Are you eager to start selling printable wall art on platforms like Etsy? It’s an excellent way to showcase your creativity. But before diving in, it's crucial to prepare your digital files correctly. Our guide will walk you through the steps to create and size your printable wall art, ensuring your customers have the best experience possible.
Sizing Your Printable Wall Art
To succeed in selling printable wall art, offering various sizes is key. Different customers have different preferences, so providing a range increases your chances of making a sale.
Common Sizes for Printable Wall Art
When browsing through printable wall art shops, you'll notice a variety of sizes. Common options include 5x7 inches, 8.5x11 inches, and 11x14 inches. Larger sizes like 24x36 inches are also frequently requested.
Popular Ratios and Dimensions
Aspect ratios play a crucial role in creating printable wall art. They ensure that artwork can be resized without losing quality. The most popular ratios are 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 11:14, and international sizes.
Examples of Ratios and Sizes:
- 2:3 Ratio: 4x6, 6x9, 8x12, 10x15, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36 inches, 60x90 cm.
- 3:4 Ratio: 6x8, 9x12, 12x16, 18x24 inches.
- 4:5 Ratio: 4x5, 8x10, 16x20 inches, 40x50 cm.
- 11:14 Ratio: 11x14, 22x28 inches.
- International Sizes: 5x7 inches, A5, A4, A3, A2, A1, 50x70 cm.
Preparing Your Files
To prepare your files, use a graphics editing program like Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop allows you to create and save artwork in the necessary ratios and dimensions.
Creating Ratio Files
Begin by creating master files in five different ratios: 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 11:14, and an international ratio (50x70 cm).
Adjusting Your Artwork
Import your original artwork into the 3:4 ratio file. From here, you can resize your artwork to fit the other ratios. Drag and adjust your artwork to ensure it looks great in each ratio. Use the transform tool (Command T) and hold down the Option key to scale from the center.
Uploading Your Files
Once your artwork is correctly sized in all five ratios, save each file. Use clear labels like "2x3 Ratio," "3x4 Ratio," etc., to avoid confusion.
Best File Type for Digital Downloads Designed to Be Printed
For digital downloads intended for printing, such as printable wall art, using PDF file types is crucial.
Here’s why:
- Universal Compatibility: PDF files are universally accepted and print consistently on all systems and printers.
- Global Standardization: PDF is an ISO standard, ensuring international recognition and standardized printing practices.
- High Print Quality: PDFs export at 300 DPI, preserving high-quality prints with sharp details and vibrant colors.
- Maintained Design Integrity: PDFs print at the exact size designed, ensuring your customers receive prints that match your original artwork precisely.
PNG and JPEG for Printables?
While PDF is ideal for digital downloads designed specifically for printing, many sellers offer high-resolution PNG and JPEG formats, especially for wall art. This practice is common due to historical norms and competition research within the platforms.
Considerations:
- Compatibility: PNG and JPEG files are widely supported across different platforms, making them accessible to a broader audience.
- Usage Context: These formats are suitable if your designs might be used in digital projects or shared online in addition to printing. They are versatile for both digital and print applications.
- Print Quality: Unlike PDFs, PNG and JPEG files may vary in print quality depending on the resolution and size. It's crucial to ensure your files are saved at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) for optimal print results.
- Customer Expectations: Offering PNG and JPEG formats alongside PDFs can cater to different customer preferences and usage scenarios, potentially increasing your sales opportunities.
Bonus Tips
- Offer a bonus international size like 50x70 cm, popular for IKEA frames.
- Provide detailed descriptions in your listings to explain sizes and ratios clearly.
- Use clear and descriptive file names to guide customers to their desired size.
- Consider using Img2Go's AI Upscale tool for enhancing resolution, suitable for all types of digital art.
In Conclusion
Creating and selling printable wall art is a rewarding venture. By offering multiple sizes and ensuring high-quality files, you can meet customer needs and boost your sales. Follow these steps to prepare your artwork, and you're on your way to running a successful printable wall art shop!
