Stop the presses

I got an Epson 2200 printer last week. It's one of those semi-professional models that print wide prints and have archival ink. I figured that since my 820 was dying, it would be worth replacing it with something a little better, since I want to delve further into the art world.

I would just like to say that the prints are amazing. Beautiful, accurate colours with a variety of papers available.

Unfortunately, it's expensive. The printer cost just over $850.00 with tax and I soon realized that it didn't work well with the plethora of Epson paper I already had for the 820. You see, the 2200 requires premium paper. I tried the everyday glossy photo paper, and it just didn't stand up. Since I am entering a photo competition/fundraiser I had to bite the bullet and get some of the premium 11x17 paper.

The company I work for is a reseller, so I can order things at cost (like the printer). turns out the 11x17 paper comes in a 20 pack for $40.00 ($60.00 MSRP). Fine, but when I place the order there's a problem. The single pack of 20 is only available to Epson Authorized Resellers, of which we are not. However, I can buy the double pack of 20 for $77 - you don't need to be authorized for that. I don't get it and neither did my distributor.

So I said yes to that and resigned myself to having my pockets continually bleed (even with my discount) due to this wonderful piece of equipment, and as an artist, I will never recoup the amount of $$$ I throw into my work. I have sold some pieces, but of course it didn't come close to covering the cost of putting a show together.

I know that I'm not alone, and that I shouldn't be in it for the money, which I'm not. I love pouring hours over something to watch it break forth. It's also great therapy.

But it would just be nice, you know?