Can we share a press across different print techniques?

Yes, but schedule drying and cleanup buffers between, especially when switching from solvent-based screen inks to water-based relief inks.

How do we handle returns or print defects?

Set aside a 5 % overrun during production. Partners decide whether defects are reprinted at joint cost or deducted from profit.

Who owns the digital files of a co-edition?

Unless stated otherwise, both partners own 50 %. Clarify resale or licensing terms in writing.

What happens if one partner exits early?

Include a buy-out clause pegged to projected profit on remaining stock to keep the venture solvent.

Printmaker studio partnerships: sharing presses and splitting production profit

Pooling presses, inks and audiences can double a printmaker's reach while halving unit costs—if the agreement is rock-solid. This guide walks you through partnership models, fair profit splits and workflow tricks so both artists leave the studio happier and wealthier.

Why consider a studio partnership?

Fine-art presses are expensive to buy, maintain and repair. By creating a studio partnership, two or more printmakers share:

Capital expenditure – presses, dryers, exposure units.
Running costs – inks, paper stock, utilities, insurance.
Market access – each partner's mailing list, gallery network and social media audience.

Solo practitioners often pay €20–€30 per editioned print in overheads. Partnerships can cut that figure below €10, freeing cash for marketing and artist proofs.

Average cost per print (solo vs partnership, 2024)

small run Solo
large run Partner
small run Partner
large run €20 €25 €10 €15

Source : Artists & Print Cost Study 2024

Three partnership models that work

1. Time-share press agreements

Each printmaker books fixed slots on shared equipment. Costs are divided by time used plus a maintenance reserve, usually 10 % of total press hours.

2. Revenue-sharing co-editions

Both artists co-design one print series, pool costs, then split net sales. Fair split ratios range from 50/50 to 70/30 depending on who contributes artwork versus technical labour.

3. Collective print subscription boxes

Partners produce monthly print drops mailed to subscribers. Revenue covers materials first; remaining profit is divided by how many prints each artist supplies that month.

Drafting a fair profit split

Identify every cost line

Include plates, test sheets, packaging, listing fees, merchant charges and studio rent. Forgetting small expenses triggers tension later.

Choose a transparent split formula

Formula	When to use	Pros	Cons
50 % / 50 %	Equal creative input and labour hours	Easy bookkeeping	Can feel unfair if one partner markets harder
60 % / 40 %	One artist leads concept, other handles production	Rewards ideation	Needs clear task logs
Royalty per print sold	Guest artist joins an established studio	Low risk for host	Complex statements

Use digital spreadsheets or apps to log every sale in real time. Partners should co-sign monthly statements to prevent surprises.

Legal and administrative checklist

Draft a written agreement covering IP, edition size and termination clause.
Register as a temporary business partnership if local tax law requires.
Open a joint bank sub-account for incoming sales to improve audit trails.
Define liability for equipment damage and late delivery penalties.
Reference industry standards such as the limited edition numbering rules (article available soon) to safeguard collector trust.

Workflow tips: sharing presses without bottlenecks

Colour-coded calendars – book drying racks and UV units, not just the main press.
Standardised file prep – identical bleed, trim and registration marks speed plate exposure.
Weekly machinery checks – rotating cleaning duties maintain print quality and friendship.
Slack or Asana channels – log ink mixes and paper batches so reprints look identical.

Marketing co-editions together

Two printmakers collaborate on a large etching press

Joint promotion amplifies reach. Combine Instagram Stories take-overs with dual-signed certificates to spike perceived value. Feature process clips, then link to a landing page that clarifies the partnership story—an approach that has proven effective for artists on creative collaboration job boards.

For in-person exposure, book a table at regional fairs. The printmaker fairs calendar (article available soon) helps you target high-footfall events months in advance. Offer editioned print add-ons (article available soon) such as hand-tinted variants to upsell browsers on the spot. Document the collaboration journey in a zine or landing page and cross-link via QR codes.

Keep creative credit clear

Gallery curators need one-sentence clarity on who did what. Credit lines like “etched by A, hand-coloured by B” avoid ambiguity. Explore best-practice layouts in collaborative print portfolios (article available soon).

Quiz: Are you partnership-ready?

FAQ

Can we share a press across different print techniques?: Yes, but schedule drying and cleanup buffers between, especially when switching from solvent-based screen inks to water-based relief inks.
How do we handle returns or print defects?: Set aside a 5 % overrun during production. Partners decide whether defects are reprinted at joint cost or deducted from profit.
Who owns the digital files of a co-edition?: Unless stated otherwise, both partners own 50 %. Clarify resale or licensing terms in writing.
What happens if one partner exits early?: Include a buy-out clause pegged to projected profit on remaining stock to keep the venture solvent.

Take the next step

Ready to turn studio downtime into shared profit? Draft your first partnership agreement today and lock in that press schedule. Your collectors—and your bank balance—will thank you.

CTA: Need a template? Download our free co-edition contract checklist and start collaborating with confidence.