If you’re an artist getting ready to print your work, you’ve probably heard the term “mastering” tossed around. But what does it actually mean?
And more importantly—why should you care?
At French Broad Imaging, we talk with artists all the time who want their prints to look just right. Mastering is the key step that makes sure they do.
What Is Mastering Your Artwork?
Think of mastering like prepping your artwork to look its absolute best in print.
It’s not changing the art—it’s making sure what you see on screen translates perfectly to paper.
This can include:
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Adjusting brightness and contrast for print (screens are naturally backlit!)
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Ensuring colors stay true to your original vision
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Cleaning up dust or minor blemishes in scanned work
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Sizing and cropping correctly for your chosen format
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Adding safe margins so nothing important gets cut off
It’s all the little details that prevent disappointment when you see the final print.
Why It’s So Important
Here’s the thing: your art might look fantastic on your computer. But that doesn’t guarantee it’ll print that way.
Without mastering, you risk:
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Colors that don’t match
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Dark or muddy prints
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Unexpected cropping
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Losing subtle details
For artists selling work, this isn’t just about pride—it’s about professionalism. Your buyers expect consistent, beautiful results.
Our Approach at French Broad Imaging
We don’t just hit “print” and hope for the best.
When you work with us, we can help you master your files so they’re print-ready.
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Consultation: We’ll talk about your vision and materials.
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Proofing: We can do test prints so you see exactly what you’ll get.
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Expert adjustments: Our team can fine-tune color and contrast to match your original.
We want you thrilled with the result—not settling for “good enough.”
It’s a Collaboration
We know your art is personal.
That’s why mastering isn’t something we just do to your file without you. It’s a conversation.
We’ll listen. Show you proofs. Make sure every detail is right.
Because your art deserves that level of care.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about printing your artwork—whether it’s one piece or a whole series—let’s talk.
Contact us to set up a free consultation.
Or visit our shop to see papers, finishes, and samples.
Let’s make sure your vision comes to life exactly the way you want it.
