Launching your very first collection of art prints is exciting (and can be a little nerve-wracking!) Maybe you’ve been painting for years and finally decided to take the leap into selling prints, or maybe you’re new to the art world altogether but feel ready to start sharing your work with a wider audience.
No matter where you’re at in your creative journey, preparing for your first print launch is a big step, and we’re here to help you do it with confidence.
At Kiʻikau Printers, we work with artists every day who are printing their work for the first time, and we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what helps things go a little more smoothly.
Here’s what you can expect, and how to prepare so your launch feels fun, focused, and aligned with your creative vision.
Start with Strong Files
Before you even think about launching a collection, make sure your artwork is prepped correctly for print. High-resolution files (at least 300 PPI at your intended print size) are a must for achieving clear, crisp prints that do your original artwork justice.
If you're not sure where to start, check out our post on How to Prep Your Artwork for Print for a beginner-friendly breakdown.
If you’re scanning your originals, it’s important to capture all the details and true colors. If you’re photographing your work instead, take time to get good lighting and minimal distortion. We also offer high-resolution scanning services and would be happy to help digitize your work with precision and care.
Choose the Right Paper for Your Work
The type of paper you print on will influence the texture, tone, and final feel of your prints, and it’s worth taking the time to choose one that best complements your artwork. For example, our archival matte paper is a great choice for digital art or illustrations with bold colors, while our cold press paper has a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with watercolor.
If you’re not sure which paper to choose, don’t stress. We’ve put together a helpful guide on How to Choose the Best Paper for Your Art Prints to walk you through it, and we’re always happy to offer suggestions based on your style. You’re always welcome to swing by our studio to check out paper samples, too! Sometimes it helps to see and feel the paper types in person.
Decide on Print Sizes (and Keep It Simple)
For your first launch, we recommend offering just a couple of print sizes to keep things manageable. Too many options can overwhelm both you and your buyers. From our experience in 2024, the most popular sizes among our clients were 5x7 and 8x10. They’re affordable for collectors, easy to ship, and frame-friendly, which is an important factor to consider!
You can always add more options later, but starting with one or two core sizes helps you focus on quality and consistency right out of the gate.
Create Your Product Listings
Whether you're listing on your own website or a platform like Etsy, your product listings are where your buyers get to connect with your work. Include a short and thoughtful description for each piece. You can talk about the inspiration behind it, the materials you used, or what you hope viewers will feel when they hang it on their walls.
Make sure to include details about the print itself, like the paper type, available sizes, whether it comes signed, and how it will be packaged and shipped.
Photograph Your Prints (or use mockups)
Great photos make all the difference. They help potential buyers imagine your artwork in their space and build trust in the quality of what you’re offering. If you're photographing your prints yourself, try to maintain consistent lighting, backdrops, and styling across all your images to create a cohesive look.
You can also use mockups to show what your prints would look like in real-life settings. This is especially helpful if you're offering multiple sizes. For example, show a 5x7 print styled on a bookshelf, and the 11x14 version above a sofa.
We cover all of this in more detail in our post on Tips for Photographing Your Artwork for Online Sales & Social Media, so check it out for more helpful guidance.
Plan Your Fulfillment Strategy
How are your prints getting into your customers' hands? You’ll need to decide whether you’re shipping them yourself or working with a fulfillment partner like us. We offer drop-shipping services for artists, meaning we can produce, package, and ship your orders directly to your customers ...no need to keep inventory at home or make trips to the post office!
We also offer expert packaging (with backing boards, clear sleeves, and rigid mailers) so your prints arrive safely and beautifully. If you’re shipping yourself, take a look at our post on Expert Packaging & Shipping Tips for guidance on how to protect your prints in transit.
Promote Your Launch
Let your audience know that your print collection is launching soon. Share sneak peeks on social media, create a countdown in your Instagram Stories, and send a newsletter to your email list. If you don’t have an email list yet, now’s the perfect time to start. We wrote a whole post on Creating an Artist Newsletter to help you get started!
Don’t underestimate the power of sharing the “why” behind your work. Talk about your process, what made you want to create prints, or how you hope your art brightens someone’s space. People connect with the artist just as much as the artwork, so don’t be afraid to share!
Prepare for Orders (and don’t forget to celebrate!)
Once your shop goes live, make sure you're ready to fulfill orders, track inventory, and respond to customer messages. Even if your first launch is small, it’s a huge milestone, and it’s worth celebrating. Every order is a piece of your artwork heading out into the world to be seen, loved, and displayed. That’s something to be proud of!
If you’re feeling nervous, that’s totally normal. Remember: this is just the beginning. Each launch gets easier, and you’ll learn something new every time.
We’re here to support you from file setup to final delivery. Whether you're printing your very first piece or building out your millionth collection, we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Have questions about getting started? Send us a message or stop by our studio. We’d love to help you launch your first print collection with confidence!
Mahalo for trusting us with your art. We can’t wait to see what you create!