Where can I find affordable digital art prints for DIY decor?

You can find affordable digital art prints on online marketplaces like Etsy, free public domain collections from museums such as the Getty Museum, or stock photo websites. Look for high-resolution images (at least 2000px for smaller prints and 4000px for larger prints) to ensure good print quality.

What's the best way to print digital art at home?

For smaller prints, use a high-quality inkjet or laser printer at home with the correct paper size selected. For larger prints, consider using local print shops like Office Depot or Staples, or online services, and selecting a premium matte paper finish. Ensure the file resolution is high enough for the desired print size to avoid pixelation.

What type of paper should I use for printing digital art prints?

The best paper for digital art prints depends on the desired look and feel. Matte or smooth fine art paper is ideal for digital and graphic art, ensuring crisp lines and vibrant colors. Textured paper adds depth to watercolor or hand-drawn illustrations, while archival-quality paper ensures longevity without yellowing.

How can I frame my prints affordably?

Affordable framing options include purchasing pre-made frames from stores like IKEA or thrift stores, or floating the print between two panes of glass. You can also create your own frames using wood strips and basic tools or look for custom matting to fit the art in a larger frame.

Can I personalize digital art prints for my home decor?

Yes, you can personalize digital art by choosing the print size, paper type (matte, canvas, poster), and frame style to match your decor. You can also display the art on screens or use the digital prints on mugs and T-shirts for a personal touch.

DIY Art: Print & Frame!

By Home Sidekick Team May 31, 2025 8 min read 1630 words

digital artprintingframinghome decoraffordableDIYwall art

Unleash Your Inner Artist: A Guide to DIY Art Prints and Framing

In today's world, personalizing your living space is more important than ever. What better way to inject your unique style into your home than through art? However, building an art collection can quickly become an expensive endeavor. That's where the magic of DIY art prints comes in! This blog post will guide you through the process of creating and framing your own art, offering an affordable and rewarding alternative to traditional art buying. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to explore your creative side, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to transform your walls into a personal gallery.

The Allure of DIY Art: Why Print and Frame?

Why choose the DIY route for your art? The benefits extend far beyond just saving money.

Affordability: Let's face it, original art can be pricey. Creating your own prints significantly reduces the cost, allowing you to decorate your space without breaking the bank. You can achieve a gallery wall look for a fraction of the price of buying original pieces.
Personalization: DIY art allows you to express your unique style and interests. You have complete control over the artwork, colors, and framing choices. This ensures your art perfectly complements your home decor.
Creative Outlet: The process of creating and framing art can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. It's a chance to unleash your inner artist and experiment with different techniques and styles.
Flexibility: With digital art, you can easily resize and reprint your artwork to fit different frames or spaces. You can also update your art collection more frequently without significant investment.
Sustainability: By printing your own art, you can choose eco-friendly papers and framing materials, reducing your environmental impact. You can also repurpose old frames and give them a new life.

Creating Your Digital Art: From Concept to Printable File

The first step in your DIY art journey is creating the artwork itself. Whether you're a digital artist or prefer traditional methods, here's how to prepare your designs for printing:

Digital Creation

If you're creating digital art, there are numerous software options available, both free and paid. Some popular choices include:

Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard software for image editing and digital painting.
Adobe Illustrator: Ideal for creating vector graphics and illustrations.
Procreate: A user-friendly iPad app perfect for digital painting and sketching (Welzie Art).
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop (Sarah Carlton Art & Design).
Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform with many templates and design elements (Fructus Illustrations).

When creating your digital art, keep these tips in mind:

Resolution: Always work with a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) to ensure a crisp and clear print. DPI, or dots per inch, is a measurement of the quality of the scan (Sarah Carlton Art & Design). My printer suggested 300pi which would be 300dpi (dots per inch) (Quora).
Color Profile: Use the sRGB color profile for accurate color reproduction.
File Format: Save your artwork as a TIFF or high-resolution JPEG file for printing (Gelato). A TIFF file is recommended for professional and finer-detailed prints.
Size: Have a print size in mind before you start and make that the size of the art board you work on (Quora).

Digitizing Traditional Art

If you've created a physical piece of art, you'll need to digitize it before printing. There are two main methods for doing this:

Scanning: Use a high-quality scanner with a resolution of at least 300 DPI to capture fine details (Printful).
Photography: If scanning isn't an option, take a high-resolution photograph of your artwork using a camera with a high megapixel count and manual settings to control exposure and focus (Printful). Use soft, indirect natural light for accurate colors and details.

After scanning or photographing your art, you may need to use image editing software to crop the edges, adjust the color balance, or enhance the sharpness.

