Giclee Process
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Beginning the Process
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To begin the process, an artist brings an original work to the giclee print technician to be scanned or photographed. A digital file of the image is then generated and stored in a computer. When the technician sends the file to be printed, another computer formats and aligns the image, then sends it to a high-resolution ink-jet printer. These printers commonly have eight- or twelve-color capabilities, and are much larger and more complex than a desktop printer.
Proofs
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The first print generated in this way is called a proof. The artist and print technician then consult with each other about the quality of the proof, and decide what adjustments will be made in preparation for subsequent proofs. There is no set limit on the number of proofs that will be generated. Proofs will be produced until the artist and technician are satisfied with the reproduction quality. It is easy to see how the entire process can be a slow, intense project.
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Editions
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All the changes that have been made up to this point in the digital file are saved in a computer. Now an edition, or production run, can be made. There can be as many or as few copies of the image printed as desired, with all of them being of consistent appearance and quality. In addition, printing giclee editions is much less costly than editions of older procedures such as lithography or offset printing.
Finishing
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Finally, giclees are often varnished and coated with UV protection. These finishes can be applied in textures that resemble brush strokes or other patterns. A print technician can mount canvas giclees on stretcher bars just like a painting. Therefore, a reproduction of a painting can be printed on canvas, textured with a brush stroke pattern, and mounted on stretcher bars, with even a gallery wrap edge, to make it look more like the original. Alternatively, giclees can be matted and framed behind glass.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Elevate Printing:Flickr.com
