Start an Art Prints Business: Your Complete Guide

Are you an artist who loves to create beautiful art prints? If so, did you know that you can start your own art prints business? It’s a great way to make money while doing what you love. This guide will show you everything you need to know to get started. So get ready to unleash your inner artist!

Table of Contents


What is an Art Prints business?

Art prints business is a printing company that creates prints of artwork. The company either creates the art itself or commissions artists to create art for them to print. Art prints businesses can print on a variety of materials, but most focus on paper prints. Art prints businesses often sell their prints in galleries, online, or through their own website. Some companies also offer framing services. Art prints businesses typically have a team of employees who handle the printing, framing, and marketing of the company’s products. These businesses usually require a high initial investment to cover the costs of equipment and artist fees. However, once established, art prints businesses can be profitable and provide a steady income for their owners.


Why would I want to start an Art Prints business?

Are you creative and looking for a way to turn your passion into a business? Then selling art prints could be a great option for you! In this section, we’ll give you three reasons why starting an art print business is a great idea. Keep reading to learn more!

There’s a high demand for art prints

If you’re thinking about starting an art print business, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a high demand for art prints. Homeowners are always looking for ways to personalize their living spaces, and buying art is a great way to do that. Not only that, but many people also like to buy art as gifts for their friends and family members. So, if you start an art print business, you can be assured that there will be plenty of customers who are interested in what you have to sell.

You can start small

Another great thing about starting an art print business is that you can start small and gradually grow your business as time goes on. You don’t need to invest a lot of money upfront in order to get started. All you need is a printer and some basic supplies, and you’re good to go! This is especially beneficial if you’re not sure how successful your business will be in the beginning. You can always scale up your operation as your business grows and becomes more profitable.

It’s relatively easy to get started

Compared to some other businesses, starting an art print business is relatively easy. As we mentioned before, all you need is a printer and some basic supplies. You don’t need to lease office space or hire any employees. And, if you sell your prints online, you can reach customers from all over the world! So, if you’re looking for a creative way to make some extra money, starting an art print business is definitely worth considering.

We hope this guide has given you some food for thought on why selling art prints could be a great business venture for you! If you’re creative and enjoy working with your hands, then an art print business could be the perfect way for you to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise.


How do I start an Art Prints business?

Starting your own art prints business can be a very rewarding experience. There are many things to consider when starting out, but with the right planning and execution you can create a successful business. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Define Your Niche

When you’re starting an Art Prints business, it’s important to understand that not all art is created equal. There is a big difference between a mass-produced print and a one-of-a-kind original. And while either can be successful, it’s important to know which market you’re targeting before you begin.

Are you selling prints to be hung on someone’s wall, or are you selling originals that will be cherished for generations? The answer to this question will help you define your niche and determine the best way to reach your target market.

If you’re selling prints, for example, you’ll need to focus on production costs and marketing strategies that will allow you to reach a wide audience. If you’re selling originals, on the other hand, you’ll need to focus on building a reputation as an artist and developing relationships with collectors and gallerists.

By taking the time to define your niche, you can set your Art Prints business up for success from the very beginning.

Create a Business Plan

A business plan is a roadmap for your business that outlines your goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s important to have a business plan when starting a business, especially if you’re seeking funding from investors or lenders. But even if you’re not looking for financing, a business plan can still be helpful in defining and achieving your business goals.

There are a few key components to include in your business plan:

  1. Executive Summary: This is a brief overview of your business and your plans for it. It should include your company name, your mission statement, and the products or services you offer.
  2. Company Description: This section should give an overview of your company, including its history (if any), the products or services you offer, and your target market.
  3. Market Analysis: In this section, you’ll need to demonstrate that you understand your target market and that there is a demand for your product or service. You should include data on the size of your target market, as well as information on your competitors and their market share.
  4. Sales and Marketing Plan: In this section, you’ll need to detail how you plan to generate sales for your business. This will include information on your pricing strategy, promotional activities, and distribution channels.
  5. Financial Plan: The financial section of your business plan should include detailed information on your estimated costs, revenue projections, and funding needs. If you’re seeking financing, this is also where you’ll include information on how much money you’re requesting from investors or lenders and what you plan to use it for.