Choosing the Right Paper: Quality Matters

The paper you choose significantly impacts the final look and feel of your art print. Here's a breakdown of different paper types and their characteristics:

Matte Paper: Offers a natural look without any glare, perfect for prints with subtle colors and a soft finish (Gelato).
Glossy Paper: Creates vibrant and bold colors with enhanced contrast and depth, ideal for photography prints (YouTube).
Satin or Semi-Gloss Paper: Provides a balance between matte and glossy, with a slight sheen and less glare (YouTube).
Textured Paper: Adds character and depth to your prints, making them closely resemble the original artwork, especially for watercolor or canvas paintings (YouTube).
Fine Art Paper: Higher-quality materials like fine art paper and canvas might cost more, they offer a better appearance and longevity (Gelato).

Consider the weight and thickness of the paper. The standard GSM for a high-quality art print is no less than 150 gsm (YouTube). Also, ensure the paper is archival quality (acid-free) to prevent yellowing or deterioration over time.

Some popular art paper brands include Canon, Epson, Hahnemühle, Moab, Strathmore, and Red River Paper (YouTube). Red River Paper also provides sample packs to test out which one you like best for your art (Reddit).

Printing at Home vs. Using a Print Service: Weighing Your Options

Once you have your digital file and paper selected, you need to decide how to print your art. You have two main options: printing at home or using a professional print service.

Printing at Home

Printing at home offers several advantages:

Control: You have complete control over the printing process, allowing you to experiment with different settings and papers.
Cost-Effective for Small Quantities: If you only need a few prints, printing at home can be more cost-effective than using a print service.
Convenience: You can print your art whenever you want, without waiting for shipping or delivery.

However, printing at home also has its drawbacks:

Equipment Costs: You'll need to invest in a good quality inkjet printer that carries at least a colour system of 6 ink cartridges (Sarah Carlton Art & Design).
Limited Paper Sizes: Most home printers can only handle smaller paper sizes, limiting the size of your prints.
Color Calibration: Achieving accurate color reproduction can be challenging without proper color calibration tools.

Using a Print Service

Professional print services offer several benefits:

High-Quality Prints: They use professional-grade printers and inks, ensuring exceptional print quality.
Wide Range of Paper Options: They offer a vast selection of paper types, sizes, and finishes.
Large Format Printing: They can print large-format prints that are not possible with home printers.
Convenience: They handle the entire printing process, saving you time and effort.

The main disadvantage of using a print service is the cost, especially for small quantities. Some popular print-on-demand services include Printful and Gelato (Gelato).

Framing Your Art: The Finishing Touch

Framing is an essential step in showcasing your art prints. It protects the artwork and enhances its aesthetic appeal. Here are some framing options to consider:

Ready-Made Frames: An affordable and convenient option, available in various sizes, styles, and materials. You can find affordable frames at stores like Target, IKEA, and Michaels (Native Maps).
Custom Framing: Offers the most flexibility in terms of size, style, and materials. Custom framing can be more expensive but allows you to create a truly unique and personalized frame. Framebridge is one-stop-shop for framing online (Native Maps).
DIY Frames: A budget-friendly option for creative individuals. You can build your own frames using wood, cardboard, or other materials.

When choosing a frame, consider the following factors:

Artwork Style: Select a frame that complements the style of your artwork.
Home Decor: Choose a frame that matches your home decor style and color palette.
Matting: Consider using a mat to create a border around your artwork, adding depth and visual appeal. Ikea offers frames that come with a mat depending on the size (Native Maps).
Budget: Set a budget for framing and explore options that fit your financial constraints.

Budget-Friendly Framing Ideas

Framing doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly framing ideas to consider:

Repurpose Old Frames: Give old frames a new life by painting them or adding decorative elements.
Create a Gallery Wall with Washi Tape: Washi tape can be a quick, colorful way to get artwork on the wall. You can play around with different tape designs or even make a faux frame border around the print for an extra pop of color in the room. No Frame? (Native Maps).
Use Poster Hangers: Poster hangers are an affordable and stylish way to display large prints.
Float Frames: Remove the glass from the frame. Paintings are not usually framed with glass, so if you want your print to look like a real painting, forgo the glass (Erin Zubot Design).
Thrift Store Frames: Update a thrifted piece of wall art for your home with geometric stitching (Better Homes & Gardens).

Conclusion: Embrace Your Creativity and Transform Your Walls

Creating and framing your own art prints is a fantastic way to personalize your living space, express your creativity, and save money. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform your walls into a unique and inspiring gallery that reflects your personal style.

Ready to get started? Here are some next steps you can take:

Brainstorm Art Ideas: Gather inspiration from your favorite artists, websites, and magazines.
Experiment with Digital Art Software: Download a free trial of Photoshop or explore other digital art software options.
Visit a Local Art Supply Store: Browse different paper types and framing materials to get a feel for what you like.
Start Creating! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with the process.

With a little creativity and effort, you can create stunning art prints that will transform your home into a personal masterpiece.