What to take into consideration when choosing size and paper for printing fine art images?

binding option will make you think about borders. PLAN the whole project before printing.

If you haven’t already, I would set the project up in InDesign and, echoing playthebanjo, keep your borders for binding in mind. Also, I would recommend an Epson matte paper. Personally, that is what I use on my epson printer and the matte blacks are absolutely gorgeous. They come out so velvety and rich. Pick 2–3 sizes for the images. Don’t make them a variety of sizes. This way you will keep the entire portfolio system consistent. Also, create a grid to layout your images in and stick to it. This will also create a nice, harmonious look.

Good luck!

While this may not be as viable an option to new artists I determined last year to “Go Green”. I no longer send out printed portfolios and instead send out CD portfolios.

Because I am established the transition was well received. More and more companies and galleries understand that we live in a digital age and support the need to save our natural resources as much as possible.

Lets say that is not an option though- in that case Ambros is giving excellent advice.

Sending a CD could be a dodgy one if you ask me. Is it really that much more environmentally friendly? You can recycle paper. And producing CDs must put a similar amount of carbon into the atmosphere as an ink cartridge.

Paper stock makes a big impact on the work being presented too. The feel of some nice laid paper is something you just can’t emulate on screen.

Also, it’s a lot easier to just flick through a printed portfolio than having to go to a computer. That just my opinion mind.

I prefer to show something close to the final product, so a matted print in a box portfolio makes sense for me. Statiscally not everyone that sees the portfolio prints will want to purchase them, so being able to take them from one person to the next is more practical for me. Having said this, I have found a few galleries that prefer to see the work as JPGs so I will do a bit of both (JPG emailing/printed portfolio presentations).

Thanks everyone for very relevant suggestions and points of view.