How Artists and Designers Use Everyday Printers at Home
Printers aren’t just for spreadsheets and admin. For many artists, illustrators and makers, a simple inkjet printer is a key part of their creative process — from prototyping and sketching to packaging and final prints.
Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, here’s how everyday printers are helping creative people work smarter from home.
1. Printing Art Prints and Posters
Many illustrators use their own printers to produce small-batch art prints. It gives them full control over quality, colour, and paper choice — and makes it easier to respond to customer demand without outsourcing.
Pro tip: Use high-quality matte or satin paper and genuine ink for the most vibrant results.
2. Prototyping Layouts and Typography
Graphic designers often print drafts to see how a design works off-screen. Fonts, spacing, and alignment can feel different in print — and sometimes you spot things you’d never notice on a monitor.
3. Creating Stickers, Labels and Packaging
Small businesses and handmade brands use printers to produce their own packaging — like logo stickers, ingredient labels, care cards and thank-you notes. A printer makes customisation fast and affordable.
👉 Want to try it? Sites like HP Printables and Canon Creative Park have templates you can adapt.
4. Printing Pattern References or Mood Boards
Textile artists, illustrators and creatives often print reference sheets, colour palettes or collage elements. It helps bring abstract ideas into something tangible — perfect for mood boards or inspiration walls.
5. Making Craft Projects and Models
From paper crafts to model templates, artists working in 3D often use printers as a way to sketch in space. Papercraft patterns and mock-ups help visualise scale and form before committing to a final design.
6. Teaching and Workshops
Artists running classes or online workshops often use printers for printable worksheets, reference materials or handouts. It makes delivery smoother and gives participants something physical to work from.
Your Printer = Your Studio Assistant
You don’t need high-end equipment to make great work. With the right paper and genuine ink, a home printer can be a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression.
Are you using your printer in your creative practice? Share your prints, setups or projects with us using #MadeWithCrazyKangaroo — we’d love to see how you use yours!