Printing your own art can be daunting. Here is a list of my preferred manufacturers after many misprints of trial and error, in the hopes it can help other artists produce their own quality prints. (All you need is coated inkjet paper and an inkjet printer, doesn't have to be expensive, four cartridge is fine IMO.)
I prioritize US manufacturers and sustainability. I do not use plastic sleeves, preferring paper or glassine sleeves for wholesale orders and in-person sales, and naked prints for online store orders. I also offer a backing board return program.
- Printer: Canon Pro, Epson EcoTank, dye based inks (pigment is higher quality/archival)
- Ink: Precision Colors refill for Canon, Epson OEM refill is affordable for how long it lasts
- Coated inkjet paper: Red River Paper, Finestra, Pacific Inkjet; usually cellulose base (instead of cotton rag), always acid-free, usually matte but sometimes semi-gloss or glossy if I'm feeling adventurous
- Uncoated plain paper, cardstock: Accent Opaque Cover 100lb (Super Smooth is nice but not a must), Hammermill Color Copy Cover for extra smooth cardstock
- Greeting card envelopes: Fine Impressions, Envelope Gallery; gummed, not self-seal
- Cutting machine: Silhouette Portrait (better than Cricut, no calibration required, whole page available for Print & Cut feature)
- Sticker paper: vinyl or polypropelene labels from Online Labels, Sheet Labels, Avery
- Protective sleeves: glassine sleeves or flat merchandise bags from Paper Mart in Orange, CA (trying to avoid single use plastic)
- Mailing envelopes: Quality Park gummed seal; 32lb is the heaviest weight they offer, but now I use 28lb since it doesn't have the metal clasp
- Cardboard backer: chipboard or corrugated sheets from Paper Mart in Orange, CA
- Sticker manufacturer: vinyl stickers from Sweet Stickers in ID, specialty vinyl stickers from Sticker Ninja in Portland, OR
- Eco friendly sticker: clear compostable wood pulp stickers from Sticker It in the UK
- Eco friendly sticker: weatherproof paper stickers with a glassine liner from Zap! Creatives in the UK
- Wood charms (pins, keychains): printed on plywood from Zap! Creatives in the UK, Ink It Labs in Austin, TX
- T-shirt blanks: Everybody.World 6.5oz made in LA, USA Bayside 6.1oz made in USA, AS Colour 7.1oz made in Asia
We're big believers of not gate keeping our manufacturers and printing set up, and we've benefited from many other generous makers who's talked shop with us, so if you're a small artist with printing questions, message us.