Student degree show printing
Most art schools hang their degree shows in the same few weeks, so the last-minute print rush is very real. A week of planning now is worth more than any upgrade.
Print a test before you print the work.
Work that looks right on a laptop can come back darker, flatter or softer than you expected. A test strip from the most critical part of the image, at final size and on the final material, tells you more than any amount of screen time. Do this early enough to change the file, and well before everyone in your year is trying to do the same thing. See planning print deadlines.
Choosing how it will be shown
Think about what your work needs, and then about what your tutor and the space allow. These A1 prices give you a starting point. Mounting is charged on top of the print.
| Option | Price at A1 | Best for | Bear in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo matt 190gsm print | £30 | Photography and illustration | Curls and marks easily if left unmounted |
| Mounting on 3mm Foamex | £12 | Light, flat and simple to hang | Corners dent in transit |
| Mounting on 5mm Foamex | £14 | Larger pieces that need to stay flat | Slightly bulkier |
| Mounting on 3mm Dibond | £24 | A heavier, gallery-grade feel | More weight on the wall |
| Canvas, stretched over a 36mm frame | £79.00 | Painting-led and photographic work | Plan for the bulk when moving it |
Student discounts are available with proof, so bring your ID or a letter from your course, and read student print discounts first. Large format poster printing has a £35 minimum order value, which makes one small print poor value. Shared orders can help, and volume rates count every print of one size within an order. Ask us if a group of you want to order together.
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
A sequence that keeps you sane
- Ask your department about wall fixings, sizes, and when your space is ready.
- Measure your wall or bay, and mark it out in tape.
- Finalise your image size and resolution.
- Print a test strip and change the file if necessary.
- Order prints, labels and any title vinyl together.
- Have everything in your hands with a few days to spare.
Getting it there
Students forget this bit. An A0 board on the Tube at rush hour is a painful experience. Rolled prints in a tube are simple to carry, and can be mounted later if you must. Boards need wrapping, corner protection and possibly a shared van. Check the size of your studio door and any lift. Packing and delivering large prints has useful tips.
The little things
Your statement, your caption and your name matter too. A short vinyl title on the wall looks sharp, and it is priced by the character, as our vinyl lettering page explains. Keep your work files after the show, as you may need them for an application, an award or a sale.
Work ready for the wall.
Your questions.
What resolution do I need for my final print?
It depends on the size and how close people will stand. Divide your pixel width by the print width in inches, then see our guide to image resolution. If you are unsure, send us the file and we will check it.
Can you mount a print I got done elsewhere?
Often, yes. Bring it in or call us with its size and material, and we will let you know how it can be mounted.
Which paper is best for black and white photography?
Matt gives a quiet, soft look and a heavier paper feels better. Gloss or silk shows deeper blacks. A small test on each is well worth it.