Studio Staples: 3 Tips for Improving Print Quality

When printing reproductions of your artwork, you may notice a difference in color quality. The color temperature, overall cast, contrast and other subtle factors of color can be distractingly different between the digital image of the work and the printed versions. 

Here, I’ll explore a few factors that can greatly impact the accuracy of your printed reproductions. For help, I consulted a friend and professional photographer, Steve Glass, who was able to give me insights into three important steps for improving color accuracy in prints. 

Note: These tips are meant to lay out some of the factors that we often overlook when creating prints of our artwork. For specifics on printing, look for step-by-step instructions through the manufacturer websites for your specific devices.

1. Calibrate Your Monitor

First things first, you need to calibrate your monitor. This might sound complicated, but it’s really important. When your monitor isn’t calibrated, the colors you see on the screen might not match the colors that get printed. You can use a monitor calibrator like this one.

While calibrating your monitor can take a few hours, it’s worth it. Once you’re done, you’ll feel way more confident that the colors you see on your screen are the colors that will show up in your prints.

2. Use the Correct Specs

Make sure you’re using the right paper profile and file specs. This is super important, especially if you’re using fine art papers. Here’s what you need to do:

• Export to sRGB: When you’re getting ready to print, make sure your file is in sRGB format. This helps maintain color consistency.
• Download the Correct Paper Profile: Every paper company has different profiles for their papers. Visit the paper company’s website to download the correct profile for the paper you’re using.
• Scale Your Images Correctly: Make sure your images are saved at 300 dpi and at the right size for printing. This way, you won’t have to scale them to fit the paper, which can mess up the colors and details.

3. View Your Print Under Good Light

Lastly, to evaluate the quality, be sure to view your print under good lighting. The lighting can totally change how your print looks. Here are some tips:

• Open Window Light: Natural light from a window is great for viewing prints.
• Daylight Bulbs (5000K- 6500K): These bulbs mimic natural daylight and help you see the colors more accurately.
• Research Gallery Lighting: If you’re planning to display your work in a gallery, research the lighting specs they use. This will help you make sure your prints look perfect in that setting.

So, there you have it! Calibrate your monitor, use the right paper profile, and view your prints under good light. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to making awesome, accurate color prints of your artwork. Happy printing!

Meet the Artist

Scott Maier is an artist and a content contributor to artistsnetwork.com. He’s also the author of the instructional art book See, Think, Draw: An Easy Guide for Realistic Drawing and Beyond.