FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

If I sell my art through you is the work still mine?

Absolutely. Thumbtack Press was created by an artist for artists, we believe your work is sacred and treat it with the utmost respect. You have total control over the work you created and can request your work to be removed off the site at anytime.

How much do you sell my work for and how much do I get if my work sells?

The prints range from $14 to $45. Thumbtack pays you 35% of your total sales, plus a bonus $50 for every $250 total sales during a month — that means if you sell over $290 worth of prints in a month you make over 50% in commissions. Sit back, relax, and collect a check for each print sold. Want more? We also offer a frame option to many of the prints that we sell. If your patrons elect to add a frame to their order we’ll give you an additional 10% of the total proceeds.

Does all submitted art get on the website?

No. We’re very picky about what gets accepted. We want our customers to feel that they can’t get great art like this anywhere but here, and we choose the work accordingly.

Do I need to pay dues or fees for the honor of being on Thumbtack Press?

No. And I caught the sarcasm there by the way.

Do you hide my identity and website so patrons only go through you for print sales?

That would be shady. No.

Okay then, do you sell my work to stock houses, liquidators, clearing houses? Or do you sell at different prices overseas where there is little chance of me ever discovering your disgusting and unethical business practices?

No. Who hurt you?

I’m a store owner, can I buy your prints at wholesale?

Sorry, we’re not a wholesaler.

Wait, you don’t get it, I’m a small specialty boutique and I really love these artists and prints. I’m totally behind what you do, now how ’bout some wholesale prices?

No.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Talented artists work in all sorts of mediums and styles. We are not looking for one type of style. But if you want specific examples of what floats our boat, check out our gallery. No cute kittens, crying clowns, or toddlers holding hands, please!

What kind of prints do patrons get?

The prints are fantastic, just ask these folks. Thumbtack Press uses a professional giclée process, with archival inks on a heavy bright white stock. The final print is trimmed to size and protected in an acid-free polyurethane sleeve before shipment in a reinforced box (not an envelope or tube).

In other words: They’re stiff, not flimsy. They are fade-resistant past 100 years, and they won’t arrive dinged, creased, rolled, or scratched. Just watch this!

What’s an acceptable “print-ready” file, and how do I get it to you?

Once accepted we’ll need a 300 dpi (at least) TIFF, JPG, EPS, AI or Photoshop file at 100% original artwork size (RGB color please). 4″ x 5″ color transparencies are also accepted but we will be unable to return them, sorry. We’ll send instructions on how to get it to us once you’re accepted.

What size are the prints?

We try to remain true to the art, for example, if you have a 15″ x 15″ painting, we produce a 15″ x 15″ print. If needed, the print is trimmed to the relevant aspect ratio of the master file.

How long does it take to receive my print?

Prints will be in your hands in about 10 business days, sooner in most cases, if you are adding a print and mat combo it takes about 15 business days.

What about shipping?

We use UPS in the U.S. and Canada, the rates we charge vary by location, but are roughly $8-$12, the more prints you order the more you save. Unlike most print houses, we ship your order flat, in a box, custom-made for our prints, not unprotected in an envelope or rolled-up in a tube.

For customers outside the U.S. and Canada we charge a flat rate of $15.99 U.S.

Are these limited edition prints?

The prints on Thumbtack Press are open edition. However, we have recently begun selling limited editions under our Thumbtack Editions moniker with the same great quality and affordability.

Why sell through you? I could sell my art through my own website?

Fair enough, here’s a few points that may sway you:

  • It’s free
  • We want you to make money
  • You’re too busy
  • You don’t have to build or manage a “store” or know any webcoding
  • Make us your store (you can direct link to your work only)
  • You don’t have to print, ship, or advertise
  • We get tons more traffic than you do
  • You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain
  • No obligations, and opt out anytime

What’s the best way to prep a sample image for review?

We understand that not all artists are digital savvy, so here’s a quick tutorial of how to make a good “preview” jpg using Photoshop:

  • Open the original image in Photoshop
  • Right away, go to FILE > SAVE AS… then save it under a NEW file name AS A JPG
  • Go to IMAGE > IMAGE SIZE… the image properties box will appear
  • Change the Resolution field to “72” (pixels/inch)
  • Click OK
  • Go to IMAGE > MODE… choose RGB (if not already)
  • Save your file. This is the file you will submit for review

When will I know if my submission has been chosen for the website?

We’re not able to reply to all of the artists that submit (we get tons of submissions). If we feel you’re right for Thumbtack Press we let you know in a reasonable amount of time. If you don’t hear from us, well . . .

How do I get updates on new work that’s been posted?

Please fill out the form on the left-hand column of this page. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Do you mat and frame?

Most prints come with the option of a professionally designed frame and mat combination. All mat and frames are heirloom quality. If you like it, simply add it to your order and we’ll take care of the rest. Extra fees and delivery times will apply. Want to switch out mat colors, or looking for a different frame combo, just let us know.

Are you a flim-flam man?

No.

How do I get in contact with you?

Click here.

Thumbtack Press