Creating Art Prints: My Watercolor Workflow
Did you know 87% of professional artists now use digital printing in their business? As a watercolor artist who spent years perfecting my process I know creating art prints isn’t just about pressing a button on a printer. From laser printing to other digital printing methods to preserving the texture of watercolor every step matters. After many trials (and yes, some expensive mistakes!) I’ve finally figured out my workflow for creating art prints that capture all the details of my originals.
Table of Contents
The Printing Process
Creating high resolution images of your work is the foundation of a good print workflow. During my process I learned that understanding the basics of how different substrates interact with ink can make or break your final product. How textured paper handles color, how non printing areas affect the whole piece and even the subtle differences between papers can make a big difference in your art prints. Understanding these basics has helped me create prints that truly represent my originals. Understanding the printing process helps us make informed decisions about our art prints.
Understanding the Foundations of Art Print Production
Creating stunning watercolor reproductions starts with understanding how different elements interact. The magic happens when you match the right paper type with compatible inks – something I learned through plenty of trial and error! Different substrates can dramatically affect how your colors appear in print, while ink selection impacts everything from vibrancy to longevity. I’ve found that getting these fundamentals right makes all the difference between a good print and a great one.
Preparing Your Watercolor for Printing
Before you scan or photograph your work you’ll need to create a new document that matches your print specs. I learned this the hard way! After ruining several prints because I didn’t prepare properly (the company logo was cut off) I developed a foolproof system. Whether you’re capturing delicate washes or bold strokes proper preparation will ensure every detail of your watercolor translates to print. The method you choose – scanning or photographing – will depend on the size and characteristics of your artwork. The digital file should be edited and enhanced to get the best possible print quality.
Pro Tip: The artwork should have a transparent background for easy editing and printing.
Digitization Process: Scanning vs. Photography
The choice between scanning and photography can make a big difference in your print quality. For pieces under A3 I use my trusty scanner – it captures those watercolor textures that make our art unique. For larger works, I use a carefully controlled photography setup with even lighting. The key? For scanning I work at 600dpi minimum, for photography I pay attention to white balance and diffused lighting. Through trial and error I’ve found each method has its sweet spot: scanning is great for detail work, photography is better for larger pieces overall luminosity. Watercolor Art Digitization: Convert Traditional Paintings to Digital
Digital Post-Processing and File Preparation
Post processing is where the magic happens in turning your scanned artwork into print ready files. In Photoshop I focus on preserving the watercolor luminosity while making critical color corrections. I’ve learned saving in the right file format is key – TIFF for archival purposes but sometimes PNG for specific print vendors. One of my biggest discoveries was the importance of soft proofing during color calibration. It helps me catch printing issues before they become expensive mistakes. Every file goes through my detailed quality control checklist before it goes to print.
Saving and Exporting Your File
Here’s a crucial step that will save time and your sanity – proper file management! Mastering Pattern Design File Organization for Creative Efficiency
Let me share my foolproof naming system that’s saved me countless hours of searching: “ArtworkTitle_Size_Resolution_Purpose” (like “WildflowerMeadow_11x14_300dpi_Print”). Trust me, when you’re juggling dozens of pieces, clear file naming becomes your best friend! I also keep a master spreadsheet tracking every version of each artwork – it’s a game-changer for staying organized as your print business grows.
Remember to store these files in at least two places – I learned this lesson the hard way after a hard drive crash nearly cost me a month’s worth of work! External drives and cloud storage are essential parts of my workflow now. Remember, back-up and save often to avoid extra work!
Packaging and Shipping Your Art Prints
Not all printing methods are created equal when it comes to watercolor reproductions. I’ve tried everything from high end giclée to standard digital printing and each has its place. Here’s what I’ve learned: giclée is amazing for fine art prints and color accuracy and longevity but not always necessary for every project. The key is matching your printing method to your goals and budget. Working with professional print services opened my eyes to possibilities I never knew existed – specialized papers that mimic watercolor texture and custom color matching services that guarantee perfect reproduction every time.
Perfect Prints
After you’ve perfected your prints, proper packaging is the lifeline to get your prints to collectors safely. I’ve developed a foolproof system using acid free backing boards and clear sleeves and an extra layer of cardboard for extra protection. The horror stories of bent corners and water damage taught me to always use “Do Not Bend” stickers and water resistant mailers. You can make shipping exciting by including branded thank you cards and care instructions – these small touches have led to countless repeat buyers and glowing reviews. Remember the unboxing experience is your last chance to make a lasting impression.
Bringing Your Art to Life as a Print
Hey, guess what? Your art can live in so many ways! I started with prints, but soon found out there was a whole world out there. Those dainty watercolor florals? Can become bestsellers in an Etsy shop. That peaceful landscape series? Can find a new home on eco-friendly calendars that customers can love.
Diversifying your sales channels with online platforms like Etsy and Society6 give passive income, art fairs can also give face-time with collectors. Instagram a my virtual gallery you can share not just final products but the process. Those behind-the-scenes stories of turning original paintings into prints? They create an audience that feels like they know each piece personally. Remember, every new product format and sales channel opens up new doors to art lovers who might never have found your work otherwise! The Top Essential Artist Website Pages to Showcase Your Art Online
Different Printing Websites
Let me share some insider knowledge about print-on-demand websites that I’ve personally reviewed. Each platform has its own sweet spot, and knowing these can really help you maximize your art business.
Society6 http://www.society6.com has been fantastic for home decor items – their art prints are solid, but where they really shine is their wide range of products like throw pillows and phone cases. The print quality is consistently good, though be prepared for smaller profit margins since they control the pricing.
Printful http://www.printful.com has become my go-to for direct integration with my own website. Their print quality is excellent, and I love having complete control over my pricing and branding. Plus, their mock-up generator is a huge time-saver for creating product listings!
RedBubble’s https://www.redbubble.com/ strength lies in their massive customer base and excellent search visibility. I’ve found their paper quality for art prints to be particularly impressive, and their automated collections feature helps showcase related designs to potential buyers.
Fine Art America https://fineartamerica.com/custom is perfect if you’re targeting the high-end market. They offer museum-quality prints and framing options that really appeal to serious art collectors. While their platform takes some time to master, the higher price points make it worthwhile.
A word of caution from my own experience – don’t spread yourself too thin across platforms initially. I made that mistake and found it overwhelming to manage multiple shops. Start with one or two that align best with your art style and target market, then expand as you get comfortable with the workflows.
Pro Tip: Before committing to any platform, order samples of your own work! I maintain a small collection of test prints from each service to show potential clients the different paper options and print qualities available.
Conclusion
Creating watercolor art prints is a journey I’ve grown to love and I hope this workflow helps you along the way!
Remember every artists workflow evolves with time and experience. Start with the basics I’ve shared here and then adapt to your own style and needs. Your first prints won’t be perfect – mine weren’t! – but each one will teach you something.
Go for it? Get your supplies, scan your favorite piece and take the first step. Trust me there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your first professional print coming out of the printer. And if you have any questions along the way leave them in the comments below – I’ll be happy to help you get started on your art print journey!
Prepare, print and share your work!
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