10 Tips to Digitize and Sell Your Original Artwork, the simple way!
Digitizing your artwork is one of the most powerful ways to expand your income without creating new originals every time. When done properly, digitization preserves the integrity of your work while opening the door to prints, licensing, print-on-demand, and online sales.
1. Start With High-Quality Originals
The quality of your digitized artwork is only as good as the original piece. Make sure your artwork is fully finished, clean, and properly dried before scanning or photographing it. Dust, smudges, bent paper, or uneven textures will all show up digitally. Taking the time to prepare your original properly saves hours of correction later.
2. Use Professional Scanning or Photography
High-resolution scanning or professional photography is essential for accurate reproduction. Flatbed scanners work well for smaller pieces, while larger or textured works often require professional photography. High-quality capture ensures sharp details, accurate colors, and flexibility for multiple product formats.
3. Correct Colors Carefully
Color correction is where many artists lose confidence—but it’s critical. Adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance so the digital file matches the original artwork as closely as possible. Accurate color builds trust with buyers and reduces returns or dissatisfaction.
4. Clean Dust and Imperfections
Zoom in and clean your files meticulously. Remove dust, stray fibers, scanner marks, or paper imperfections while preserving the character of the artwork. Clean files elevate your work from “handmade” to “professional” without losing authenticity.
5. Save Master Files
Always keep a high-resolution master file that remains untouched after final corrections. This master file becomes the foundation for all future uses—prints, licensing, POD products, and archival storage. Never overwrite your master.
6. Create Print-Ready Versions
Different products require different file sizes, resolutions, and color profiles. Create separate versions optimized for art prints, merchandise, web display, and licensing. Print-ready files reduce production errors and ensure consistent results across products.
7. Name and Organize Files Properly
File organization is a long-term investment. Use consistent naming conventions, folders, and backup systems. Organized files save time, prevent loss, and make scaling your business significantly easier.
8. Choose the Right Paper and Print Materials
Paper type, texture, and finish dramatically affect how your artwork is perceived. Test different papers and materials to find what best supports your work. High-quality materials increase perceived value and customer satisfaction.
9. Price Digitized Art Strategically
Digitized art allows for flexibility—open editions, limited editions, or exclusive releases. Consider your market, production costs, and brand positioning when pricing. Scarcity and intention often increase perceived value.
10. Protect Your Work
Clearly communicate copyright, licensing terms, and usage rights. Watermark previews when necessary and keep detailed records of where and how your artwork is sold. Protection isn’t about fear—it’s about professionalism.
Final thoughts
Hopefully this 10 Tips to Digitize and Sell Your Original Artwork can help you understand how to start working and digitizing you original artwork, and take advantage of the amazing tools we have nowadays, there is so much more to dive into, but if you are just starting up, this is a great focal point to begin your journey.
You go and make some amazing art now!…and always remember that, your art has value, as long as you treat it with the value it deserves, so be mindful on how you want your art to be valued and represented in the world, everything you do will show your effort and …to awake interest in others, you must put all your interest and effort info what you do yourself!.
Happy creating!
If you liked this blog and you want to learn more about Running an Art Business , make sure to check:
“10 TIPS TO BRAND YOUR ART BUSINESS”
_SolahMoon
