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Ideas on What to do When
Printing your Artwork for the First Time
Madeleine Jacobs
www.ArmChairPaintClasses.com
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Breaking into Print
Tips for Breaking into Print for the
New Artist
Everyone wants to know about
breaking into print of course! But how does one go about it and what
kind of decisions does an artist need to make before breaking the
bank? Here are some very basic things an artist needs to consider
before ever taking that crucial step.
Not everything an artist paints or
draws is worthy of becoming a print. Even some well respected artists
can fall into the trap of printing each new work they create.
As with any marketing, you need to
test overall reaction to your new work. The budding artist often has
difficulty in getting honest and constructive criticism to their work
but an honest evaluation to a new piece is critical. If you have
determined that your work meets a certain criteria (i.e well
executed, delivers an emotional impact, makes an appeal, delivers a
statement...) you are ready to consider extended options on your first
print.
Selecting a printer is really of prime
importance. If one lives close enough in your area, take the time to
visit with them about their requirements, restrictions, and policies.
If one does not live close in your area, call, write or email.
Here are some basic things to remember
when planning a print. |
- Black and white work or pencil, is
actually harder for a printer to work with because of the many varying
and subtle shades of gray, but the cost of printing color artwork is so
much higher. You might like to choose a pencil drawing to begin with.
- To start, select a smaller print of an
original artwork that has proven to be popular in shows, and fairs.
Chances are good that you will do better with a piece the public likes
than one appealing only to you. Public opinion is often a good predictor
of how well a print might do for you.
- The card market opens a different kind
of door for you. It allows people to buy a small gift item than can
easily be framed as well.
- When printing, it will usually cost
only a fraction more to print 1000 of the same print as 200 or less.
This is because there is an initial set up fee, and a run of prints over
the printer's initial amount will not cost that much more than the first
100, 200 or so. You must decide if having more prints on hand that you
have room to store feasibly, and may take up to several years to sell,
outweighs the benefits of the money you save on a printing a larger run.
- Remember that no matter where you
print, if you are shipping your artwork, you need to inquire about
insurance. Accidents DO happen. How much is your original worth to you?
- Have the printers keep a file of your
scanned work on hand. But you have the right to ask for a copy for
yourself. All artwork, unless otherwise stated, belongs to the artist!
In the end, time will make a practiced and
professional out of the budding artist.
Just never forget that you are the one who
holds the ultimate control and final say-so of the outcome of your work.
February 2/17 /2007
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