Art, Exhibition,San Diego, Print Techniques, Shop Talk
J
If you were an artist working in San Diego, perhaps working in digital media or print, more of a fine artist, where would you be looking to exhibit and what kind of opportunities do you think there might be?
CG
As an artist in San Diego focusing on digital media or print, you could explore venues like the San Diego Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, or smaller galleries like Sparks Gallery or Thumbprint Gallery. Many organizations support emerging and established artists with themed exhibitions, artist residencies, or open calls. Community events like ArtWalk in Little Italy or North Park’s Ray at Night are also great for exposure. Opportunities could include collaborations, commissions, or even teaching workshops locally. What type of art would you focus on exhibiting?
J
Well, I'm not sure at this point.
CG
That’s okay! San Diego has a wide range of artistic opportunities, so you’ve got options to experiment and find your niche. If you lean toward fine art, perhaps try entering juried exhibitions or connecting with local art groups like the San Diego Watercolor Society or San Diego Fine Art Society. If digital media excites you, places like Digital Gym Cinema or new media galleries might be worth exploring. What inspires you most—storytelling, abstract forms, or social themes?
J
Probably social themes in my own way, but the problem I keep running into is the expense of printing. Now, I did hear last night about possibly a newer technique for large-scale printing called RISO, that's R-I-S-O, question mark?
CG
RISO, or Risograph printing, is an affordable and eco-friendly method often used for producing vibrant, large-scale prints. It combines aspects of screen printing and photocopying, using soy-based inks on uncoated paper. Each color is applied through a separate drum, so multi-color designs require multiple passes through the machine. This process can create unique, layered effects with minor imperfections, which many artists appreciate for their handmade aesthetic.
This method is cost-effective for high-volume printing, making it popular for posters, zines, and limited edition art prints. Studios often rent Risograph machines to artists, so you might be able to explore it without a large upfront investment. Some San Diego-based studios might even offer access to RISO equipment or services, which could help reduce printing costs for your social-themed projects【18†source】【19†source】【20†source】.
J
So it's good for larger scale projects. What if you're doing smaller scale things? Is it still a feasible option?
CG
Yes, Risograph printing can still be a great option for smaller-scale projects. It's particularly effective for short-run editions of zines, art books, greeting cards, or even business cards. While the initial setup involves creating a master plate for each color, once that's done, printing costs per piece are very low, even for small quantities. The vibrant colors and unique textures give small-scale items a handmade, artistic feel that stands out.
However, since the RISO machine works best with high-speed, continuous printing, very small batches (like fewer than twenty copies) may not be as efficient compared to other methods like digital printing. It’s still worth considering if you value its aesthetic and eco-friendly qualities for your work【19†source】【20†source】.
J
Hmm. I've been having things printed out at Walmart as a photograph, maybe 17 by 11 inches, not large scale, but, you know, it's okay, but it is Walmart and it is a photograph. I don't suppose there's any other option for digital printing. I used to own a printer, but the upkeep and the maintenance and the clogging of the print heads, it was an expensive and kind of not very cost effective solution in the end.
CG
For your needs, there are definitely better options than Walmart for digital printing, especially if you want higher quality or more control over the final product. Look into local print shops or online services like Printful, Moo, or Blurb, which specialize in digital and fine art printing. Many of these can handle sizes like seventeen by eleven inches and offer various paper and finish options to suit your style.
Another option could be fine art printing services like Giclée, which use high-quality inks and archival papers to create prints with better detail and longevity. In San Diego, places like Ray Street Custom Framing or Fine Art Solutions might be worth checking out for local, hands-on help.
It’s definitely more cost-effective than maintaining your own printer, especially with the reliability issues you’ve experienced. Would you prefer a hands-on service or something online?
J
Oh, I don't know.
CG
That’s okay! If you’re unsure, maybe start with a local print shop where you can see and feel paper samples and discuss your project directly with the staff. San Diego has some great print services, like Pixart Printing or Staples for convenience, or more specialized options like Modern Postcard or QWIK KOPY for better quality.
If you'd rather go digital, online printers like Society6 or Inprnt also cater to artists, letting you upload designs and choose print options. You can even sell your prints there if you decide to. It’s a good way to test the waters without committing to a large setup cost. Have you had experience with any local or online printers before?
J
I've used Blurb for zines and magazines, but other than that, the last experience I had was maybe 20 years ago in New Orleans with large three-foot by eight-foot prints that were mounted and then framed, but the cost can approach $800 by the time you're done.
CG
Wow, those large prints must have made an impact, but I get how the cost can quickly add up, especially with framing and mounting. If you're looking for something more affordable and less daunting for smaller works, a few modern options might help.
For zine-like or mid-sized projects, services like Blurb (as you’ve used before) and Printivity can still work well, especially for batch orders. But for individual fine art prints, Giclée printing through places like Printkeg or even online art platforms like Gango Editions or Saatchi Art could give you professional quality at a fraction of the cost compared to custom large-format jobs.
You might also explore co-op printmaking or art collectives in San Diego. Some studios have group access to higher-end equipment, which could let you experiment with higher-quality digital or RISO prints without a huge financial outlay. Does that align with what you're imagining for your work now?
J
Possibly. You know, the other problem at the time when I was exhibiting was the cost of shipping. When you're shipping a large print like that, you have to crate it up and then have a shipping service move it.
CG
Shipping large-scale art is definitely one of the biggest challenges for exhibitions, especially with the crating and logistics involved. For smaller or mid-sized pieces, one way to cut costs is to use high-quality rolled prints. These can be sent in durable tubes, which are much cheaper and easier to ship. Many galleries or buyers can handle mounting and framing themselves, saving you a lot on preparation costs.
If you need to ship larger mounted works, some companies specialize in art logistics, like FedEx Custom Critical, UPS Art Shipping, or dedicated services like Art Work Logistics. They’re more expensive but help ensure safe handling. Alternatively, you could try modular or collapsible frames, which are easier to ship and assemble on-site.
Would you consider focusing on works that are easier to transport, or is the scale essential to your art?
J
No, I've actually been looking at digital platforms for exhibition. I looked into Instagram, but you have to learn how to make reels and promote your brand. It's a whole nother kind of a
CG
Digital platforms for art exhibitions are definitely the way forward, and Instagram is a great option, though it does come with the challenge of learning how to create engaging content like reels, posts, and stories, while also promoting your brand. It can feel like a different kind of art, where you need to balance your creative expression with marketing skills. You might also consider platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or ArtStation, which cater more specifically to digital art, illustration, and design.
Additionally, websites like Saatchi Art or DeviantArt offer a more traditional gallery-style approach with the potential for selling your work or showcasing it to a large audience. For a more interactive experience, you could also try virtual galleries or platforms like Artsteps or Mozilla Hubs, where you can curate your own space and host digital exhibitions. These platforms let you exhibit large-scale works without worrying about shipping or physical space constraints.
Are you leaning more toward creating a digital presence through these kinds of platforms, or would you prefer focusing on one?
J
Well, the digital presence is the easiest, and it has the opportunity to reach a wider audience than an on-ground exhibition.
CG
Exactly—digital platforms are a great way to reach a global audience and cut down on the logistical challenges of traditional exhibitions. Instagram is the obvious go-to, but it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the content creation, such as reels, engaging captions, and regular posting. However, once you get into the rhythm, it becomes easier to leverage the platform’s features for both showcasing your work and building a following.
If you're looking for a more straightforward approach, platforms like Saatchi Art and ArtStation allow you to showcase your work professionally without needing to focus on the promotion side as much. These platforms already have built-in communities of art lovers and collectors. Behance is another excellent choice if you’re interested in displaying your portfolio with an emphasis on design or digital artwork.
For a truly immersive experience, you could also explore virtual gallery spaces like Artsteps, where you can curate your own exhibitions without the physical constraints of a traditional gallery space. This approach could give you more creative control while still making your work accessible to a wider audience. Have you thought about which platform might feel most comfortable for you?
J
No, but I'll check those out, thank you.
CG
You're welcome! I hope those platforms work out for you—each one has its own way of showcasing and promoting art, so it’s worth exploring a few to see what feels right. If you need help navigating any of them or figuring out how to get started, feel free to ask!
J
Thank you, I certainly will. Thank you, CG.
CG
You're very welcome! I hope those platforms work well for you, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Best of luck with your digital art journey!
J
And you can address me as Jeff.
CG
Got it, Jeff! If you need anything else, just let me know.
J
Thank you.
CG
Understood, Jeff! If you ever need further assistance or more information on any topic, feel free to reach out.