Find Funding for Your Business

Starting your own business is an exciting and daunting undertaking. One of the most important aspects of getting your business off the ground is securing funding. There are a number of ways to raise capital for your business, from taking out loans to seeking investments from venture capitalists.

However, if you’re looking to start an art prints business, there are a few unique funding options available to you. One option is to crowdfund your business through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. This involves setting up a campaign and offering rewards to backers in exchange for their support.

Another option is to apply for grants from arts organizations or government agencies. These grants can provide much-needed seed money to help get your business started.

Finally, you can also consider selling equity in your company to investors. This can be a riskier proposition, but it can also provide a significant infusion of cash to help get your business up and running. Whichever route you decide to take, remember that securing funding is essential to starting your own art prints business.

Get the Necessary Permits and Registrations

Before you can start selling art prints, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary permits and registrations in place. Depending on your business location, you may need to obtain a business license or permit from the city or county.

You will also need to register your business with the state. In addition, if you plan to sell art prints online, you will need to obtain a sales tax permit. Once you have all the required permits and registrations, you will be ready to start selling art prints.

Decide If You Should Make Yourself or Outsource to a Contract Manufacturer

When you’re starting an Art Prints business, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you’re going to create prints yourself or buy them from a distributor. There are pros and cons to both choices. If you create prints yourself, you’ll have full control over the quality and design of your products.

However, it can be time-consuming and expensive to produce high-quality prints, and you may need to invest in specialized equipment.

Buying from a distributor can be a more cost-effective option, but you’ll need to do your research to find a reputable supplier who offers products that meet your standards. Whichever route you choose, make sure you have a clear vision for your business before making any decisions.

Find Your Location

Before you can start your very own art prints business, you’ll need to find the perfect location. This means taking into account a variety of factors, such as foot traffic, zoning regulations, and proximity to potential customers.

The first step is to choose a spot that gets plenty of foot traffic. This will help ensure that your business gets noticed by potential customers. If you’re located in a busy area, be sure to take advantage of this by creating an attractive display that will catch people’s attention.

Next, you’ll need to make sure that your chosen location complies with all zoning regulations. This will vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to do your research before making any final decisions.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the proximity of your business to potential customers. If you’re located in an area with a lot of art galleries, for example, then you’ll have a built-in market for your products. On the other hand, if you’re located in a more rural area, you’ll need to put more effort into marketing your business to potential customers.

By taking the time to find the perfect location for your art prints business, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Hire and Train Staff

Before you can start selling art prints, you need to build a team of passionate and talented individuals who can help you to turn your vision into a reality. The first step is to hire a group of staff members who share your passion for art and are willing to work hard to achieve your business goals.

Once you have assembled your team, it is time to start training them. You will need to teach them how to use the printing equipment, how to select the best papers and inks for each project, and how to package and ship the finished prints.

In addition, you will need to provide them with an overview of the art market and help them to develop a keen eye for spotting trends. With the right team in place, you will be well on your way to starting a successful art prints business.

Market Your Business

Before you can even think about marketing your business, you need to understand your target market. Who are you selling your art prints to? What sort of prints do they like?

Once you have a good understanding of your target market, you can start thinking about the best way to reach them. There are a number of different marketing channels you can use, including online advertising, print advertising, and social media.

You’ll need to experiment with different channels to see what works best for your business. It’s also important to create a strong branding strategy. Your brand should communicate what makes your art prints unique and why people should buy from you. If you can build a strong brand, you’ll be well on your way to success in the art print market.


How much does it cost to start an Art Prints business?

