HOW TO PRINT & FRAME DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Did you get a digital download from my site here or over on Artwork Atelier? Here's some guidance for printing & recommendations for my favorite places.

HOW TO

Made by Denise Crew / my site here -- Once you purchase your print, you'll automatically get an email to download the image. DO NOT download it to your phone -- make sure it's downloaded to a computer. Once it's on your computer system, you can easily upload it to all online printing companies including the favorites I've shared below. Pay attention to the size and ratio of your print. I offer most of my digital downloads in a full size ratio that's straight out of the camera with a 2:3 ratio like 16x24 and 24x36. For other size ratios, you'll need to crop the image yourself. Most online printers give you freedom to choose the crop yourself so make sure to play around so you know exactly what you're getting. Sizes such as 8x10 and 11x14 will be cropped on the sides for horizontal formats, and top/bottom for vertical formats.

Etsy -- After you check out on Etsy, you'll receive an email with a link to download your files. You can also find them under Purchases in your account. You can't download it to your phone.

Green on pink heart // What if it all works out?

WHERE TO PRINT

There are a bajillion places to print your art. You can use your home printer, send it to your local Fedex shop, or Staples. Costco and Walgreens even have options. A quick search via Pinterest or Google will give you dozens of options.

These are my favorites:

PARABO. This place is so fun! I highly recommend engineering prints if you want to go big on a budget. (Staples also has engineering prints). You can buy your print with a poster rail or clips, or just use your own tacks to attach to a wall. The newsprint is really fun, too. But that comes folded so you'll have creases in your artwork. Sometimes that's a fun option. They also offer fine art prints and canvas options but I have not tried those. If they are the same quality as everything else, I think it's a solid choice. You can get $10 off your order with code DNAUGG.

ARTIFACT UPRISING. They offer gorgeous paper and great, consistent color quality. Look for the Giclée or the Large Format prints. They also offer frames. Love this. Use this link to get $20 off your order.

SIMPLY FRAMED. This is where I (mostly) print the artwork you buy here in my shop. They offer a great selection of paper. I use the Moab matte paper but I also love the Epsom Luster and Hannamuhle canvas rag if you want to splurge. Make sure to use code DENISE15OFF for 15% off your order.

SHUTTERFLY. This is my least favorite of what I recommend but it's typically affordable (they ALWAYS have a sale) and good quality. I think the quality is on par with Walgreens, Costco and Staples. The color quality isn't super consistent. I am not a fan of glossy prints so I suggest opting for matte paper. But they also offer a thick cardboard paper that I like the best. It works great with desktop photo holders if you want something small.

BIG NOTE -- Colors can vary depending on a variety of factors including the quality of the printer, ink, paper & monitor color calibration so keep that in mind when choosing where to print.

"Caramelo" palm trees // You are magic.

WHERE TO FRAME

SIMPLY FRAMED. This is where I frame everything in my shop. I've done all the research and they offer the best quality at the best price. I'm really fond of the Natural Gallery frame and the Old School Metal Frame in Black. Play around with the options for mat sizes if you want a mat. Sometimes I love a huge mat -- something like 3+" for a sophisticated minimal look but I mostly choose just a frame, no mat. I love the float option that makes the art look like it's floating and raised within the frame. It gives it an elevated look. I recommend getting UV protection on the plexiglass, they offer different options. No need to be intimidated by this process -- it's not uber expensive or a hassle. You can upload your digital download directly and play around with your options right there on your desktop. Or if you're sending it to them, you can order the frame online & then send you a mailer or tube to ship the artwork to them. (note sure if this code works for frames, too, but try it & let me know -- DENISE15OFF).

Framebridge is similar to Simply Framed and they even have more options.

Your local neighborhood frame shop I love the idea of supporting local small family businesses. A majority of framers fall into that category and sometimes it's been a family business for generations. They also tend to love art and are a great resource for finding what's the best option. My favorite framer in LA is Castelli. Otherwise I like to ask around to see what friends recommend, or pop in to get an idea of their selection. You can always get a quote before you buy. I used to do a lot of framing at Aaron Bros and think they have good quality and options, too.

IKEA, Target & Michaels. If you don't want to have it professionally framed and are looking for the fastest or cheapest options, these are your best bets. You can also try places like Home Goods or TJ Maxx who sometimes have frames in stock. I've seen some nice options at World Market, too. I've found that Amazon doesn't have many affordable options for frames I like but it's worth a look. Please note, I have never used any of these places but know they are all affordable, widely available and easy.

And finally, no need to go old school with traditional frames. I love prints on poster rails, clipped to wire or even just taped to the wall in a collage. Mix it up! Don't get too fussy, make it fun.