Brother SP1 & Artspira: The Ultimate Crafter’s Sublimation Printer?

Brother has entered the sublimation scene with a printer designed squarely for the modern crafter: the Brother SP1. Paired with its mobile design app, Artspira, this system aims to be the easiest and most accessible way for hobbyists to get into high-quality sublimation. But is it the ultimate craft sublimation printer? Our review breaks it down.

What is the Brother SP1?

The Brother SP1 is a purpose-built A4 desktop sublimation printer. Like the Epson F100, it’s designed from the ground up for sublimation, meaning it uses genuine sublimation inks, comes with a full warranty, and promises reliable performance without the hassle of conversion.

The Artspira App: Design On-the-Go

The SP1’s unique selling point is its deep integration with the Artspira app. This mobile app is a creative hub that allows you to:

• Create designs directly on your phone or tablet.
• Access a library of Brother-exclusive designs and projects.
• Wirelessly send your designs directly to the SP1 for printing.

This creates a seamless, user-friendly workflow that is perfect for crafters who are more comfortable designing on a tablet than on a complex desktop program. It makes sublimation feel intuitive and fun.

Performance and Ideal User

The Brother SP1 delivers vibrant, high-quality prints with the reliability you’d expect from a purpose-built machine. The focus is on simplicity and a smooth user experience.

The SP1 is perfect for:

• The Hobbyist Crafter: If you love crafting and want to add sublimation to your toolkit without a steep learning curve, the SP1 is ideal.
• The Mobile-First Designer: If you prefer creating on an iPad or tablet, the Artspira integration is a dream come true.
• Those Seeking Simplicity: The entire system is designed to be plug-and-play. Fill the ink, connect to Wi-Fi, and start printing from the app.

How Does it Compare?

The Brother SP1’s main competitor is the Epson SureColor F100. While both are excellent purpose-built A4 printers, the choice often comes down to ecosystem:

• Choose the Brother SP1 if: You love the idea of an all-in-one mobile app and a super-simple, guided workflow.
• Choose the Epson F100 if: You prefer a more traditional workflow using desktop design software and want a printer known for its professional-grade components.

See a direct comparison in our Beginner Printer Guide.

Final Verdict

The Brother SP1 with Artspira is a fantastic addition to the sublimation market. It successfully lowers the barrier to entry for crafters by focusing on ease of use and mobile integration. If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and reliable way to start creating high-quality sublimation projects, the SP1 is arguably the ultimate crafter’s choice.

Ready to start your sublimation adventure? Shop the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer at Maker’s Supply!