How to Make Money as a Digital Artist by Selling Art Prints
One of the most straightforward ways to make money as a digital artist is by selling high-quality art prints. Whether you're just starting out or already dreaming of going full-time, this is a great income stream to tap into.
The best part about selling your digital art online as prints is that you don’t need to invest any money to begin with. With a little bit of strategy, you can start earning money with your art right from your home.
Whether you're after passive income, building your collector base, or planning to become a full-time digital artist, prints are a solid first step. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that every artist selling online today had a Day 1 too.
Here’s the 10 steps it takes to sell digital art prints online, from creating the file to packaging and shipping your first order.
Step 1: Choose the Art You Want to Sell
Pick a few of your best, most popular pieces — preferably those that already got a good response on social media. You can start with 2–3 artworks and expand your shop over time.
Pro tip: Limited edition prints create urgency and offer more value to collectors. Try starting with a run of 25–50 signed copies.
Step 2: Prep the Files
Make sure your art is high-resolution (at least 300 DPI for printing). If you're offering different sizes (8x10, 11x14, etc.), export versions for each. Save your files as CMYK JPGs or PDFs for printing, and always keep the original layered files for adjustments.
Protect your work: Post only low-res previews or use watermarks when sharing online so people don’t just right-click save and print your art themselves. If you’re selling digital downloads, offer a commercial license for clients who want to use your art for more than personal decor.
Step 3: Decide Where to Sell
You have options, and you can combine them too:
Your own website (best for branding and higher profit margins – makes sense if you get a lot of visitors)
Online marketplaces like Etsy, Redbubble, INPRNT (easier reach, but they take a cut)
Print-on-demand platforms like DAB (that’s us!), Society6, Printful (no inventory required)
Direct social media sales like Instagram Shop (especially if you have significant following)
Step 4: Choosing the Right Paper for Art Prints
Paper choice matters — a lot. It affects how your colors look, how long the print lasts, and the overall feel of the artwork. Here are some common paper types digital artists use for prints:
Fine Art Paper (Giclée Paper)
Examples: Hahnemühle Photo Rag, Moab Entrada, Epson Cold Press Bright
Texture: Slight to heavy texture (like watercolor paper)
Why it’s great: Museum-quality, archival, long-lasting—ideal for high-end limited edition prints
Best for: Detailed digital paintings, portraits, and fine art collectors
Matte Cardstock
Examples: 230–300gsm matte papers
Texture: Smooth or lightly textured
Why it’s great: Clean finish with no glare, affordable for bulk printing
Best for: Graphic illustrations, minimalist designs, zines
Glossy & Semi-Gloss Paper
Examples: Epson Premium Glossy, Canon Pro Luster
Texture: Smooth with a reflective sheen
Why it’s great: Vivid color pop, great for photography or high-contrast work
Best for: Photo-based digital art, vibrant color palettes
Specialty Papers
Metallic, linen, kraft, and recycled paper options can create a unique effect but should be tested before bulk printing. These work well for special projects, but may not always be compatible with all printers.
Tip: Always test your artwork on 2–3 types of paper before settling on one. Some artwork shines on textured matte, while others look better on that bold, glossy finish.
Step 5: Choose a Printing Method
1) Want full control? Print yourself!
Printing at home can be a smart investment. Consider printing at home if:
You’re fulfilling a lot of orders and want full control over quality and speed
You enjoy packaging and handling your own products
You sell small prints (8x10 or smaller) that are easier to ship flat
You want to do limited runs or sign prints by hand
It might not be worth it if:
You only get occasional orders
You don’t have the means to invest in a printer
You're not ready to manage inventory (paper, ink, mailers)
You don’t want to deal with color calibration or printer maintenance
Best Home Printers for Art Prints
Here are a few trusted inkjet printers artists use for professional-quality prints:
Pigment-based ink for archival-quality prints
Handles fine art and photo papers beautifully
P900 prints up to 17" wide
Great color depth and detail
Around $800–1200 investment
Known for rich blacks and vibrant colors
12-color pigment ink system
Handles thick fine art papers
Wide color gamut and consistent output
Around $1,200
Dye-based ink (not archival, but vibrant)
Lower upfront cost (around $500)
Great for beginners or artists selling more casual prints
Ink tip: Use pigment inks (not dye) if you want archival-quality prints that won’t fade over time. Epson UltraChrome and Canon Lucia Pro inks are industry favorites.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Replacement ink costs (they add up quickly—some pigment ink cartridges are $60+ each)
Paper stock (buy in bulk when possible)
Packaging supplies
Maintenance time (printers need cleaning and calibration)
2) Too much work? Print through a local print shop.
Ask about their archival paper and pigment inks. Test samples first.
Make sure that their pricing is reasonable given that you’re trying to make a profit with your sales. If you’re offering your prints for $25 and simply printing them costs you $23, you might need to figure out a deal with them, or increase your prices.
3) Prefer a hands-off approach? Use print-on-demand.
This is great because they require no upfront costs. The platform prints, packs, and ships for you. Great for passive income.
Step 6: Packaging and Shipping With Care
For happy buyers and good reviews, shipping safely and timely is a must. You can ship flat with sturdy cardboard or rolled in a tube for larger prints. For eco-friendly packaging in the U.S., EcoEnclose is a fan favorite among artists. Compostable mailers, rigid mailers, recyclable sleeves — you name it. Their shipping is fast, and quality is consistent.
Bonus tip: Include a thank-you note, a discount code for future orders, or a mini print as a surprise freebie. Small touches will bring you repeat customers!
Step 7: Selling More Than Prints
You can expand your offerings with stickers, merch, or even digital downloads.
Jukebox Print – Affordable sticker printing (~$1 each), super fast turnaround.
Vograce – Custom stickers, washi tape, keychains, and more. Affordable, but slower international shipping.
Step 8: Promote Your Shop
Here’s where your social media strategy and SEO for your website come into play. Use Instagram, TikTok, or your email newsletter to share behind-the-scenes content, time-lapses, packaging videos, and happy customer reviews.
Add keywords like “digital art print,” “wall art,” or “gift for art lovers” to your product titles and descriptions.
Run limited-time offers or bundle deals to boost sales. Especially during Black Friday and the holiday season people are more likely to buy their loved ones gifts, and they’ll appreciate good deals.
Building a strong online presence is key. It might take time, but consistency and smart marketing tactics go a long way.
Step 9: Make Your First Sale
Whether it’s a friend, a stranger from Instagram, or someone who found you on Etsy, that first sale is exciting — and important. Here’s a quick checklist:
Double-check file quality and print dimensions
Confirm shipping address and timeline
Package securely with care
Send a confirmation message and tracking info
Follow up to ask if they loved it and record their review
Step 10: Rinse & Repeat
Keep testing what sells. Create more art. Listen to your audience. Optimize your listings. Expand your shop slowly. If a print sells well, consider turning it into a sticker pack or a t-shirt. Think in collections, not one-offs. Enjoy!
Feeling Overwhelmed?
We get it. If you're not into managing print files, dealing with packaging supplies, or spending weekends at the post office…
We’ll do it for you!
Apply to the DAB Print Shop, where we handle printing, packaging, and shipping for select artists. You keep your focus on creating. We take care of the rest.
