Create a motivational quote wall piece by choosing words that matter to you, designing them for the room, and hanging the finished artwork securely. This guide is for beginners making a printed, painted, or handwritten piece at home. Allow about 1–3 hours for planning and assembly, plus any printing or paint-drying time.
Get the little things that make your day delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The Man in the Arena Framed Inspirational Wall Art, 32.3 x 16.5 in
- ✔ Dimensions: 32.3 × 16.5 × 0.8 inches
- ✔ Orientation: Landscape
- ✔ Frame: Solid wood
The Man in the Arena Motivational Quote Framed Canvas Print, 12 × 16 in
- ✔ Size: 12 × 16 inches
- ✔ Orientation: Portrait
- ✔ Shape: Rectangular
Discipline Builds Greatness Motivational Wall Art, 11 x 14 Inches, Unframed
- ✔ Size: 11 × 14 inches
- ✔ Orientation: Portrait
- ✔ Frame: Unframed
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 1–3 hours, plus drying or printing time
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Paper for measuring and sketching
- Pencil, ruler, and scissors
- Chosen quote and a way to check its wording
- Artwork material such as cardstock, canvas, or a printable poster
- Markers, paint, or access to a printer
- Frame or suitable hanging hardware
- Tape measure and wall-safe hanging method
Knowledge:
- Basic measuring and cutting
- Basic use of a printer, if making a printed design
- Ability to identify wall material or use hardware rated for the artwork’s weight
Choose a dry, clean work surface and protect it from paint or ink. Check the wall and hanging product instructions before installation. For heavy frames or uncertain wall materials, use appropriate anchors or ask a hardware professional for help.
The Man in the Arena Framed Inspirational Wall Art, 32.3 x 16.5 in
When we want the quote to anchor a wall, this 32.3 × 16.5-inch landscape print gives it more visual room than either portrait option. It pairs the Theodore Roosevelt message with a black-and-white look, so it can read as a deliberate focal point in a home office, classroom, or living room. The solid wood frame and two rear hooks also make the setup feel more complete than the unframed Discipline Builds Greatness print, which needs us to choose and buy a frame separately.That scale is also the main limitation. Compared with the 12 × 16-inch framed canvas, this piece needs a wider, relatively open stretch of wall and cannot double as a tabletop display. The listing describes a glossy paper finish and also lists a waterproof feature; those details do not change its stated indoor use. We should measure the intended spot before choosing it, especially if the quote will share a wall with other decor.This is our lead pick for buyers who want the familiar Man in the Arena quote to be immediately noticeable and arrive framed for wall mounting. Its larger format offers more presence than the compact canvas, but it is less adaptable when space is tight or display plans may change.
Pros:
- Large landscape format gives the quote strong wall presence.
- Solid wood frame is included.
- Two rear hooks are listed for wall mounting.
- Black-and-white styling can suit a range of indoor rooms.
Cons:
- Its 32.3-inch width can limit placement options.
- Wall mounting is the listed display method; no tabletop option is specified.
- Glossy paper may not suit buyers who prefer a matte finish.
Best for: Buyers with a wide, open indoor wall who want a framed Theodore Roosevelt quote to serve as a prominent focal point.
Not ideal for: Anyone furnishing a narrow wall, looking for a tabletop display, or wanting a small print that can fit among several pieces.
Bottom line: Choose this framed landscape print when we want the Man in the Arena message to be the centerpiece of a roomy indoor wall.
“Choose this framed landscape print when we want the Man in the Arena message to be the centerpiece of a roomy indoor wall.”
The Man in the Arena Motivational Quote Framed Canvas Print, 12 × 16 in
This is the most adaptable pick in the lineup: its 12 × 16-inch framed canvas can hang on a wall or stand on a desk. That second option matters if we want the same Roosevelt quote near our work without giving it a permanent spot. The portrait format also takes up less horizontal space than the 32.3-inch landscape print, making this a more practical fit for a smaller office or a crowded wall.The canvas brings a different finish and feel from the large print’s glossy paper. Its details specify fade-resistant ink on thick, waterproof canvas, alongside a slim black frame made with wood and plastic. The tradeoff is scale: compared with the large framed print, this version is a quieter accent and may not carry across a broad wall. It is also listed in just one size, so we cannot select a larger or smaller version from the supplied options.We would choose it when message and placement flexibility matter more than a dramatic statement. Since both framed picks feature the same quote, this canvas makes its case through compact proportions and tabletop use, while the bigger landscape print is the stronger choice for a ready-made wall focal point.
