Printing your artwork for the first time is exciting. Seeing your work transformed into a beautiful, tangible print never gets old; but the process can also feel confusing, especially if you’re new to preparing files, choosing paper, or working with a print shop. And understandably, mistakes happen!
Here at Kiʻikau Printers, we’ve helped hundreds of artists bring their work to life as fine art prints. Along the way, we’ve seen some of the most common pitfalls artists run into, and the good news is that most of them are completely avoidable with a little guidance.
Here are the top mistakes artists run into (and how to avoid them) so your prints turn out beautifully from day one.
1. Using low-resolution images
This is one of the most common issues we see. Your print will only be as sharp as your file, and a blurry or pixelated image can’t be fixed by the printer.
What to do instead: Aim for 300 PPI at the final print size. That means if you’re printing an 8x10, your file should be 8x10 inches at 300 PPI, not resized upward afterward. If you're not sure your artwork is high enough resolution, we offer professional scanning services to ensure every detail is captured clearly.
2. Photographing artwork in poor lighting
Photography can work, but bad lighting can distort colors, add glare, or wash out your work. Shooting at an angle can also warp the shape of your piece.
How to avoid it: Use indirect natural light, shoot straight-on, and avoid warm indoor lighting. If you want the most accuracy, especially for watercolor or detailed work, consider having your artwork professionally scanned. We offer high-resolution scanning and color correction so your digital file is as true to the original as possible.
3. Working in the wrong color mode
Many artists unknowingly upload CMYK files or mixed-mode files with hidden color profiles. This can lead to muddy, dull, or unexpected print colors.
The fix: Always work in RGB, which is the color mode we print in. It achieves vibrant, accurate color and avoids surprises when your print comes off the press. We can help you convert CMYK files safely if you aren’t familiar with the process!
4. Choosing paper without considering your medium
Not all papers work well for all types of artwork. Choosing the wrong paper can change the look and feel of your print.
Avoid this by knowing your paper options:
- Archival Matte is great for digital illustration, gouache, and graphic artwork.
- Cold Press is best for watercolor artists looking for texture similar to their original paper.
- Photo Rag works beautifully for photography or highly detailed work.
- Bamboo is a warm-toned option for earthy or subtle pieces.
- Glossy Photo Paper is ideal for photographers or high-contrast images.
Still unsure? Our blog on How to Choose the Best Paper for Your Art Prints breaks down everything you need to know.
5. Cropping artwork incorrectly
Sometimes artists try to fill space by cropping into important elements of their piece. This can shift the composition and make the print feel off compared to the original.
The fix: Leave true margins around your art, avoid cutting into key details, and make sure your aspect ratios match the print size. If you want help, we're always happy to take a look before printing.
6. Over-editing your artwork file
Over-saturated colors, heavy filters, or dramatic edits can make your print look completely different from the original artwork.
Keep it simple: Make small, subtle corrections. If you’re ever unsure, bring us both the file and the original. We offer up to three rounds of color correction to help get the match just right.
7. Ignoring print size limitations
Upscaling a small image into a large print often leads to blur or pixelation.
Avoid this by: Preparing your artwork at the largest size you intend to print, scanning your artwork properly at a high resolution, and asking us to review your file before printing large sizes
We can’t magically add detail to a small image, but we can help you determine the maximum quality size.
8. Forgetting to proof your file
Small things like a stray mark, an off-center crop, or a faint smudge can show up in a finished print.
Always proof:
- Check your edges
- Zoom in for dust or digital artifacts
- Look over your whites for unintended marks
- Review your color and composition
We’re happy to point out anything we notice too.
9. Not asking questions
Many artists feel like they need to know everything before working with a print shop, but that’s not true! Asking questions helps you save time, money, and frustration.
At Kiʻikau Printers, we love helping artists learn the process, from file prep and paper choices to scanning, sizing, and color concerns. Whether you're new or building a full print line, we’re here to guide you.
Printing your artwork should feel exciting, not intimidating. With a little bit of knowledge and the right support, you can create prints that are beautifully true to your original work.
If you need help preparing your files, choosing paper, or getting your artwork scanned, just reach out. We’re always happy to help you bring your artwork to life in a way that feels professional, intentional, and true to you.
Ready to get started? We’d love to print something beautiful for you.