Art Print Sales: How to Price, Print, and Promote Your Work

Got a set of designs you love and want to turn them into cash? Selling art prints is a fast way to reach more fans without the hassle of shipping a full‑size painting every time. The key is getting the basics right – quality, price, and visibility. Below you’ll find straight‑forward steps you can start using today.

First, choose a printing method that matches your budget and the look you’re after. Giclée prints use archival inks on fine paper and give a gallery‑ready feel, while standard inkjet or digital prints are cheaper but can look flat after a few years. If you’re just testing the market, start with a reliable print‑on‑demand service; once you see demand, upgrade to a local fine‑art printer for the best color fidelity.

Set the Right Price for Your Prints

Pricing feels like guesswork, but a simple formula can keep you from under‑ or over‑charging. Add up all production costs – paper, ink, printer fees, and any packaging – then multiply that total by 2.5 to 3. This covers your time, gives a profit margin, and leaves room for discounts.

Example: a 12×18 inch giclée on museum‑grade paper costs $15 to produce. Multiply by 2.5 and you land at $38. Round up to $40 for a clean price tag. If you add a limited‑edition number or sign each print, you can push the price higher because collectors value scarcity.

Don’t forget shipping. Offer free domestic shipping on orders over a certain amount (say $75). The free‑shipping threshold encourages larger carts and covers your average shipping cost.

Marketing and Platforms to Boost Sales

Even the best prints won’t sell if no one sees them. Start with the platforms you already use. Instagram and Pinterest are visual‑heavy, so post high‑resolution mockups, behind‑the‑scenes shots of the printing process, and short videos of the final product arriving at a buyer’s door. Use hashtags like #artprintsale, #giclee, and #homedecor to reach interested shoppers.

Set up a simple shop on your website using an e‑commerce plugin. Keep the checkout smooth – one‑click payment options and clear return policies build trust. If you prefer a marketplace, Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble bring built‑in traffic, but they take a cut of each sale.

Run occasional promotions: a "buy two, get 10% off" deal, a limited‑time discount code, or a giveaway that asks participants to tag friends. Email newsletters are underrated; a short monthly note featuring a new print or a behind‑the‑scenes story can convert casual followers into buyers.

Finally, track what works. Use Google Analytics or the built‑in stats on your selling platform to see which designs get the most clicks and which traffic sources lead to sales. Adjust your ad spend and social posts based on that data, and you’ll see steady growth.

In short, quality printing, a clear pricing formula, and consistent promotion are the three pillars of successful art print sales. Start small, test the market, and scale up as you learn what your audience loves. Happy selling!