Number one! You are the artist and you can make your prints ANY size you want to. A customer that buys your art can then figure out how to frame it with a custom frame.
That said, the disadvantage of this is that it might be hard to find standard display sleeves or standard shipping materials. This does not necessarily have to be a problem and we could be happy to help you source rolls of clear polypropylene you can use to make custom wrapping.
An easier route is to make your prints in standard sizes that will drop into an off-the-shelf frame that you or your customers can find in most large stores.
Common Standard Frame and Matt Sizes:
| Frame Size | Matt Size | Actual Matt opening |
| 8 × 10 | 5 × 7 | 4.5 x 6.5 |
| 11 × 14 | 8 × 10 | 7.5 x 9.5 |
| 16 × 20 | 11 × 14 | 10.5 x 13.5 |
| 20 × 24 | 16 × 20 | 15.5 x 19.5 |
The matts are designed to cover the image completely. The illustration shows an 8 x 10 print in an 11 x 14 frame. The dotted line is the actual matt opening size.
This matt puts 1½” all around the image.
Work Intended for Framing
Of course, you could make your print fit in the frame without a matt. Your choices here are whether you want a full bleed, which would look like the image on the left, or have ½” of white space all around the image – right pic. The print could then drop into the frame without a matt.
The framed, finished print would look like this:
Full Bleed
1/2″ white all around
Loose Prints to Sell
Loose prints are normally displayed in clear sleeves with some form of backing. Again, it’s best to make the paper size a standard size so they can fit in off-the-shelf sleeves, which also means they will fit in a standard frame or fit under the matt of a larger frame. This is also a good selling point to highlight to a prospective customer.
My preference is to put 1/8” of white space all around the print – it helps to define the print. The image on the left is full bleed and the other has 1/8” white space all around – both prints are 8 x 10.
Popular Print Prices
Prices correct as of June 2026
We offer a range of papers, from Hahnemühle cotton rag papers to more affordable commercial options. For artists and photographers our two most popular choices are described below.
Hahnemühle Photo Matt Fibre; this alpha fibre paper (wood pulp) has a warm tone and a very slight texture. It is relatively light at 200 gsm, so we do not recommend it for prints larger than 11 x 14 unless they are professionally framed, as it can ripple slightly in Maine’s humidity. It is also the more economical option.
Hot Press 330 gsm 100% Cotton Rag; this is our most popular paper, a smooth, heavyweight watercolor-style paper that is acid free and pH buffered. It is also available in a Cold Press version with more texture.
| Paper | 8 x 10 | 11 x 14 | 16 x 20 | 20 x 24 |
| Individual prints | ||||
| Photo Matt Fibre | $8 | $10 | $20 | $30 |
| Hot/Cold Press Cotton Rag | $8 | $15 | $32 | $47 |
| Multiples | ||||
| Photo Matt Fibre | $6 ea (lots of 5) | $8 ea (lots of 4) | $17 ea (lots of 2) | $25 ea (lots of 2) |
| Hot/Cold Press Cotton Rag | $7 ea (lots of 5) | $12 ea (lots of 4) | $28 ea (lots of 2) | $41 ea (lots of 2) |
Custom sizes available on request, minimum charge for fine art prints $25
An Alternative – Toner based printing
All of our “fine art prints” are printed on the best wide format for art/photo that is currently available anywhere! It is a 44” wide 12 color inkjet Epson printer which has a massive color range, uses Pigment inks and can print on a vast array of specially prepared substrates including rice paper, photo style, watercolor cotton rag, canvas and much more. They are sometimes called Giclée prints.
The inks and papers are very expensive; it can print up to 44” wide by any length; we can only print one at a time and it’s not very fast.
Toner Based Printing
As an added service to artists we also have a four-color toner based printer. It’s fast, can print on standard commercial papers and card stock and is relatively inexpensive. The colors are not as good as the Epson and size is limited to a maximum of 12 x 18, more commonly 11 x 17.
But, an 11 x 17 print on a card stock printed one side in color is only $0.75 compared with the very cheapest option on the inkjet of $8
The most popular items we produce on this printer are greeting cards which are 10 x 7 folded to 5 x 7 and come complete with an envelope and clear plastic sleeve (if needed).
They cost $2.25 each, recommended retail $6+ and are a great way to make a little extra money and for a customer to leave with a reminder of your work.
We also print note cards and other similar items.
If you have any questions, please contact me. (207) 323 1181 (voice/text) or email: rick@digitalprintmaker.com or make an appointment and come in for a chat.