What are the pros and con’s of printing your original art work

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   Castlepalomaposted 13 years ago

   Ever since Andy Warhol (he called himself a con artist) has turn much of our art world into print art world. Many great artists have also turn to printing their own ART works.
   
   Do you think there is more con’s in prints and it harms the artist integrity, or do you think there more pro’s to selling your fine art work in print on the web?

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      DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The pro is it makes the art available to more people, who otherwise could not afford it. And generates more income for the artist.
      
      Online selling/promoting is the way of the future in arts of all kinds - writers, visual artists, and musicians. I don't think there is any turning back.
      
      Con - that the art isn't just for the elite. But is that a con or a pro? And there is always the original piece to make those folks happy;o)

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         Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That is another way of looking at it; you are spreading more happiness rather than acting like a pre-Madonna. My daughter (artist) is more pre Madonna than I am yet I think her mind is changing.
         
         What about rip off companies talking your stuff and selling it better than you without your consent?

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            DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            That would be a con for sure. I always use a very low resolution when I put my photographs online so they are not usable as prints. You can sign them, too, which helps.

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               Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               DonnaCSmith
               
               If they are in very low resolution , would that not harm in your over all sales?

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                  DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  What do you mean? I have the originals when someone wants a print.

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                     Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     I assume you sell your work as art photograph; my work has lot of details to follow and need full impact.
                     
                     If I were to show my art work with poor lighting to take one example, I would have fewer sales. By over protecting myself with low resolution, it could harm my sales?

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                        DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        NO, low resolution is not low light. it has to do with the no. of pixals. I assume you'd scan your art work and when you can it you scan it at full res. then make a copy in your computer at low res. for putting it online. It someone tried printing it out large enough to use it would be fuzzy or "pixilated."
                        
                        Many artists I know show their art on their websites or on Facebook this way.

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                           Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                           I guess your photo dose not use that much online, yet it dose when someone tries to blow it up to print, make sense
                           
                           Thanks

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                              DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                              Yes, and it would be the same for any images you scan and upload to your website, etc.

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   Charlinexposted 13 years ago

   If I sell my work, I always go to a high quality commercial printer so my buyers can get the best and long-lasting professional quality of my images. If you have the professional quality printing equipment and you are skilled in printing, it's nothing wrong to print your own.

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   1. 75

      Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      From checking out your hubs, you know your Photography,
      I know my art work is great but just starting out in prints. A commercial printer sound too expensive to just test a new learning curve business out.
      
      What does a good commercial printer cost anyways?

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         DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I have my prints made at Mpix.com. But now I am experimenting with some mixed medium, using my photos, scanner and printer, some collage. So, I am doing that all on my home equipment.
         
         What kind of prints do you want to do? Do some Google searches and you can get an idea of prices.

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         recommend1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Two things spring to mind reading your thread here.
         
         First - putting up low resolution images stops copying - showing some detail in high resolution in company with the whole pic might overcome the "will they buy if they can't see the quality" issue.
         
         Second - there are poster print places in most big shopping malls now - can't you make some kind of deal with them where you sell your work to someone and give them a code - and then print your pic through the poster printers computer without leaving the image file on their computer ?? - ie some kind of online printdirect feed ?
         
         Just thinking

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3. 79

   brimancandyposted 13 years ago

   There is an easy way to stop someone from scamming your art work. Make copies of your artwork, or the original, and sign and date them, and then mail them to yourself, or have them date stamped. But don't open it!
   You can also keep a dated photo-log of your work, and keep it in a safe place.
   
   That way if someone tries to steal your work, you have evidence that it is yours, in case you decide to sue the thief. That is something I learned at an actor/director seminar. Always date your work.

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      DonnaCSmithposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I've heard that in reference to writing, but had not though of it for art. Although, it seems if you have the original that's proof enough. And for my photos they are on my memory cards and in my computer.
      
      As for putting work online you can sign it, and use a low resolution so if they try to print them they will be pixelated.

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      Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Some good ideas guys. I would avoid lawyers, you rarely you win.

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