I’ve always been committed to running my business and making art in the most ‘eco-friendly’ way possible (read more here). ‘Eco-friendly’ is a bit of a blanket term, but I think it’s important for all makers to take in to consideration, no matter what your budget-limitations or what products you make. It’s a tough and on-going challenge, but I beleive even small improvements to processes or materials will help.

One of the recent changes I’ve made is to my paper choice for my prints.

First I tried switching over to recycled, uncoated paper. Still on my beautiful ‘photolitho’ printer the prints were subpar, muted and undefined. Such a disappointment! I had desperately wanted this to be the solution, but I am also committed to producing reproductions that do the originals justice. Another aspect of sustainability that I value is ‘quality’. Better to buy one beautiful, archival print and have it hang for decades, rather than chucking it in the bin after a month. At least in my book.

Look at how vibrant the left-hand prints are, on my usual paper! I wouldn’t have been happy selling the prints on the recycled paper, seen on the right. It might have worked for a different style of illustration, or something where a warm muted look was required, but certainly not for these.

After that disappointment I spent ages trying to research quality paper for prints that have at least a nod to decent environmental standards. Let me tell you, that’s very difficult.

At last I settled on Hahnemuhle fine art paper. I was a bit reckless and didn’t even try a sample, just went straight out and bought a whole pack (hello €€€). I’m so glad I did!

The results are gorgeous, vibrant and of decent giclee quality with a watercolour paper texture.

Zebra illustration print by illustratorlaura

Meerkat illustration fine art print

Hahnemuhle were one of the few companies that I came across that have a fairly transparent breakdown of their efforts to be ‘eco-friendly’. You can read more here.

// SALE! //

To mark my success with another step in my ongoing ‘sustainability’ journey I’m running a sale on all prints in my Etsy shop! All prints will have 20% off (discount already applied) running today till 3rd December, yay! I’m making way for all prints going forward to be on the Hahnemuhle paper. My existing prints in the sale are also vibrant and on beautiful heavyweight paper, don’t worry!

I’ve also added my Christmas section goodies into the sale, as I’d like them to find new homes so I can make some more :*