Pros:
- Can be wall-mounted or displayed on a desk.
- Compact portrait size works in smaller spaces.
- Fade-resistant ink and thick waterproof canvas are listed.
- Slim black frame is included.
Cons:
- Only one listed size is available.
- Smaller scale is less suited to filling a wide wall.
- Intended for indoor use only.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact framed Roosevelt quote that can move between a wall and a desk.
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking a large focal piece, a choice of print sizes, or a design intended for outdoor display.
Bottom line: Pick this canvas when we value a framed quote that can shift from wall to desktop more than maximum visual impact.
“Pick this canvas when we value a framed quote that can shift from wall to desktop more than maximum visual impact.”
Discipline Builds Greatness Motivational Wall Art, 11 x 14 Inches, Unframed
Where both framed alternatives center on the same Roosevelt quotation, this print changes the message and the room’s visual tone. Discipline Builds Greatness uses bold red and cream typography against matte black, a more direct, high-contrast treatment suited to a garage gym, workshop, or office with a focused look. Its portrait 11 × 14-inch format is smaller than the landscape statement print and close in scale to the canvas, though it lacks that option’s frame and tabletop flexibility.The key appeal is control over the finished presentation. It is sized for a standard 11 × 14-inch frame and ships flat between protective boards, so we can select a frame that matches our space. The paper is described as heavyweight matte cardstock with fade-resistant inks. But the frame is not included, which adds a step before it is ready to display. Buyers wanting a finished, ready-to-hang piece will have an easier time with either framed Man in the Arena option.We would choose this print when its discipline-focused wording and graphic color palette fit the room better than a historical quote. The matte finish offers a different look from the large print’s glossy paper, but the overall value depends on whether we already have a frame or are happy to pick one. Its indoor-only use also rules out exposed outdoor placements.
Pros:
- Distinct discipline-focused message differs from the two Roosevelt quote prints.
- Matte black background with red and cream typography has strong contrast.
- Standard 11 × 14-inch size can fit a readily available frame.
- Heavyweight matte paper and fade-resistant inks are listed.
Cons:
- Frame is not included.
- Wall mounting is listed, with no tabletop display option specified.
- Indoor use only.
Best for: Buyers who want a concise discipline message for an indoor gym, workshop, or office and prefer to choose their own frame.
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants a ready-to-hang framed print, a tabletop display, or a softer neutral look.
Bottom line: Choose this unframed print when its direct discipline message fits our space and we want to select the frame ourselves.
“Choose this unframed print when its direct discipline message fits our space and we want to select the frame ourselves.”
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Before You Start
Decide where the art will go before choosing its dimensions. Measure the available wall area and note nearby furniture, switches, and doors. Keep the quote short enough to read from the distance where people will see it. If you plan to paint or use permanent markers, test the materials on a scrap first.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose a quote
Write down several short quotes that suit the room and the person who will see them. Choose words you can verify from a reliable source, or write an original phrase. Check spelling, punctuation, and attribution before designing; a typo is difficult to correct after printing or painting.
Tip: If the wording is long, shorten the design only by selecting a complete excerpt. Do not change a quotation while keeping someone else’s name attached to it.
Check: You have one final, correctly written quote and know whether it needs an attribution.
Step 2: Measure the display area
Measure the width and height available for the piece, then write the measurements down. Consider whether it will hang alone or alongside other art. Leave enough space around it so the words do not compete with nearby objects.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to mark a paper-sized outline on the wall. Step back to check the scale before you cut or print anything.
Check: The planned artwork fits the wall area and remains visible from the usual viewing position.
Step 3: Pick a format and materials
Choose a method that matches your tools and the look you want: print a digital layout, letter the quote by hand, or paint it on canvas or board. Select paper or canvas that fits the frame or hanging method. For a first project, a printed design or pencil lettering gives you a chance to revise before committing.
Tip: Check the printer’s maximum paper size and the frame’s opening before preparing a digital file.
Check: You have the artwork surface, lettering method, and display method, and their sizes match.
Step 4: Plan the layout
Sketch the quote inside a rectangle matching the finished artwork’s proportions. Arrange the words in short lines, place the largest or most meaningful words where they draw attention, and leave a margin around the edges. Choose a type style or handwriting size that stays readable from across the room.
Tip: Use no more than a few type styles and strong contrast between the lettering and background. Decorative lettering can be reserved for a short word or accent.