Whether you’re an artist looking to sell your work or a entrepreneur with a great eye for curating, this guide will give you an estimate of the financial investment required to get your business off the ground. In short, it is not cheap to start an art business, however there are many ways to cut costs. Here are a few things you need to take into account:

Printing Costs

The cost of printing will be your largest fixed expense and will depend on the type of printer you use, the quality of your prints, and the quantity you order. For example, a home inkjet printer may cost you around $60 per print while a commercial printer may charge anywhere from $5-$20 per print. If you are just starting out, it is best to use a home printer and order in small quantities until you have a better idea of what sells and what doesn’t.

Framing Costs

If you plan on selling framed prints, you will need to factor in the cost of framing supplies such as mats, glass, and frames. You can either frame the prints yourself or outsource this task to a professional framer. If you do it yourself, expect to spend around $20-$40 per frame. If you outsource, expect to pay double or even triple that amount.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs will vary depending on the size and weight of your prints as well as the distance they have to travel. You will also need to factor in the cost of packaging supplies such as boxes, tissue paper, and bubble wrap. On average, you can expect to spend around $10-$15 per shipment.

Marketing Costs

Marketing is key to any business’ success, and art businesses are no different. There are many free ways to market your business such as social media and word-of-mouth but eventually you will want to invest in paid marketing such as advertising and PR. Depending on your budget and goals, marketing costs can range from a few hundred dollars per month to tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Starting an art print business is not cheap but it is possible to cut costs by doing some tasks yourself and by ordering in small quantities at first. The most important thing is to create a high-quality product that people will love!


How do I find customers for my Art Prints business?

Are you an artist with a love for printmaking? Are you looking for ways to sell your prints and make a living from your art? This post is for you. In it, we’ll cover some tried-and-true methods for finding customers for your art prints business. So read on and get started!

Define Your Target Market

Any business owner will tell you that one of the most important keys to success is knowing your target market. This is especially true for businesses that sell products like art prints, which can appeal to a wide range of customers.

The first step in defining your target market is to consider the type of customer you want to reach. Are you looking for art lovers who appreciate fine prints? Or are you targeting casual shoppers who are looking for unique gifts?

Once you have a general idea of the type of customer you want to reach, you can begin to narrow down your target market by considering factors like age, location, and interests. By taking the time to define your target market, you’ll be in a much better position to find the right customers for your business.

Create a Marketing Plan

As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is create a marketing plan to find customers for your art prints business. There are a number of ways to market your art prints business, and the best way to find customers is to use a combination of strategies.

First, start by creating a website or online portfolio where potential customers can view your work. Be sure to include keywords in your website content so that your site comes up in search engine results when people are looking for art prints.

In addition to your website, make sure to list your artwork on online directories and marketplaces such as Etsy or Fine Art America.

Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth marketing! Make sure to tell your family and friends about your business, and ask them to tell others about your work. With a little effort, you’ll be sure to find plenty of new customers for your art prints business.

Build a Web Presence

When you’re starting an Art Prints business, it’s important to build a web presence so customers can find you. There are a few key ways to do this. First, create a website for your business and make sure it’s optimised for search engines. This means including keywords related to your business on your website and in your content. You can also create social media accounts for your business and share your content there.

Finally, make sure you have a way for customers to contact you on your website, such as a contact form or email address. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a web presence for your Art Prints business.

Use Organic and Paid Social Media

Selling art prints can be a great way to make some extra money, but it can be tough to know where to start. One of the most effective ways to reach potential customers is through social media.

By organic methods, this means setting up a profile on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and then building a following by posting interesting and engaging content.

You can also use paid methods like Facebook ads to target potential customers who are interested in art prints. The key is to experiment and see what works best for you and your business.

With a little effort, you can use social media to find plenty of new customers for your art prints business.

Find an Influencer

If you have an art prints business, one of the most effective ways to reach new customers is by working with an influencer. An influencer is someone who has a large following on social media and who is trusted by their followers. When you partner with an influencer, they will promote your products to their followers, providing you with valuable exposure.

