I’m a digital artist, and I have an upcoming opportunity to sell some prints of my artwork. I can make regular paper-sized prints on my own printer, but I would also like a few copies printed in small poster size (approx. 16"x20"). I have used the services of Cafepress previously, but before I deal with them again, I’m hoping to get some Doper opinions on alternatives - in particular, zazzle.com.
Now, I have done my research and read the reviews, and I know that for my purposes, Zazzle is slightly cheaper (maybe because they print slightly smaller). Price is only a secondary issue, though - mainly, I’m concerned with print quality. The prints I ordered previously from Cafepress were not ideal in color/contrast, though admittedly that may have partly to do with my own monitor calibration. Also, it seems that the first poster I made (kept up on my wall) has faded to an odd pinkish hue. Being an artist, it pains me to see my works in such a flawed representation…
So in short: has anybody employed the services of both of these websites, and can offer a comparison between the two’s quality? Note that I’m only concerned with their poster prints - I don’t need Cafepress’s T-shirts/mugs/whatever. And if anyone would like to offer other alternative suggestions, that’s great too. Thanks in advance!
Why not check out a local printer? I’ve looked into cafepress’ pricing and they’re just absurd to the point of not being worth trying to sell anything.
You don’t mention how you’re selling them, but the only advantage that I see in these online PODs is that they put up an onlilne store for you, saving you the hassle. If you’re selling them in person, the higher cost of a shorter print run (through a local printer) will be worth it, IMO because you can proof them and make sure it’s exactly what you want, as opposed to hoping your color settings are the same as CP’s.
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, a local printing service would probably be the best way to go if one were to be “professional” about it, but I guess the problem is I have no idea how to go about looking for one, not to mention one that’s actually good. (Kinko’s doesn’t count!)
Also, I’m really only aiming to make a couple of prints or so for each piece, at least for now. I’m not nearly looking to move large-ish quantities - not good enough for that yet! The sales would be done in person, not through an online store.
Look under the yellow pages for “Printers” or do a Google Local search. Couldn’t hurt to ask what they’d charge, and they may be more flexible on sizing.
You might also want to check your local “pro” photo lab and see what they can do. For example, here in the Chicago area, Helix does glossy and canvas prints up to 24"x36". Personally, I was impressed by the poster-sized prints I saw the last time I was at Helix, but I have no idea if they’d meet the OP’s standards (either for price or quality).
