Practical ideas for photographers and creators

2026 brings new opportunities for photographers, artists and creative businesses who sell physical prints. The appetite for well made artwork on fine art papers, canvas and framed formats continues to grow, and customers are paying more attention to quality and presentation.

Here are simple, practical ways to sell more prints this year, whether you sell online, at events or through your own shop.

Choose the right places to sell

Buyers discover work in different environments. Online platforms such as Etsy help with visibility. Your own website gives you control over branding. Markets and galleries let buyers appreciate the work in person.

Most successful artists use a mix of these, for example an Etsy shop for reach, their own website for brand control and occasional markets for local customers.

If you are fulfilling orders as they come in, fast turnaround and white label delivery can make your life easier. We offer same day production on many print types and discreet shipping so your customer receives a clean, branded experience without seeing our name.

Pick formats that actually sell

Some formats consistently perform well for trade clients. Common patterns include:

• A4 and A3 fine art prints online (lightweight and giftable)
• mounted A4 to A2 prints at markets (ready to frame at home)
• canvas and tray frames for interior designers and galleries
• smaller personalised pieces for gifting seasons

You do not need every format on day one. Starting with two or three sizes keeps things manageable. As demand grows, you can add mounted or framed options. We produce prints, mounts, frames and canvases under one roof, so it is easy to scale when you are ready.

Present your work clearly

Presentation has a direct impact on how confidently buyers make decisions. Small improvements make a big difference.

Presentation essentials to include:

• a close up detail shot
• a styled on wall image or simple mockup
• clear size information in cm and inches
• the paper, canvas or frame details
• a framed example if available
• basic care notes if relevant

These are the details that answer customer questions before they ask them.

Price simply, not perfectly

Pricing can feel intimidating, but buyers do not need complex structures. Simple tiers work well. For example:

• print only
• framed print
• canvas
• framed canvas

This lets customers buy at different budget levels without confusion. Clear pricing also helps you explain value. For example, framed and canvas options come ready to hang, which saves the customer time and extra cost.

Use the right products for your style

Material choice influences how your work is perceived. As a simple guide:

• textured matte papers suit illustrations and fine art
• smooth matte or satin papers suit photography with detail
• canvas works well for larger statement pieces and interiors

If you are unsure what fits your style, you can ask our team for paper recommendations or order samples before committing to a full run.

Show your process

Customers enjoy seeing how work is made. Behind the scenes content builds trust and separates you from mass produced artwork. Show your studio, locations, framing, packaging and exhibition setups. Short form video works especially well for this.

If you want to show the printing stage in your content, we can provide simple clips of your work being printed, framed or packed in our studio.

You can follow our studio here for ideas and updates
Instagram @tradecanvas

Quality and experience still win

Marketing helps with discovery, but the product and experience drive repeat sales. Customers notice:

• colour accuracy
• paper or canvas quality
• framing details
• how their order arrives
• how easy it is to hang or frame

We use calibrated workflows, archival papers, sharp canvas printing and handmade frames to support this. Orders can be packaged for retail or direct to customer delivery, depending on how you sell.

Final thoughts

Selling prints in 2026 is not about chasing trends. It is about clarity, consistency and giving buyers confidence in what they are purchasing. A small range of well presented formats, paired with quality materials and a smooth customer experience, will go further than a complex offering.

If you need help choosing papers, sizes, formats or framing options, our team is happy to advise. We work closely with photographers and artists across the UK and understand what sells well both online and at events.

Let us support your creative journey this year, let’s print something great together.