When people talk about art prints, the conversation usually centres on how they look - colour, finish, illustration style.

But there’s another part that matters just as much, and it’s one people often ask about quietly:

What does GSM actually mean - and why should I care?

What is GSM?

GSM stands for grams per square metre.
It’s a measurement of paper weight and thickness - essentially how dense and substantial a sheet of paper feels.

• Standard printer paper: around 80–100gsm

• Magazine paper: around 130–170gsm

• Art prints: usually 200gsm and above

The higher the GSM, the thicker and sturdier the paper tends to be.

But heavier doesn’t always mean better. It’s about choosing the right weight for how the artwork is meant to exist in the world.

Why GSM matters for art prints

Paper weight affects more than durability - it changes the whole experience of a print.

GSM influences:

• How the print feels in your hands

• How it sits in a frame

• How well it holds colour and detail

• Whether it curls, buckles, or stays flat over time

A print that’s too thin can feel temporary.
A print that’s too thick can feel rigid or overworked.

I wanted something in between.

Why I choose 230gsm

After testing different papers, 230gsm matte paper felt like the right balance for my work.

Here’s why:

• Substantial, but not stiff
  It has enough weight to feel considered and lasting, without feeling like card stock.

• Soft, matte surface
  The paper absorbs colour gently rather than reflecting light, which suits my illustrations and keeps them calm and readable.

• Holds detail without feeling glossy
  Fine lines, textures, and soft shading stay visible without the shine that can distract from the artwork.

• Frames beautifully
  It sits flat in frames and doesn’t fight against mounts or glass.

Most importantly, it feels intentional.
Like something made to live on a wall or shelf - not something rushed or disposable.

How paper choice reflects values

Choosing paper isn’t just a technical decision for me.
It’s part of how I think about making things slowly and thoughtfully.

I want prints to:

• Feel good to hold

• Last beyond a few weeks

• Feel worth keeping, gifting, or framing

230gsm helps me do that without overproducing or overengineering the work.

A quiet note on quality

You won’t always see the difference between 200gsm and 230gsm in photos.
But you feel it when you hold it.

And that’s the part I care about most.

If you’re curious about the prints themselves, you can find them through my Etsy shop or on this website - but this post isn’t about selling. It’s about explaining the choices behind the work, so you know what you’re holding when it arrives.

About WigglyLines Studio

WigglyLines Studio is an independent illustration studio based in the UK, creating cosy illustrations, sparkly vinyl stickers, and animal art prints.

It’s run by Alexandra Martin, a recent Graphic Design graduate from the University of Salford, Manchester (Class of 2025).

This studio didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a way to keep making art slowly, thoughtfully, and without pressure, and it’s grown into a small but intentional creative practice built around quality, care, and gentle humour.