Starting August 7, 2025, sweeping import duties ranging from 10% to 41% will affect goods from dozens of countries. While headlines may focus on tech or appliances, creative businesses,  especially artists, art studios, and anyone who prints in-house, are about to feel the impact hard.

If you're a painter, graphic artist, gallery owner, or print shop: this isn’t just about canvas or brushes. This hits your ink, your prints, your pricing model, and your bottom line.

Here’s what’s already happening:

• Inventory buffers are running low
• Price hikes are becoming unavoidable
• Tariff surcharges are being added quietly

But let’s talk about the elephant in the art room:

Commercial Ink Is Already Outrageous, and It's About to Get Worse

Take our HP DesignJet Z6 200 large-format printer as an example. This high-performance printer is built for crisp detail on posters, signage, and canvas,  but it comes at a serious cost:

• 8 individual ink slots
• Each cartridge costs $169–$229
• A full refill can cost $1,400–$1,800+

Now imagine those prices rising another 15–30% due to tariffs. It’s a heavy hit for any small business that prints in-house.

🌟 What Can Creative Businesses Do Right Now?

✔️ Reevaluate Pricing and Packages

If you're selling prints, signage, or classes that include materials, update your pricing model. Build in flexibility for fluctuating costs.

✔️ Streamline Offerings

Focus on high-impact, high-margin products. Cut slow-sellers that eat into ink and canvas supplies.

✔️ Order Ahead (If You Can)

Stock up on essentials like printer ink, stretched canvas, and framing supplies before August 7th.

✔️ Explore Ink Alternatives (Cautiously)

There are reputable third-party options, but always test for compatibility.

✔️ Experiment with Creative Materials

Recycled canvas, wood panels, and mixed media may reduce costs and inspire new directions.

🎨 The Bigger Message: Adapt to Keep Creating

This isn’t about panic—it’s about planning with purpose. From canvas to cartridges, your tools might cost more, but your creativity will always be priceless.

And at Kelly’s Art Shack, we’re here to support that.

📍 Visit us in Downtown McKinney or connect with us online — we’re navigating this together, so you don’t have to go it alone.