Art Card Printing Guide for Artists

Art Card Printing for Artists

Selling your artwork as printed cards is one of the most effective ways to create affordable, high-value products your audience loves. Whether you’re producing fine art cards, greeting cards, or small art prints, choosing the right card size, paper, and finish directly impacts how professional your work looks — and how well it sells.

This guide walks artists through the best card sizes for fine art prints, how to choose paper and finishes, and practical tips for selling art cards online or in person.

5x7 art prints of cats


Best Card Sizes for Fine Art Prints

Choosing the right card size helps your artwork feel intentional, framable, and retail-ready.

5” × 7” — Most Popular for Artists

5x7 is an Industry standard for art cards and greeting cards

  • Industry standard for art cards and greeting cards
  • Easy to frame and display
  • Ideal for galleries, Etsy, markets, and online shops
  • Print ratio complements other print sizes, but with partial cropping.

Best for: Illustration, painting, photography, and fine art reproductions.

4” × 6” — Compact & Affordable

  • Lower price point
  • Easy to mail and bundle
  • Works well as postcards or promotional art cards
  • Dimensions work well with 8" x 12" and 11x 17" prints

Best for: Postcard-style art, promotional prints, small collections

4.25” × 5.5” — Compact & Affordable

  • Lower price point
  • Easy to mail and bundle
  • Works well as notecards and artwork
  • Pairs well with 8" x 10" and 11" x 14" prints

Best for: art, notecards, and small collections

Square Card Sizes (5” × 5”, 6” × 6”)

  • Modern, eye-catching format
  • Stands out at retail and online
  • Great for bold or graphic artwork
  • Complements 8" x 8" and 12" x 12" prints

Best for: Abstract art, modern illustration, minimalist designs

Larger Art Card Sizes (6” × 9”, 8” × 10”)

  • Premium feel
  • Higher perceived value
  • Excellent for detailed or vertical artwork

Best for: Collector-focused art cards and high-end prints


matte finish art card printing close up


Choosing Paper & Finish for Art Cards

Paper choice affects both visual quality and perceived value.

Matte Finish (Most Popular for Fine Art)

  • Soft, non-glare surface
  • Enhances texture and fine detail
  • Feels premium and artistic

Recommended for: Watercolor, pencil, charcoal, illustration, and fine art reproductions

Gloss Finish

  • Bright, vibrant colors
  • High contrast
  • Traditional greeting card look

Recommended for: Photography, digital art, bold color artwork

Texture Finish (Fine Art, Felt)

  • Soft, felt, non-glare surface
  • Adds a more authentic feel to your art
  • No print is identical
  • Try it before ordering in bulk

Recommended for: Watercolor, charcoal, illustration, and fine art reproductions

Cardstock Thickness Matters

  • Thicker cardstock feels more valuable
  • Holds up better for framing and retail handling
  • Prevents bending and damage during shipping

Artist tip: If a card feels too flimsy, customers subconsciously value it less. 80# cardstock is better for business and marketing. 100/110# cardstock is better for retail art cards.


greeting card printing for artists


Greeting Card Printing for Artists

Greeting cards are one of the best-selling art products for artists.

Why artists love greeting cards:

  • Easy for customers to understand
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Strong impulse purchases
  • Repeat buyers year-round
  • Customers enjoy buying sets

Common greeting card setup:

  • Folded to a 5” × 7” size
  • Blank interior for versatility
  • Full-color front with subtle back branding

Greeting cards allow your artwork to reach new audiences while building your brand with every sale.


art cards for modern artwork


Sell Your Art Cards Online: Sizes & Tips

Artists selling on Etsy, Shopify, or at markets benefit from choosing familiar sizes and formats.

Best-selling sizes online:

  • 5” × 7” (most expected by buyers - A7 envelopes)
  • 4” × 6” (budget-friendly, easy shipping)
  • 4.25" x 5.5" (standard size - A2 envelopes)
  • Square cards (stand out in listings)

Selling tips for artists:

  • Photograph cards with envelopes for scale
  • Mention paper type and finish in listings
  • Offer bundles (sets of 3 or 5)

Keep designs consistent for collections

Packaging matters:

  • Protective sleeves increase perceived value
  • Flat, rigid packaging prevents damage in shipping

Folded card with kraft envelopes


Why Artists Choose Professional Art Card Printing

Professional printing ensures:

  • A more accurate color reproduction
  • Consistent results across reprints
  • Durable cards suitable for retail
  • Confidence when selling your work
  • Lower costs per card for greater profitability

Whether you’re selling fine art cards, greeting cards, or small art prints, professional art card printing helps your work look polished and sell-ready.


Ready to Print Your Art Cards?

We specialize in art card printing for artists, offering:

  • Multiple sizes and finishes
  • Small runs and bulk quantities
  • Professional file review
  • Consistent, gallery-quality results

👉 Upload your artwork and start printing today