What free software can be used for print-quality map production?

Question

I am creating art prints using spatial data.

I use ESRI software every day for my regular job, therefore I am proficient in GIS. However, I can't afford ESRI software for my art projects at home.

Currently I am using QGIS. What are some recommended products for producing print-quality maps?

You should give a try to Mapnik with TileMill or Mapbox Studio — Below the Radar, Dec 19 '14 at 20:11
Just FYI, as long as you are not using it for commercial purposes, you can get ArcGIS Desktop for $100/year: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgis-for-home — blah238, Dec 19 '14 at 20:26
QGIS allows you to style geographic data and export print-quality graphics (PDF, PNG, etc) at your desired resolution/size using print composer. If you need to do anything else I'd suggest using Inkscape. This workflow mimics what cartographers do using ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator. — DPSSpatial_BoycottingGISSE, Dec 19 '14 at 21:59
How do we get this interesting and useful thing opened up again? Something about community...? — Martin F, Dec 20 '14 at 19:15
@martinf I have edited the question to hopefully be less subjective, and requested it be reopened and made community wiki. — blah238, Dec 23 '14 at 20:58
Related: How do I get the best print quality from QGIS (and is Arc better)? — blah238, Dec 23 '14 at 22:54