Getting the most out of the ROAR Printer - Selling Prints of Your Artwork
Become a Print Superstar
Selling prints of your artwork is a fantastic way to generate income and reach a wider audience. In this blog we’re going to share two ways we think you can use the new ROAR printer to build prints into your art business. We’re focusing on the methods and benefits of selling art prints via Print on Demand (POD) and Limited Runs.
So, what is Print on Demand?
Setting up a print on demand service means only having to print what you sell. This can work well with online ordering systems and means you don’t need to invest in a full run of prints, keeping costs down. You also receive a profit from each sale without the need to manage inventory.
What are the benefits of Print on Demand?
Low initial investment with no need to spend money on printing large quantities upfront.
No inventory management
Flexibility to easily update designs and add new products without additional costs.
Possible wider reach with access to global markets through established platforms.
Reduce your environmental impact by cutting down on waste, as prints are only produced when ordered.
What is a Limited Run of prints?
Limited runs involve producing a set number of prints, that you will often sign and number as the artist. This method can create a sense of exclusivity and increase the perceived value of the artwork.
What are the benefits of Limited Runs?
We’ve already mentioned exclusivity, but it’s really one of the main draws for a limited edition print run. It can create a sense of rarity and increase desirability as well as build your pool of ‘collectors’ with a more accessible version of an original which is a step up from your standard print.
With this exclusivity tag, you will be able to price these prints higher therefore creating better profit margins.
Steps to sell your prints
Choose your method: Decide whether POD or limited runs align better with your business model and artistic goals.
Capture images of your work: Ensure your artwork is high-resolution (photo or scan) and properly formatted for printing - we can print PDF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG. If possible, make sure your image is saved in CMYK.
For limited runs, it’s worth considering adding signatures, numbers, or certificates of authenticity.
Send us your work: Email your files with your paper type, size and quantity requirements and what date* you need them by to team@rotherhamroar.org (please note this service is only available to ROAR Members). We have a turn around time of 5 working days and you will need to come and collect your work when it is printed, we are not able to post work out for you or to you.
*Please make sure if you have a specific deadline that you send your work to us with at least 2 working weeks turn around time - we are a small team and occasionally there is only one of us available so as much notice as possible to compensate for annual leave and sickness is always advised.
What to charge for your prints?
We’ve put together a price list for what we charge in house to print for ROAR members. You can see that price list here. Within that list we’ve also included our minimum RRP - this is a good place to start if you’re not sure where to begin with pricing.
You might also want to research similar artists and what they charge for the prints that they produce to determine competitive pricing.
You also need to factor in costs for shipping, packaging and any platform or payment fees.
Other things to think about
Make sure you have a plan for when orders come in - what is your standard turnaround time? What will you package and send items in? These all need to be factored into your systems.