Why Professional Printing Matters: Preserving Art, Protecting Creators, and Elevating Quality

There’s something about a photograph, a piece of art, or a printed design that transcends the screen — it becomes tangible, real, alive in a way that pixels on a device never quite capture. It holds weight, both physically and metaphorically. A print carries with it the energy of the moment it preserves.

Yet, not all prints are created equal. Anyone who’s ever attempted to print an artwork or a cherished photograph at home, or at the big stores with cheap prices, knows the frustration — the colour that looked vivid on-screen now appears washed out, the blacks aren’t quite black enough, and the texture of the paper (or lack thereof) strips the image of its intended depth.

This is where professional printing makes all the difference. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about integrity — to the art, to the artist, and to the environment.

1. QUALITY THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

Professional printing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for those who care about the details. The difference is stark: high-end commercial printers use advanced colour calibration technology and specialized inks designed for longevity. This means the rich blues of an ocean print won’t fade to a dull gray over time, and the deep reds of a sunset won’t lose their fire.

Home printers and those of these big DIY companies, in contrast, often use lower-grade ink that isn’t built for permanence. Over time, exposure to light, air, and moisture degrades the image, leading to yellowing paper and faded colors. For those who create art to last — whether for a gallery, a home collection, or a brand — this is a risk that shouldn’t be ignored.

2. PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS

At This is Art, we believe in valuing creatives. That means not only compensating them fairly but ensuring their work is represented as they intended. Professional printing respects the artistic process by maintaining the integrity of the original vision — something that can be lost when an image is printed on standard office paper with subpar colour reproduction.

Beyond that, using a trusted printing service can help prevent unauthorized reproductions of artwork. With home or standard commercial printing, there’s often little control over where and how an image is duplicated. Professional printing partners provide secure processes that protect artists from having their work stolen, poorly reproduced, or misused.

For artists who sell prints, this is even more critical. Choosing a certified fine art printer ensures that limited editions remain truly limited and that each piece is reproduced with the attention to detail it deserves.

3. ECO-CONSCIOUS PRINTING: DOING IT RIGHT

As an art collective that deeply respects the natural world, we can’t ignore the environmental impact of printing. But here’s the good news: printing professionally is often the more sustainable option compared to home or DIY printing.

Here’s why:

• High-quality materials = Less waste. Professional printers use archival-quality inks and papers that last longer, meaning fewer reprints and less waste in the long run.

• Eco-friendly paper options. Many fine art printers offer FSC-certified, acid-free, and 100% recycled papers, ensuring that the forests we source from are replenished and responsibly managed.

• Efficient ink usage. Industrial printers optimize ink distribution, unlike consumer printers, which often waste large amounts of ink due to inefficient cartridges and frequent nozzle cleanings.

• Sustainable printing partners. Many professional print labs now use water-based inks, non-toxic coatings, and carbon-neutral shipping to reduce their footprint.

When selecting a printing service, it’s worth looking for those that align with sustainable practices — companies that minimise waste and use materials that don’t harm the planet.

4. THE POWER OF PRESENTATION: YOUR BRAND, YOUR STORY

Whether you’re an artist selling prints, a photographer delivering work to a client, or a business creating marketing materials, how your work is presented matters. A professional print isn’t just ink on paper— it’s a representation of who you are and what you stand for.

Consider a brand that sends out home-printed brochures versus one that invests in thick, matte-finish prints with crisp typography and precise color matching. Which one conveys more credibility? Which one is more likely to be kept, remembered, and valued?

The same applies to photographers and artists. A professionally printed image tells a different story than a standard print — it signals authenticity, quality, and respect for the medium.

5. COST-EFFECTIVE FOR LARGER VOLUMES

The misconception that home printing is cheaper falls apart when you break down the numbers.

• Ink is expensive. Consumer printer ink is one of the most costly liquids in the world per millilitre — often more expensive than premium whiskey or perfume.

• Errors are costly. How many times have you printed an image, only to realise the colours are wrong or the paper wasn’t quite right? Reprints add up.

• Bulk printing saves money. Professional printing becomes significantly more cost-effective when printing in volume. Businesses, photographers, and artists producing multiple copies of work can benefit from bulk pricing, professional finishes, and consistent results.

If your work is meant to be sold, gifted, or displayed, it pays — literally — to invest in the right printing method.

Print With Purpose

In an age where digital screens dominate, the power of a physical print remains unmatched. A well-printed piece isn’t just a copy of an image — it’s a statement. It’s the difference between a fleeting moment on a screen and a piece of art that exists in the real world.

By choosing professional printing, you’re not just ensuring the highest quality output. You’re making a conscious choice to:

✔ Preserve the integrity of your work.
✔ Respect the artists and photographers behind the image.
✔ Minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.
✔ Elevate the way your work is perceived.

Art deserves to be printed the right way — with care, precision, and respect for the medium. Because every moment we capture, every story we tell, deserves to stand the test of time.

Want to Print Your Work the Right Way?

At This is Art, we advocate for professional printing that respects both the artist and the environment. Looking for the best print partners? We can connect you with sustainable, high-quality printing services that align with our ethos. Get in touch here.