Artist's and Graphic Designers Guide to the Market

As an artist or graphic designer, a reliable printer is a vital tool. You'll need to be able to print off high-quality images for display or your clients.

But narrowing down your search for a suitable printer can feel overwhelming. So, whether you work in a team or you freelance from home, here's my guide to finding the best printer/scanner for art prints.

Here, you'll find out what you need to look for. Plus, get my recommendations for the best printers for graphic designers.

What to Look for When Buying a Printer for Art Prints

If you want an excellent printer for art prints, you need to know what to look for. What factors are essential, and what's less important? Here's my guide to choosing the best printer for making art prints!

Type of Printer: Laser or Inkjet Printer?

You have two main choices when it comes to printers: inkjet or laser.

Laser printers are much quicker and cost less to run, but they are more expensive upfront.

Inkjet printers can't manage the heavy output that a laser printer offers. Yet, you can get better color saturation with an inkjet printer.

So what's the main difference between inkjet and laser printers? It comes down to the type of ink or toner used. Laser printers use powder ink, while inkjet printers use liquid ink.

As a result, it's possible to get crisper images when you print on an inkjet printer.

But technology has come a long way, and laser printers can now produce impressive images, too.

Laser printers can also handle a much larger volume of pages per day and month. If you need to produce a lot of media or you work in a team, a laser is an answer.

An inkjet printer won't be able to keep up. Look for printers that can manage 30 pages per minute as the gold standard.

Whichever type of printer you decide to go for, there are some great models on the market. Check out my recommendations below!

Size of Printer

The size of the printer you'll need depends on what kind of media you need to print. Graphic designers work on everything from business cards and flyers to huge posters.

If you need to produce anything bigger than standard 8.5" paper, you'll have to go with an inkjet printer.

Laser printer technology hasn't quite got there yet, at least at an affordable price. Make sure to double-check the measurements of the printer output before you buy it!

Type of Paper

Look for a printer that can take a range of paperweights. That way, you'll be able to use inexpensive paper for drafts and tests.

You can switch to heavy stock paper for your finished products. Not all printers can handle a wide range of paper types, so make sure you check before you buy.

Your Budget

How much you can spend always has to be a consideration. If you're on a tight budget, an inkjet printer might be the best bet. But you also need to think about the long term costs.

Inkjet printers eat through much more ink and need more maintenance. So, your running costs will tend to be higher than with a laser printer. If you can spend more upfront, you'll benefit by saving money in the long term.

The Top 3 Printers for Art Prints

Before we dive in the reviews, here's a quick summary of the top three printers for art prints in 2021!

Product Image
Product Name	Epson SureColor P800 Best Overall Printer for Art Prints	Epson Expression Premium EcoTank Best Long-Term Value Printer for Art Print	Canon PIXMA TS8320 Best All in One Printer, Copier, Scanner
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet	Inkjet
Brand	Epson	Epson	Canon
Printer Output	Color	Color	Color
Connectivity Technology	USB 2.0, 10/100 Wired Ethernet, Wireless	Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11n only), Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB

If you're short on time, here's a quick summary of the best printers for artists. These are three of the top printers for making art prints, ranging from premium to budget. So, there's something for everyone.

At the high end of the market, I would recommend the Epson SureColor P5000. This professional-grade printer is very sophisticated and advanced. So, not only do you get great control over what you print, but it's fast and reliable. You can also print custom sizes up to several feet, giving you more flexibility.

With its wide format and excellent color accuracy, your prints will look amazing. But it is very expensive and bulky, so it won't be the right printer for everyone.

If you're looking for a budget printer for art prints, check out the Epso Expression XP-15000 instead. It's a huge bargain but also provides superb image quality. With a high resolution of 5760 x 1400 dpi, your prints will be accurate and bright.

Another great option is the Epson EcoTank ET-7750. What makes this printer stand out is its refillable tank. Instead of using expensive cartridges, you can top it up with affordable ink refills. It even comes with a 2-year supply of ink to get you started. It can handle prints up to 11 x 17 inches and has fantastic connectivity options. So, it's a great all-round printer that can produce excellent art prints.

Product	Best Premium Printer for Art Prints – Epson SureColor P5000	Best Art Printer with Eco Tank – Epson EcoTank ET-7750	Best Budget Printer for Art and Graphic Design – Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet	Inkjet
Brand	Epson	Epson	Epson
Paper formats	Up to 13 x 19 inches; Custom sizes for roll media up to several feet	Up to 11 x 17 inches	Up to 13 x 19 inches
Printer output	Color	Color	Color

The Best Printers for Art Print

Let's get onto the products. Here are the top recommended printers for graphic designers, artists, and photographers!

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1. Canon PIXMA PRO-200

Best Low-Cost Canon Printer for Artists

(Image credit: Canon)

Next up is another great printer on the low end of the price scale. The Canon Pixma Pro-200 stands out as it uses eight dye-based inks of the highest quality.

As a result, it has a wide color gamut and a great range for black and white prints, too. Plus, it has an incredible print resolution of up to 9600 x 1400 DPI. So, it's ideal for art prints and photos as they come out sharp, detailed, and richly saturated.

This printer takes Canon Chromalife 100+ inks. These are high-quality archival inks known for excellent color reproduction. They are perfect for art prints as they can last for 200 years in a photo album or 40 years on display. So, you won't need to worry about your prints fading too soon.

You also have the option of using high-yield cartridges in this printer. With regular cartridges, it goes through the ink very quickly. But with a high-yield cartridge, it will last longer and could even save you money in the long run.

The Pixma Pro-200 is pretty cheap as printers for artists go, but it has a sturdy build. It's compact with a small footprint, but it's also durable and hardwearing.

The color LCD screen comes in handy when setting it up and selecting the right printing options. So, it's very accessible and user-friendly. It also has great connectivity options, including wireless, WiFi Direct, and AirPrint).

However, it is worth mentioning that this printer excels with glossy prints (e.g., for photos). While matte prints look great, they aren't as crisp or high-quality as glossy paper. So, keep that in mind when choosing which printer you want.

But with the wide-format, fast print speed, and borderless prints up to A3+, it's a versatile and powerful printer. Factor all these features in, and it's one of the best inkjet printers for artists.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Paper formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches or a custom size of up to 13 x 39 inches
• Printer output: Color

• It has a fast print speed of up to 14.5 ppm
• You can print borderless images up to A3+ size
• It has easy, wireless connectivity options from almost any device
• The print quality is superb
• Glossy prints tend to come out even better than matte prints (although they still look good)
• Images in black and white aren't as crisp as some premium printers

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2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

Best Canon Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Canon)

If you're willing to invest in a high-end printer, check out the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000. This printer doesn't come cheap, but it guarantees superb image quality.

The imagePROGRAF has an 11-ink system.The superior Lucia inks have flawless color accuracy and gorgeous, bright images. The precision is second to none, and the grayscale is smooth and detailed. So, you're sure to be happy with the quality and vibrancy of your art prints.

But these inks are also expensive, costing about half as much as the printer itself. Make sure you factor that into your budget so you don't get caught out!

This printer also has some smart features that improve the printing process. For example, the air feeding system holds the paper in place. That ensures your designs come out perfectly.

Plus, the anti-clogging technology prevents most ink issues. So, you can print more without having to stop for annoying maintenance problems.

Another standout feature is that you print on paper up to A2 (17 x 22 inches). Few printers can handle such large designs, so it's perfect for large art prints. They're an eye-catching way to showcase your artwork (and you can charge more for them!).

The imagePROGRAF range is designed for professional-grade printing. But surprisingly, this printer is very slow. For example, it takes up to 2.5 minutes to print one high-quality bordered 13 x 19 print.

So, don't expect a fast turnaround if you go for this model. You'll need to have plenty of patience, but it's worth it for the spectacular images you can print.

But this printer is very sturdy, with a high-quality, robust build. It's also one of the only large-format printers of this caliber that's this compact. Few other professional printers will sit neatly on your desk, so it's ideal if you're short on space.

The imagePROGRAF is best for artists who need to print a lot of high-quality art prints. It provides excellent controls and accuracy, but it's also very expensive. So, you'll need to think carefully about whether it's the right printer for your needs.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Paper formats: Up to 17 x 22 inches
• Printer output: Color

• This printer uses 11 high-quality inks for superb color accuracy and gorgeous prints
• It's one of the most compact wide-format professional printers
• You can print very large designs up to A2 size
• It comes with a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind
• It gets through ink quickly
• The print speed is very slow

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3. Epson SureColor P5000 Standard

Best Professional Grade Printer for Graphic Design and Art Prints

(Image credit: Epson)

The final printer on my list is also the most expensive, but it's definitely earned its spot here. It's a huge investment, but in my opinion, it's also the best printer for art prints. That's due to the stunning image quality, perfect for archival quality prints.

