you already have a personal website or online portfolio, consider setting up an e-commerce shop to sell your prints directly to customers. This gives you more control over pricing and customer relationships.
- Galleries and Art Fairs: If you prefer in-person sales, try displaying your prints at local galleries, pop-up events, or art fairs. These venues allow you to engage directly with potential buyers.
Tip: Promote your prints on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where visual content is king. Post images of your original sketches alongside the printed versions to generate interest.
7. Price Your Prints
Pricing your prints involves considering both the cost of production and the perceived value of your work. Take into account the type of print (limited or open edition), the quality of the materials, and your artistic reputation.
- Factor in Production Costs: Include the costs of materials, printing, and shipping.
- Consider Your Audience: Research the prices of similar artists’ prints to gauge a reasonable price range.
- Mark Up for Limited Editions: Limited edition prints should be priced higher than open editions to reflect their exclusivity.
Tip: Start by pricing your prints modestly if you’re just starting out, but gradually increase prices as your following and reputation grow.
Conclusion
Turning your sketches into prints is a great way to expand your audience and increase your income as an artist. By following the right steps—digitizing your work, choosing the right print medium, and marketing your prints—you can create high-quality reproductions that appeal to art collectors and casual buyers alike. Whether you sell online or at local events, offering prints of your sketches opens up new opportunities for your artistic career.
