Tips on finding a reliable printer for art consultants

As an art consultant, you’re a visual storyteller. Working in various mediums and with artists of all shapes and sizes, you help bring your clients’ collections together to attract the most return on investment and help your clients invest in the visual landscape. As an art consultant or designer, you know how vital it is to have reliable vendors to work with. 

Nothing brings down a project quite like a weak link. It doesn’t matter whether your printer is too slow, or your framer doesn’t have the molding you need; at the end of the day, your job is to deliver; deliver exquisite art tailored to your client’s exact needs. So how do you find these vendors? We’ll break down our top tips for finding a reliable fine art printer as an art consultant.

Ask Around

Working in the art world has its perks—beautiful surroundings, intriguing people, and, of course, a few champagne-filled gallery parties. Using your network of art world friends and colleagues is one of the sure-fire ways to find reliable vendors. Word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. Next time you’re at an event and see a print that catches your eye, don’t just admire it; enquire about it! Ask the resident gallerist or curator who they use for fine art printing. 

Most people are happy to give you their recommendations. This is also a great way to dodge a bullet with a sub-par vendor. Remember, it’s essential to do your own research as well. Don’t just take recommendations blindly; make sure you look at a potential printer’s portfolio of case studies and even look at their prints in person if possible. Nothing is a better quality check than your own eye.

Invest in Quality 

As the wise William A. Foster said, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” As an art consultant, you know that quality matters. And that is especially true when looking for a fine art printer. 

Your clients expect the highest quality prints in a brilliant high-definition that makes the artworks leap out of their frames. You’ll want to ensure your printers use the latest equipment and the best inks and papers available. See if your printer is certified by industry leaders like Fujifilm or Hahnemühle.

Build a relationship

Like any relationship, communication is key to ensuring your printer is there for you when you need them. The best printers are the ones that can deliver precisely what you need when you need them. Fine art printers aren’t mind readers, but with decades of experience working with artists and clients from all walks of life, a good printer will have some solid artistic instincts. 

Add in special training with the latest printing technology, and you’ve got yourself one top-notch printer! Take the time to explain what you want and listen to their advice. Working together as a collaborative team will guarantee spectacular prints every time.

Featured Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash