I want to Sell A Format reproductions... but I didn't paint it that way!

We are often asked by artists for images to be printed in "A format" so clients can put the reproductions in cheap, ready-made frames.

The challenge happens when you didn't paint the artwork in "A format" to begin with.

The majority of canvases available for sale are anything but "A format" so this means the ratio of your image is not the same ratio of "A format" - here's an example...

So, what does this mean? It means that if you didn't paint your artwork in A format, then it will need to be cropped or distorted, or both, to make it so.  

Here's another example of what happens using a real artwork...

What are we looking at here...

• Image 1 on the left is the original artwork, which was 25 x 20cm - 5:4 ratio
• Image 2 shows a cropped version of image 1 making it A3 format (42 x 29.7cm) plus a 3cm border, making the finished paper size 48 x 35.7cm
• Image 3 shows the image has been cropped again and made 40 x 27.7cm plus a 1cm border so that the finished paper size is A3 - 42 x 29.7cm
• Image 4 shows the image with even more cropping and sized to 38 x 25.7cm plus a 2cm border for a finished paper size of A3 - 42 x 29.7cm

You can see that in each case, the image requires more and more cropping, changing it's ratio from the original. 

You also need to consider the frames that might be available...

• An A3 frame for example, needs a paper size of 42 x 29.7cm. If you order a 42 x 29.7cm image plus a border ( as is recommended), the border will need to be trimmed off by the client to fit the frame. 
• If you find a frame that is larger with a matte to fit an A3 image, the matte will typically overlap the image by around 5mm on each side. If you have signed your reproduction on the border, then that will be covered by the matte. So much for displaying you name and the limited edition number!
• If you have a frame custom made, it doesn't matter what size image, or what border size it is, the framer will make it look perfect by leaving in all the necessary part of the art, including your signature.
• Every change you make to the image format and paper size, changes the end framing result.

Here is another option that requires no cropping or change of ratio to your artwork...

So here we are looking at A format paper size with a correctly proportioned (as per original artwork) image, positioned on the final sheet. You do have to be satisfied with odd borders if this is the route you want to take.

Bottom Line...

Yes, you can change your artwork to fit pretty much any size you like but there are consequences to each change. You simply need to be aware of all the variables and decide which option works best for you.

My personal thoughts are these...

If I'm selling an original artwork in one format, then I'm going to keep the reproductions in the same format, but making different sizes available. I don't want to reduce the value or the integrity of my artwork by trying to satisfy those that don't value it enough to have it framed properly. I never assume that my clients cannot afford nice things (they are buying my art after all) or they are not prepared or able to pay for them. If they can afford my art, they can afford custom frames.