To find an influencer who is a good fit for your business, start by searching for bloggers or Instagrammers who write about art or design. Once you have a list of potential partners, reach out to them and offer to send them some of your prints in exchange for a review or mention on their blog or social media account.

By partnering with an influencer, you can quickly reach a large number of potential customers for your art prints business.

One great way to market your art prints business is by advertising in local publications. This can be an effective way to reach potential customers who may not be aware of your business otherwise.

When placing an ad in a local publication, be sure to include some key information about your business, such as what type of prints you offer and how to order them. You may also want to include a brief description of your business philosophy or a special offer for first-time customers.

By taking the time to place an ad in a local publication, you can reach a whole new audience of potential customers for your business.

Get Involved with Local Community Organizations

One great way to get your art prints business off the ground is to get involved with local community organizations. Doing this will put you in front of potential customers who may not be aware of your business otherwise.

Furthermore, getting involved with these organizations will give you a chance to build relationships with members of the community who could potentially become loyal customers. There are a few different ways you can go about getting involved with local community organizations.

One option is to volunteer your time and artwork to help out with their events or causes. Another option is to become a sponsor for one of their events. This is a great way to get your name and brand out there while also supporting a good cause.

No matter which route you choose, getting involved with local community organizations is a great way to find new customers for your art prints business.

Attend Trade Shows

Art trade shows are a great way to build your customer base and get your name out there. You can connect with other artists, learn about new products, and network with potential customers. And, most importantly, you can showcase your work to a wide audience.

If you’re thinking of exhibiting at a trade show, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, choose a show that’s relevant to your work. There’s no point in exhibiting at a photography show if you sell landscapes. Second, make sure you have enough inventory on hand. You don’t want to run out of prints halfway through the show!

Finally, be prepared to promote your work. Bring plenty of business cards and flyers, and be ready to talk about your artwork.

With a little planning, exhibiting at a trade show can be a great way to find new customers for your art business.

Network with Local Businesses

As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is to network with other businesses in your area. This will not only help you to find potential customers for your art prints business, but it will also help you to build relationships with other local businesses. When networking with other businesses, be sure to exchange business cards and promote your business through social media.

In addition, consider participating in local art fairs and events. This is a great way to meet potential customers and to showcase your work. By networking with other businesses, you will be able to build a strong foundation for your art prints business.

Bring Your Business to Local Events and Festivals

Art festivals and fairs are a great way to meet potential customers and promote your print business. Customers at these events are typically art enthusiasts who are looking for unique prints to add to their collections.

Many prints businesses set up booths at local festivals, where they can sell their wares and interact with customers. This direct interaction is key to building relationships with potential customers and making sales.

In addition to selling prints, businesses can also use these events to promote their brand and build awareness. By handing out flyers and promotional materials, businesses can introduce themselves to a wider audience and generate interest in their products.

Local festivals and events can be a great way to connect with customers and grow your business.

Get Listed in Online Directories

Owning an art prints business can be very lucrative. It’s a great way to tap into your creativity and make some money on the side. The key to success is marketing your business to the right audience.

One way to do this is by getting listed in online directories. This will help customers find your business when they’re searching for businesses like yours. There are a few things to keep in mind when submitting your listing.

First, choose a relevant category. Second, write a compelling description of your business. Include keywords that potential customers would use when searching for a business like yours. Third, include your contact information and website address.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to driving customers to your Art Prints business.

Offer Coupons and Discounts

As an artist, one of the best ways to get people interested in your work is to offer coupons and discounts. This is especially true if you’re just starting out and trying to build a customer base.

By offering a discount, you’re essentially giving people a reason to take a chance on your work. And if they like what they see, they’re likely to come back for more. Of course, it’s important to be strategic about how you offer coupons and discounts. You don’t want to give away so much that you’re not making any money.

But at the same time, you want to make sure that your work is accessible to as many people as possible. The key is to strike a balance between the two.

With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a pricing strategy that works for you and helps you attract new customers.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.