How to print your illustrations? All your options in 2026

If you have landed on this article, you are probably thinking about opening a shop or offering prints to your clients. The printing question sits at the heart of everything: it determines the quality of your output, your margins, and your day-to-day logistics. Here is a comprehensive overview of the options available to you.

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Option 1 — Using a local print shop

This is the option I recommend for starting out, especially before you have invested in your own equipment. A local printer will guide you on the file formats they need (typically PDF in CMYK, 300 dpi minimum), the available paper stocks and finishes, and minimum quantities.

The big advantage: you can do small print runs without any upfront investment, see the result before committing to a large order, and build a professional relationship over time. Working with a local business also has an appeal for certain clients who value that.

Always get quotes from several printers before committing, and if possible request a test print before placing a large order.

Option 2 — Using an online print service

If you live in an area without a quality local printer nearby, or if you need specific formats, online services are a good alternative.

Here are the names that come up most often in the illustration community:

• Copy Média — good value for larger print runs

• ABC Print — versatile and responsive

• Picto Online — photography and illustration focused

• Négatif+ — fine art and high-end printing

Always check recent reviews and order a test print before committing to a large quantity.

Option 3 — Buying your own printer

This is the route I chose, and I have no regrets. Having your own printer means controlling the output from start to finish, managing print quantities on demand, and offering prints for client commissions without depending on a third party.

Before investing, a few important caveats: printing is a genuine craft. Paper stock, its undertones, weight and finish all have a major impact on the final result. Compatibility between your paper and your printer's ink is also something to verify.

If you can, calibrate your screen with a colorimeter (such as a Datacolor Spyder X or X-Rite i1Display) to ensure colour consistency between screen and paper output. This should be done every three to six months.

Recommended models in 2026

Canon PIXMA range (entry to mid-range):

• Canon PIXMA Pro-200 — around €350–400 | 8 inks, A3+, excellent value for money

• Canon PIXMA PRO-300 — around €550–600 | 10 inks, A3+, fine art quality

Epson SureColor range (mid to high-end):

• Epson SureColor SC-P700 — around €700–800 | replaces the former P600, 10 UltraChrome Pro 10 inks, outstanding results

• Epson SureColor SC-P900 — around €1,100–1,300 | the professional fine art printing benchmark

I print on an Epson SureColor and would recommend the entire range without hesitation for colour consistency and quality on fine art paper. If your budget is tighter, the Canon PIXMA Pro-200 is a great entry point into professional printing.

Note: I do not offer a printing service — files delivered to clients are in high resolution, ready to send to the printer of their choice.