You can produce gorgeous artwork with this printer. Colors come out rich and bright, while grayscale tones are nuanced and crisp. And you can rely on the colors coming out true to life, thanks to 99% Pantone accuracy.

The Ultrachrome HDX inks are lightfast, so you know your prints will last for years to come. With long-lasting, high-quality prints, you're sure to have happy customers. And as it produces archival-quality images, you can also display them in galleries.

This printer stands out from most home printers due to its versatility. You can print on paper up to 17 inches in width. But it also prints on rolled media up to several feet long, giving you even more options for printing your art. And it's simple to switch between the two very quickly and smoothly!

Despite its advanced features, you'll be pleased to hear that it's very quick and easy to set up. It's also very sophisticated and reliable, easily handling large print runs.

There are a few drawbacks to this printer, though. Most notably is the very steep price that will put it out of the budget for many artists. Unless you already have a business set up and want to upgrade, it may be hard to justify the price.

But it's also very bulky and heavy, coming in at 52 kg. So, you'll need a dedicated space for this printer. Most desks and tables aren't suitable for supporting this beast.

You'll also need to connect via USB or Ethernet. It's not as flexible as other printers – you can't hook it up to your phone over WiFi, for example.

What it does best is print outstanding, crisp, and accurate art prints. It can handle all sorts of sizes, including large print runs. So, if you want to produce huge numbers of prints, then this printer could be for you!

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Paper formats: A2, A2+, A3+, A3, Letter, 17 inches, and custom
• Printer output: Color

• The best professional printer for graphic design and art prints
• It's capable of large print runs at decent speeds
• Prints look extraordinary, with bright, accurate colors and crisp details
• It's not a desktop printer – it's heavy and takes up a lot of space
• It's very expensive
• You can't connect over WiFi from a tablet or phone

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4. Epson SureColor P800

Best Overall Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Epson)

The Epson SurColor P800 is a fantastic choice for graphic designers (at a premium price). This professional printer will make your prints look crisp and impressive.

You can print both black and white images and colored media with no problem. It can also take a range of papers, including photo paper and fine art paper.

The Epson SureColor is suitable for printing anything up to 17". This makes it a versatile printer that meets all your needs.

With wireless connectivity, you can place it anywhere in your office. Print from your phone, tablet, or laptop for greater convenience and speed.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: USB 2.0, 10/100 Wired Ethernet, Wireless

• High-quality prints
• Can print on all types of paper
• The expensive price makes it a big investment

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5. Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Inkjet Printer

Best Printer for Graphic Designers

(Image credit: Canon)

The Pixma Pro is an excellent choice for a graphic designer. It's capable of producing media up to 19", so you can print off all types of media for your clients.

The two media trays can handle a variety of paper types, including thick stock paper and photo paper.

The Pixma Pro gives you the versatility and crisp images that you need to look professional. The clever Greatest Image Generating System mixes the right inks for your prints.

So, your pictures will always look their best. Plus, it's wireless, so you can print from wherever you are in your house or office. It's a high-quality, powerful printer for any artist or designer, and at a reasonable price too.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: USB Cable | Wi-Fi | Mobile Memory

• Fully wireless
• Can print any kind of media up to 19"
• You can't scan or copy with this printer

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Amazon

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6. Canon PIXMA TS8320 Inkjet Wireless Color Printer All In One

Best All in One Printer, Copier, Scanner for Graphic Designers

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon PIXMA TS8320 has been designed to make life easy for you. The handy touchscreen is simple to use. The wireless connectivity and Canon PRINT app allow you to print and edit from your phone or tablet.

Most importantly, it produces gorgeous, high-res images and prints. Your work will look professional when you use this printer. The PIXMA can handle heavy paper and cardstock and has both a front and a rear feeder.

Admittedly, the speed is low at just 15 pages per minute. But for this low price, the Canon PIXMA is the best printer around!

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB

• Available for an affordable, low price
• It produces high-resolution images
• It has a slower print speed

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Amazon

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7. Epson Expression Premium EcoTank Wireless 5-Color

Best Long-Term Value Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Epson)

The Epson Expression Premium is a high-end printer with incredible capabilities. For one, it has a supertank suitable for printing for 2 years or up to 9,000 pages.

So, you won't need to worry about replacing ink cartridges for a long time. It's cheaper to run and maintain, too! Secondly, the image quality is superb at 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution.

You'll get beautifully crisp prints. It offers the expected wireless connectivity and mobile printing for ease.

