10 Tips for Finding Affordable Art Prints Online

In today's digital world, finding affordable art prints has never been easier. Whether you're looking to decorate your home, office, or find a special gift for someone, there's a vast range of art prints available online. However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and it's essential to know where and how to look to get the best deals without compromising on quality.

This article offers 10 practical tips for finding affordable art prints online, so you can enhance your space without breaking the bank.

Understand the Different Types of Art Prints

Before diving into online marketplaces, it's important to understand the different types of art prints available, as this will affect both their price and quality. Here are a few common categories:

• Poster Prints: These are typically mass-produced, high-quality prints of famous artworks, photographs, or illustrations. Posters are often the most affordable option but can lack the texture and durability of other prints.
• Giclee Prints: This is a type of digital print that uses high-quality inkjet technology. Giclee prints are known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting quality, making them a popular choice for reproducing fine art. They can be more expensive but offer excellent value for money.
• Canvas Prints: These prints are mounted on canvas, providing a more textured and artistic finish compared to paper prints. They're usually more expensive but can give your space a more refined feel.
• Limited Edition Prints: These prints are produced in a limited number, making them more exclusive and often more expensive. While they can be pricey, you can sometimes find affordable limited editions from emerging artists.
• Screen Prints: These are handmade prints created using stencils or screens. Screen prints are typically more expensive due to the labor involved but can be found at affordable prices when you shop from the right sources.

Understanding these different types will help you narrow down your options based on your budget and aesthetic preferences.

Shop on Established Online Marketplaces

There are a number of trusted online marketplaces that specialize in affordable art prints, where you can find a wide variety of styles and price ranges. Some well-known platforms include:

• Etsy: Etsy is a fantastic platform for finding unique, handmade art prints by independent artists. Many sellers offer affordable prints, and you can filter results by price range to find something within your budget.
• Society6: Society6 offers a range of affordable art prints created by independent artists. The platform often features discounts and sales, allowing you to find high-quality prints at lower prices.
• Redbubble: Similar to Society6, Redbubble offers prints from artists around the world. The platform offers a wide range of print types, from posters to canvas prints, and frequently has sales or promotions.
• Artfinder: Artfinder is another great platform for purchasing art prints from independent artists. While some prints can be more expensive, you can filter by price range to find affordable options.
• Saatchi Art: Known for its curated selection of artworks, Saatchi Art offers a range of print options, including affordable pieces from emerging artists. The website often has promotions or discounts on selected prints.

These platforms provide a great starting point, and with the right search filters, you can find affordable prints that suit your taste and budget.

Look for Sales and Discounts

Many online art print stores run regular sales or offer discounts throughout the year. To get the best deals, be on the lookout for seasonal promotions, clearance sales, or special events such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite art print stores or marketplaces to stay informed about upcoming sales and limited-time offers.

Additionally, some online platforms offer discounts for first-time buyers or for subscribing to their email list. This can be a great way to score affordable art prints on your first purchase.

Consider Digital Art Prints

One of the most affordable options for art lovers is to purchase digital art prints. These prints are delivered as downloadable files, which you can print yourself or have professionally printed locally. The benefit of digital prints is that they're typically much cheaper than physical prints, as there are no shipping costs or production fees involved.

Many independent artists on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market offer high-quality digital art prints. With digital prints, you also have the option to choose the size and type of paper or canvas you want to print on, giving you more control over the final look.

Search for Emerging Artists

Instead of opting for well-known artists, consider looking for art prints from emerging or lesser-known artists. Many emerging artists offer affordable prints to gain exposure, and you can often find unique pieces that aren't widely available. These artists may also offer limited edition prints at lower prices than more established names.

Emerging artists may sell their works on platforms like Etsy, Artfinder, or even their personal websites. By supporting these artists, you not only get affordable prints but also contribute to the growth of the art community.

Consider Different Print Sizes

The size of the art print you choose will significantly affect its price. Larger prints generally cost more due to the materials and production time involved. However, opting for smaller prints can be an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.

Consider how much space you have available for the print and whether a smaller size would work just as well. Smaller prints can also be more versatile, allowing you to mix and match different pieces to create a unique gallery wall.

Look for Prints from Art Auctions or Estate Sales

Another way to find affordable art prints is by browsing art auctions or estate sales. Many online auction houses, such as Sotheby's or Christie's, offer prints from both famous and lesser-known artists at auction prices. Although some prints can still be expensive, you can often find more affordable options if you're patient and willing to bid.

Estate sales or second-hand art sales, such as those found on platforms like eBay, can also be a good source for affordable art prints. These prints may be older, but they can still add a unique touch to your home at a lower cost than new prints.

Explore Local Artisans and Print Shops

While online shopping is convenient, it's worth exploring local artists and print shops as well. Many local artisans offer affordable art prints of their work, and buying directly from them can sometimes help you avoid higher shipping fees.

Local print shops may also offer affordable reproductions of famous artworks or local art at a lower cost. By shopping locally, you also support your community's artists and creators.

Use Custom Print Options

Many online art stores offer the option to create custom prints from photos, digital designs, or other media. If you have a favorite photograph or piece of art that you'd like to turn into a print, this could be an affordable option. Custom prints often allow you to choose the size, frame, and finish, ensuring that the final product fits your needs.

Custom prints can sometimes be cheaper than buying pre-made artwork, especially if you already have an image in mind.

Keep an Eye on Free Art Resources

For those on a tight budget, there are several websites that offer free high-quality art prints, usually from public domain works or contributions by artists who want to share their work for free. Websites like The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Unsplash offer free downloadable art prints that you can print yourself.

Though the selection may not be as vast as paid platforms, these free resources can still provide you with beautiful artwork for your home or office at no cost.

Conclusion

Finding affordable art prints online is entirely possible with the right strategy. By understanding the different types of art prints, exploring a variety of online platforms, and keeping an eye out for sales, you can discover high-quality artwork that fits within your budget. Additionally, by supporting emerging artists and considering digital or custom prints, you can add unique pieces to your collection without overspending.

Remember, affordable doesn't mean sacrificing quality, and with these tips, you'll be well on your way to filling your space with beautiful art that won't break the bank.

View Product