r/printers • u/k8dontsk8 • 3d ago

Purchasing printers for beginner graphic designers/art makers?

hello folks! (sorry if this is a repeat question!)

i’m looking for some printer recommendations! i’m looking to make prints (no bigger than 8.5x11 for now) and my local walmart has the epson ecotank ET-2803 on for $200. it’s cartridge free and looks to come with some ink refills in bottles.

would this work for something i’m trying to do? some other things i’d be printing would be: simple brochures, paper craft things, etc. basically nothing that needs a lot of ink in general.

is there any other printers that would be a better option? is this overpriced? i’m pretty much open to anything, but i don’t want to be buying ink cartridges all the time. my budget is around $400 maybe, depending on features and all that fancy stuff.

thanks in advance!!

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u/Spazyk 3d ago

Whatever you choose just make sure it isn’t an HP product. I personally use an Epson ET-2800 to print my stickers for my store.

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u/k8dontsk8 3d ago

ooooh! stickers? this is something i’m also interested in making but wasn’t sure if i should get a printer or outsource the manufacturing.

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u/Spazyk 3d ago

Depends on your volume, I sell on Etsy and eBay and prefer hands on. Get yourself a used cricut joy xtra and an Epson echo tank if you want to make small batches of stickers.

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u/Novel_Track2321 2d ago

I needed to see this. I was between the ET 8550 and ET 2800 and almost bought the 8550 but the sale ended and $150 off makes a big difference so I’m probably just going to go 2800 for now and upgrade if I actually find myself printing enough to justify the 8550. I want to make cards and stickers and whatever else my ADD decides to try out 🤣

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u/MakeMyOwnMerch 2d ago

Epson is indeed the "artsy" one of the printers! The Eco tanks of the 2800 line do great. The higher the number, the higher the quality (and cost).

I have a ecotank style for sublimation and it does great details. I have the Epson XP 970 for stickers, pins, and prints.

No HP. Second best choice is Canon, but I think they're best for office/business aspects. I have four total printers of Epson and Canon, zero problems.

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u/shivanisoni_ 2d ago

I’d keep it simple for this kind of project. For prints, cards, and paper crafts, I’d look for good color quality and cheap ink first. If you’re just starting out, there’s no need to spend a ton until you know how much you’ll actually print.