Plus, it can handle a range of paperweights, including specialty papers, with a rear and front tray. Everything a graphic designer could wish for!

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11n only), Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet

• The ink lasts for an extremely long time
• Low maintenance and running costs
• Takes up more space in the office

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Amazon

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8. Epson Expression XP-8600

Best Small Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Epson)

The Epson Expression is an ideal smaller printer for a freelancing graphic designer. This printer won't take up too much space, and prints so you can focus on what you're doing.

The Expression XP-8600 produces high-quality prints. The photos come out with saturated, realistic colors.

The smart Dash Replenishment system tracks your ink. It will reorder when you're running low, so you never run out again. This smart feature will save you time and money.

You'll never be stuck waiting for the next ink cartridge to arrive so you can get on with work!

Expression XP-8600 can handle media up to 8" x 10", as well as ultra-fast printing — 4″ x 6″ photos. So if you need to print in bigger sizes, you'll need to look for something larger instead.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi

• Compact size
• Excellent color rendering in your prints
• Can only produce small prints up to 8" x 10"

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Amazon

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9. HP Envy Photo All-in-One Photo Printer

Best Affordable / on a Budget Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: HP)

If you're looking for an affordable printer on a budget, go for the HP Envy. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, it gets the job done.

You can print beautiful images and prints effectively. Connect wirelessly from any device for easy printing. The HP Envy produces 12 prints per minute, so it's not built for larger volumes.

But if you only print or in smaller numbers, the HP Envy is a reliable tool for your home or office. It gets bonus points as you can also use it to scan, copy, or fax prints or documents.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: HP
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet

• Reasonable cost
• All-in-one printer allows you to scan, copy, or fax too
• Slower print speed than other printers

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Amazon

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10. Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer

Best Wireless Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Epson)

The Expression Photo HD is an impressive printer, offering everything you need. It's compact so it can sit anywhere in your office, and you can print wirelessly for convenience.

If you need to print on a wide variety of papers, the Expression Photo HD is the printer for you. It has a front and rear tray and can take up to A3 paper, heavy grade paper, and even CDs and DVDs. You get incredible versatility and ease of use with this printer.

The colors are bright and vibrant yet realistic every time. It also produces excellent black and white imagery. Expression Photo HD is an excellent choice for any graphic designer.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Printer Output: color
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless; Ethernet

• A versatile printer than can print on thicker paper too
• Great for color or black and white prints
• The ink cartridges are expensive

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Amazon

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11. HP ENVY 5055 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer, HP Instant Ink

Best Low-Cost Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: HP)

The HP ENVY 5055 is a low-cost printer that allows you to print cost-effective images quickly. It won't compare with a premium printer that a design agency might use.

But it's suitable for a freelance designer working from home. The HP ENVY offers quick and straightforward wireless and mobile printing.

So, you get more flexibility in how you print. With up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color resolution, your prints will look fantastic.

The tray can only hold up to 100 pages, so you'll need to keep a close eye on the printer. This affordable printer is the right choice if you're on a tight budget.

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: HP
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi;Bluetooth; Cloud Printing

• The low cost makes it ideal if you're on a budget
• Great prints with high resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
• The low paper capacity in the tray means you need to top it up frequently

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12. Canon Color imageCLASS MF733Cdw – All in One

Best Professional-Grade Laser Printer for Art Prints

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon Color imageCLASS is a super-capable, professional-grade laser printer. It can print incredibly fast at 28 ppm, making it suitable for heavy volumes.

If you print a lot of media for your clients, or you work in a team, this printer can stand up to the pressure. The Canon Color imageCLASS produces crisp, bold images with perfect color saturation.

You can load an amazing 850 sheets into the printer, so it needs less maintenance. You can get on with your work and let the printer take care of your prints, worry-free.

It's user-friendly with a touchscreen display and wireless connectivity. Plus, you get a great 3-year warranty and customer support if you run into any issues.

• Printing Technology: Laser
• Brand: Canon
• Printer Output: Color
• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi

• Super-fast printing speed
• You can print heavy volumes with this printer (ideal for a team)
• This printer is larger and bulkier than other models

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Amazon

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The Wrap Up

As a graphic designer or artist, you know how important it is to have high-quality images. With these recommended printers, you'll have no problem printing superior prints.

Go for any of the excellent printers on this list to show off your work at its best!

If you found this article useful, don't forget to subscribe to my Newsletter! I'll keep you up to date with helpful guides and resources for creative professionals, like this one.

This article is available in French

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Artist's and Graphic Designers Guide to the Market

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