Where to Source Art Prints: 9 Things to Consider

Displaying contemporary art prints is an exciting way to inject some of your personality into your living and working spaces. Art prints—whether those of photos, paintings, illustrations, or graphic design—offer a range of options for art lovers and collectors alike. Cool art prints, like the illustration art posters and graphic design prints that you may find on DROOL, generally have a wide appeal that resonates with a lot of people.

 

But navigating through the variety of choices can be overwhelming. To ensure that you're making the right purchasing decisions and that you find the perfect art prints for your space, consider the nine key factors below. From print quality and authenticity to the diversity of displaying options, this guide will help you navigate the art print market with confidence.

 

Style Curation

 

Having a clear idea of what styles you're looking for will streamline your search and help you find prints that align with your taste. Reliable and well-established platforms like DROOL are also excellent at curation of artworks as they’re run by people who are well-versed in the contemporary and ever-changing tastes of today’s consumers.

 

Quality of Printing

 

 

Assessing print quality in person is fairly straightforward. However, evaluating the quality of the artwork that you find online can be a challenge, as your screen specs, size and scale differences, and the quality of the display photo can introduce distortions that make the art appear different from how it appears in person. To minimise potential issues, choose sources that offer giclée or other high-quality print techniques. Moreover, discovering sources that produce their art prints using water-based eco-inks can have additional environmental benefits. Discover more about the high-quality materials we use at DROOL here.

 

Paper Quality

 

 

The type of paper used for art prints can greatly influence their appearance, longevity, and environmental impact. Consider options like archival or acid-free paper (our choice of paper), as they are designed to resist yellowing and deterioration over time, preserving the quality of the print. Moreover, choose sources or platforms that use premium-quality art paper that combines affordability with uncompromised quality. Paper products of this nature are usually at least 220 gsm and typically feature textures or finishes that enhance the visual appeal of full-colour graphics, illustrations, fine art, and photography. 

 

Available Sizes

 

 

Determine the size and scale of the art prints that will best complement your space. Take into account the dimensions of the wall where you plan to display them, and consider whether you want a single large piece or a curated collection of smaller prints.

 

Customisation Options

 

 

Some art sources or platforms offer customisation options, allowing you to tailor the artwork to your preferences. Whether it's adjusting the size, choosing a specific frame, or even requesting personalised modifications, platforms that provide these additional services bring added value to your purchases.

 

Framing Options

 

 

Some art sources or platforms offer framing options along with the art prints, saving you the trouble of sourcing the right frame for your posters and illustrations. Consider sources that mount art prints in handmade and hand-finished frames that are made of high-quality real wood with premium perspex glazes. If, however, you want to save on shipping or if you want to use your own custom frame, then going with unframed prints might be right for you.

 

Sustainability

 

 

Whenever possible, also choose sources that prioritise sustainability in their choice of materials and business practices. Shortlist ones that use paper made from FSC-approved wood pulp as well as those that actively work to offset their carbon footprint. Also check if their packaging materials and frames are sourced from sustainable sources. Platforms that offer local order fulfilment are also worth considering, given the high carbon emissions associated with international shipping. Learn how DROOL safeguards the environment here.

 

Fair Prices

 

 

Despite what some may have you believe, it’s possible to find ethically sourced, high-quality, and most importantly, unique art at great prices. DROOL prioritises discovering and representing emerging artists, giving them a leg up in the art world while also giving art lovers of modest means a way to collect truly astounding pieces.

 

Reputation

 

 

Lastly, read reviews and judge for yourself whether the source is a safe place to purchase contemporary art posters and illustrations. Feedback from other customers can provide valuable insights into the quality of the prints, the reliability of the source, and the overall satisfaction of previous buyers.

 

Finding Great Art Prints Starts at the Source

 

 

Finding awesome art that is both ethically produced and a great fit for your space can be a much bigger challenge than you might initially expect. Understanding where you can get great prints and what you should look out for will ensure that your printed works of art not only look stunning but also align with your values and your space’s needs.