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 high quality prints. (All you really need is acid-free inkjet paper and an inkjet printer.)
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 Inkjet, dye based inks
- Ink: Precision Colors refill
- Coated inkjet paper, matte: Red River Paper, Finestra, Pacific Inkjet; either cotton rag or cellulose base, always acid-free
- Uncoated plain paper, cardstock: Accent Opaque Cover 100lb (Super Smooth preferred), Hammermill Color Copy Cover for extra smooth cardstock
- Greeting card envelopes: Fine Impressions, Envelope Gallery; gummed, not self-seal
- Cutting machine: Silhouette Portrait
- 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
- Mailing envelopes: Quality Park; gummed, not self-seal, and no clasp as required for USPS letter mail sorting machines
- 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: Standard Issue made in CA, USA Bayside 6.1oz heavyweight made in CA
For an in-depth breakdown of the supplies list, read our blog.