Making Beautiful Art Prints at Home Â
A resource guide to all the supplies you need to make high-quality fine art prints at home.
you're an artist who wants to make their own prints because
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Outsourcing is expensive
and you want to increase your $$ profit margin at the print level
 Want control over the quality
of your prints and packages
Want to quickly proof
your latest artwork as printsÂ
Want to provide a better customer experience
with faster lead times or a more personalized touch to your ordersÂ
But you’re stuck in analysis paralysis comparing printers and papers, and researching all of the supplies.
I get it! I’ve been there. You just want someone to tell you what to buy.
Whether you want to start small or upgrade to a larger printer setup, this guide provides a comprehensive list of everything you need (right down to the little things like types of tape and dust tools), as well as the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions that fit your specific needs.
Who am I?
I’m Patricia Vargas and I’ve been selling my art since 2013 under the name Parima Studio. In 2014, I got my first small printer, and for many years outsourced the rest.
Then in 2020, when it was uncertain if print labs would be allowed to stay open as non-essential businesses, I decided that I need to take control over the production of all my prints. I took the leap and upgraded to a 44” printer.
After I recouped my initial investment, my profit per print significantly increased and I found myself having more money even though I was selling the same amount. This meant more options for myself and my business.
Now I’m sharing my sources so you can confidently get everything you need to make your own prints.
In this guide, I share the sources of all of the supplies you’ll need, and also guide you through:
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The TerminologyÂ
I cover all of the lingo so you as you're shopping for supplies you're not left wondering "What in the world does OBA, DPI, GSM, and ICC even mean??"Â
Tips for Choosing the Right Paper
that do your beautiful art justice
Packaging Options
I share with you different ways you can safely package your prints
All About Printers
How to choose the one that’s right for you. Plus extra things you need to think about when buying a small or large format printer (like making sure it fits through your door!)
Dye vs. Pigment Inks
I’ll explain the difference between the two inks and how to know which one is right for you
These are just some of the things you’ll find inside the 5 core modules
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Module 1: Getting Started
Module 2.A Finding the Right Paper
Module 2.B Choosing a Printer
Module 3: Cutting Prints
Module 4: Packaging & Presentation
Plus 2 behind the scenes videos
- How I use Photoshop to layout multiple prints, and the printer settings I use to create high-quality prints
- I walk you through how I use my 44" printer and my essential pre-printing procedure to ensure optimal performance.
this guide will help you avoid these mistakes
Buying the wrong size tools
I learned this the hard way! I spent hundreds of $$ before I realized I got the wrong sizes.Â
Buying a printer that doesn't work with your paper
Not all papers are compatible with all printers. In the guide, I share key points to consider before making your final purchase.
Not packaging your prints correctly
Avoid receiving disappointing emails from customers reporting damaged prints. I share my best tips for safeguarding your prints from the elements and rough handling during shipping.