As an illustrator, having the right printer is essential for creating high-quality prints of your illustrations.
After testing a variety of models over the years, I’ve found some great options that work great for illustrators printing their artworks.
In this post, I’ll share my picks for the best printers for illustrators, brom the budget ones to more professional-grade models for illustrators ready to invest in their prints.
Overview: Best Printers for Illustrators
Budget Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1450 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 23mil (0.6mm) manually :: Late 2017 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: Alternative name IP8750
Epson Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 11″×17″ (A3+) :: Scanner 1200x4800 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2019 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Eco All-in-one Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color hybrid dye-based & pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: 4800x1200 scan resolution :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 50mil (1.3mm) manually :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
My Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl and Transfer paper
8-color dye-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
My Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: 50mil (1.3mm) :: Integrated roll feed :: Early 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Wider version: SureColor P900 17″ Inkjet Color Printer
Great for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Monochrome Laser Printer Pick for Cardstock
Monochromatic toner system :: 2400×600 DPI :: Up to 8.5″×14″ / A4 prints :: Max paper thickness: manual feed Cover ±90lb / ±245gsm :: Late 2017 :: Wireless & AirPrint
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Best Budget Printers for Illustrators
When you’re just starting out as an illustrator, you likely don’t have thousands to pay for a professional-grade printer.
Luckily, there are some great affordable options that can handle basic printing needs. And they are all A3 art printers! Here are my top picks:
#1 Epson Budget Printer for Illustrators: Epson Expression XP-15000 (A3)
Budget Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1450 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 23mil (0.6mm) manually :: Late 2017 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
This is one of the best values out there for illustration printing on a budget.
The Epson XP-15000 delivers remarkable print quality for both photos and illustrations. It uses six Claria ink cartridges for vivid image reproduction. I was really impressed by how well it handled my mixed-media pieces with both intense graphics and subtle watercolor washes.
Plus, it has a supersized 13″ x 19″ print size, allowing you to print large illustrations or multiple pages at once.
The ink is also extremely affordable, making this an ideal starter printer for illustrators on a budget. At around $200 – $300, it’s a great entry-level choice.
#2 Canon Budget Printer for Illustrators: Canon Pixma IP8720/8750 (A3)
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: Alternative name IP8750
Canon’s Pixma line consistently offers some of the best print quality for the price. The IP8720 (8750 outside of the US) model is essentially the same, with wireless connectivity.
This printer produces stunning photos and illustrations using a 6-ink system. I was able to get rich blacks and crisp color details in all my test prints. And the Pixma models can handle fine art paper well, which is ideal for showcasing illustrations.
The generous 13” x 19” (A3+) max print size gives you lots of creative flexibility too. For right around $300, these are excellent home printers for illustrators.
#3 Budget Scanner Printer for Illustrators: Epson Expression Photo XP-970 (A3)
Best Scanner Printer Combos for Illustrators
Once you start taking on bigger illustration projects, you may want to upgrade to a more robust machine with an integrated scanner. Here are my picks for the best scanner/printer combos for illustrators:
#3 Budget Scanner Printer for Illustrators: Epson Expression Photo XP-970 (A3)
Epson Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 11″×17″ (A3+) :: Scanner 1200x4800 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2019 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Here’s an affordable option I recommend for illustrators who also need scanning capabilities.
The XP-970 is a compact 4-in-1 printer with built-in scanner, copier and fax functions.
It uses 6 Epson’s Claria Premium inks to produce vibrant illustrations and photos. I found color accuracy to be very good overall. And it has great connectivity options, with WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB, Ethernet and voice-activated printing through Alexa.
The scanner captures crisp images and you can scan directly to the cloud or your devices. At such awesome price, this little workhorse does it all for illustrators on a budget.
It has a letter-sized bed and can scan at up to 1200 dpi, producing clear scans suitable for illustration source material. For illustrators who scan a lot of sketches, drawings or reference material, it’s a great budget-friendly choice.
#4 Epson Printer for Illustrators: Epson EcoTank ET-8550 (A3)
Eco All-in-one Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color hybrid dye-based & pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: 4800x1200 scan resolution :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 50mil (1.3mm) manually :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
This cool EcoTank model eliminates the hassle and cost of ink cartridges – the ink tanks are refilled with bottles instead.
It prints up to 500 brilliant pages before needing a refill, for pennies per print.
The ET-8550 uses Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead to generate incredible fine art image quality, perfect for illustrations.
It was actually designed to compete with more advanced commercial printers costing thousands.
There’s also a handy 4.3” touchscreen and built-in scanner. At around $700-$800, this is an awesome printer investment for busy illustrators.
Best Printers for Professional Illustrators
Once illustration becomes a bigger part of your income stream, you may be ready to invest in a professional-grade printer.
