How to Print Fine Art

Modern inkjet printing technology has made quality reproduction of fine art simple and affordable for those who want to produce limited quantities of prints on an "as needed" basis. Innovative Giclee (pronounced "zhee-klay") printing ensures precise detail and color permanence through the use of high-resolution dispersal of pigmented inks.

Things You'll Need

• Original artwork
• High-resolution scan of the art saved as a digital file (preferred)
• 4" x 5" color transparency or photographic print of the art (optional)

Instructions

1. Talk to several companies that offer giclee printing services. Ask if they also provide digital scanning of the original artwork. Ideally, you will work with one company that provides both services. Tell them all about the original art: media, surface (canvas panel, stretched canvas, masonite, paper and type, other fabric or material), size and artistic technique. Discuss your expectations for the giclee prints: finished size, surface, ink permanence and number of copies.

2. Narrow your choices down to two to three printers. Schedule appointments with them and take the original art with you to each location. Ask to tour each facility and see samples of completed work.

3. Discuss art preparation with each printer. Let the sales or service representative tell you how his company expects to achieve the best results with your original artwork. Insist that you want to see and approve a color proof to ensure that the giclee prints match the art.

4. Ask about liability insurance for the original art in case of damages. Request a written copy of each company's policy regarding compensation for lost or damaged art. Inform the suppliers that you will want the final, color-corrected digital file of the original art returned to you on a disc after the job has been printed.

5. Discuss whether the printer will issue a master certificate or individual certificates of authenticity.

6. Ask for final cost estimates based on the options and recommendations you have discussed with the suppliers' customer sales or service representatives.

7. Compare the cost estimates and weigh other factors such as quality of giclee printing sample work, facility and equipment, professionalism, experience and your rapport with the sales or service representative before choosing a supplier.

8. Select a supplier. Work closely with the company's sales or service representative to review and approve the color proof. Build a trusting, professional relationship with your supplier for future endeavors.

Tips & Warnings

• Direct scanning from the original artwork is always preferable to digital photography or scanning from a transparency. If direct scanning is not possible, have art photographed digitally by an experienced professional.

• Pay your supplier on time and express your satisfaction for a job well done.

• Never leave a piece of original artwork with a company that will not accept responsibility for its safekeeping.

References

• Giclee Print
• Great Giclee