Check: The whole quote fits within the sketch, with clear spacing and readable lettering.
Step 5: Make a test version
Print the layout on ordinary paper or copy your lettering plan lightly onto the artwork surface in pencil. Check the line breaks, margins, and overall size. Read every word against your final quote, and revise the layout before using permanent ink, paint, or final paper.
Tip: View the test from the distance where the piece will hang. Small text that looks clear on a desk may be difficult to read on a wall.
Check: The test is correctly spelled, balanced on the page, and legible at the intended viewing distance.
Step 6: Create the finished artwork
Print the final file at the measured size, or transfer the approved sketch to your chosen surface. Work from the center outward when lettering by hand, and use a ruler or light guidelines to keep lines level. Let paint or ink dry as directed before erasing pencil marks or placing the art in a frame.
Tip: Avoid handling wet ink or paint. If printing, use the paper type and print settings recommended for your printer to reduce smudging or fading.
Check: The finished piece has the intended dimensions, clean lettering, and no visible smears or unfinished pencil marks.
Step 7: Frame or prepare it for hanging
Place the artwork in a frame, or attach the hanging hardware specified for the surface and weight. Keep the artwork straight in the frame and close the backing securely. Check that hooks, wire, or adhesive strips are rated for the finished weight and wall type.
Tip: Do not rely on a small adhesive strip for a heavy frame. Follow the product’s weight limit and wall preparation instructions.
Check: The artwork sits flat, the frame is secure, and the hanging attachment is appropriate for its weight.
Step 8: Position and hang the piece
Mark the intended position lightly with removable tape or pencil. Measure from the floor or a nearby furniture edge to keep the piece level and at a comfortable viewing height. Install the hook or hanging strip according to its instructions, then hang the artwork and adjust it until straight.
Tip: Keep the piece clear of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight where possible; these can damage paper, ink, and paint.
Check: The art hangs level, feels stable when gently checked, and can be read from the room’s normal viewing area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a quote that is too long for the available space. — Measure first, sketch the full wording to scale, and shorten the quote only to a complete excerpt.
- Using low contrast or overly decorative lettering. — Use a clearly different text and background color, and test legibility from the intended viewing distance.
- Skipping the spelling and layout check before using permanent materials. — Compare the proof against the final wording and inspect each line before printing or painting.
- Hanging the frame with hardware that cannot support its weight. — Weigh the finished piece if needed and follow the hardware rating for the wall material.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The printed text looks blurry or pixelated.
Solution: Use a higher-resolution source or recreate the layout at the intended print dimensions. Check the printer settings and run a small test print.
Problem: The quote does not fit inside the frame.
Solution: Check whether the frame opening is smaller than its listed outer dimensions. Reformat the design to match the visible opening or choose a larger frame.
Problem: Hand lettering is uneven or the lines slope.
Solution: Use light pencil guidelines and a ruler. If the surface allows it, erase gently after the ink or paint has dried; otherwise, cover the area with a new background layer or restart on fresh material.
Problem: The artwork tilts or comes loose after hanging.
Solution: Take it down, inspect the hook or strip and wall surface, then reinstall with hardware suited to the frame weight and wall. Replace any damaged adhesive instead of reusing it.
What Success Looks Like
The completed artwork displays the intended quote with correct spelling and attribution, fits its space, and remains readable from the usual viewing distance. Its colors and lettering stand out from the background, the frame or backing is secure, and the hanging hardware holds it level without slipping.
Next Steps
Dust the frame or artwork with a soft, dry cloth as needed. Check the hanging attachment after moving furniture or cleaning the wall. If you make a coordinated set, keep a consistent margin, color palette, or type style while varying the quotes and sizes to suit each space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should motivational quote wall art be?
Choose a size that fits the measured wall area and can be read from the room’s normal viewing position. Mark the proposed dimensions on the wall with removable tape to judge the scale before making the piece.
How do I make a quote readable from across a room?
Use strong contrast, simple lettering, and generous spacing. Keep long wording to fewer lines and check a printed proof or sketch from the distance where people will view it.
Can I make the wall art without a printer?
Yes. Sketch the layout with pencil and ruler, add light guidelines, then letter it by hand with markers or paint. Test the lettering material on a scrap and let it dry before erasing guide marks.
How should I hang framed quote art?
Use hardware rated for the frame’s weight and suitable for the wall material. Follow the installation instructions, hang the piece level, and check that it feels stable before leaving it in place.