Here are some excellent options I recommend for pro illustrators who need to create gallery-quality art prints.
#5 Canon Printer for Illustrators: Canon PIXMA PRO-200
My Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl and Transfer paper
8-color dye-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
This is one of the most popular printers for professional illustrators because of its stellar output.
It’s a 13” wide format printer designed for photography and fine art reproduction.
The 8-ink ChromaLife 100+ system and 4800 dpi resolution produce incredible detail and vibrancy in illustrations. It can handle fine art paper up to 13” x 39” too. I’ve been consistently impressed by the print quality.
It’s also relatively affordable for a pro model at around $600 – $700. The PRO-200 is perfect for illustrators selling prints or creating portfolios.
#6 Epson Giclée Printer for Illustrators: Epson SureColor P700
My Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: 50mil (1.3mm) :: Integrated roll feed :: Early 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Wider version: SureColor P900 17″ Inkjet Color Printer
Epson’s photo printers are industry-leaders, and the SureColor P700 is their newest 13” model built for fine art printing.
It uses an advanced 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead and UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink for stunning detail.
Illustrations truly come to life on this printer with incredible clarity and rich, saturated colors. It creates outstanding black density too with triple-black ink. The print permanence is exceptional – Epson claims 200+ years for high-quality fine art prints.
My only gripe is the price – at ±$1,300, this printer represents a serious investment. But for professional illustrators who want the best print quality available, the P700 delivers.
#7 Canon Giclée Printer for Illustrators: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Great for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Canon also makes some phenomenal fine art printers, like the PRO-300 designed for photography, fine art, and illustrations.
It outputs incredible detail and accurate colors thanks to a 10 ink system including Chroma Optimizer coating.
The printer can accommodate media up to 13” x 39” with a variety of fine art papers. I was able to create stunning gallery-quality prints of my illustrations that really made my artwork pop.
My only complaint is that ink costs add up quickly, but yields are fairly high.
At around ±$900, this printer generates exquisite prints worthy of the price tag. The PRO-300 is a workhorse for professional illustrators.
Best Monochrome Laser Printer for Illustrators
For basic black-and-white illustrations printing, I recommend getting a dedicated monochrome laser printer.
Laser printers have sharper black and white output than inkjet models. Here’s an excellent one for the price:
#8 Monochrome Laser Printer for Illustrators: Brother MFC-L2710DW
Monochrome Laser Printer Pick for Cardstock
Monochromatic toner system :: 2400×600 DPI :: Up to 8.5″×14″ / A4 prints :: Max paper thickness: manual feed Cover ±90lb / ±245gsm :: Late 2017 :: Wireless & AirPrint
This reasonably priced Brother model provides both printing and scanning functions in a compact monochrome laser printer.
It reliably prints crisp black text and images up to 2400 dpi.
While you can’t print colorful illustrations, it’s fantastic for printing B&W sketches, illustrations, patterns or references as needed. The cost per print is ultra-low too. And it has handy direct scan-to-email capabilities.
At around ±$200, this versatile laser model belongs in every illustrator’s studio for everyday printing needs.
Summary: Best Printer for Illustrators
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The right printer can take your illustrations to the next level, enabling you to create high-quality prints for display, sale or promotional use.
As an illustrator myself, these are the models I’ve found deliver the best performance based on your budget and needs:
- For beginner illustrators, the Epson XP-15000 or Canon Pixma IP8720/8750 line offer outstanding print quality on a budget
- Scanner/printer combos like the Epson XP-970 provide complete functionality for illustration workflows in a compact device
- For mid-range investment, Epson ET-8550 tanks offer thousands of brilliant, low-cost prints without cartridges
- Professional illustrators should consider wide format fine art models like the Canon PRO-200, Epson P700 or Canon PRO-300
- If you illustrate in black & white a great monochrome laser printer like the affordable Brother MFC-L2710DW could be for you
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share my experience with fellow artists and illustrators to help you create your best work.
Other articles in the Printers and Scanners series:
- Best Printer for Art Prints
- Best Printer for Art Prints on a Budget
- Best Printer for Graphic Design
- Best A3 Art Printer
- Best Art Scanner Printer for Artists
- Best Canvas Printer
- Best Giclée Printer
- Best Cardstock Printer
- Best Printer for Stickers
- Best Sticker Maker Machine
- Best Printer for Cricut Print and Cut
- Best Screen Printing Printer
- Best Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfer
- Best Ink Tank Printer
- Best Art Scanner for Artworks
- Best Camera for Artwork Photography
- Artograph Inspire 1200 Digital Art Projector Review
- Artograph Flare 450 Digital Art Projector Review
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
