Our Printing Process
If you are new to Giclée printing...
We will work with you and help you understand every step of the digital printing process. If you have any questions or suggestions for our topics, please let us know. We are real people, working with real artists, for real results.1. Scanning
The first step is to setup the image files and get your artwork into the computer. This is done with either a digital camera setup or a flatbed scanner. We use a flatbed scanner capable of 2400 x 4800 dpi, and 48-bit color. But what if your canvas is larger than the scanner? We use multiple overlapping scans, and then merge the files together creating the entire piece.2. Proofing
After the image has been scanned, the next step is to color correct the digital file. Many "copy shops" with expensive printers will skip this step because they don't have the ability to make any adjustments. We print several test patches before presenting you with an 8" x 10" proof on your media of choice (paper or canvas). If you, as the artist, are not happy with the colors as a whole or in any particular area, we will color correct again and print a new proof. If your original has been discolored, scratched, or contains other blemishes, we can correct those in the proofing phase.3. Digital Files
With any setup we do, we provide the very large, high-quality TIFF image files on CD. We also include a smaller JPEG file so that you can easily view and upload the image onto the internet for email or website use.4. Printing
After you approve your proof, prints can be made in almost any size you wish. Please be aware of aspect ratios (i.e., a 16x20 may become a 4x5, but not a 4x6). We can crop or distort your image to achieve out-of-aspect ratio sizes, but please keep these changes to a minimum. Images are printed with a one half inch white border on all sides, unless the artist has designed the image with additional white space. Most artists prefer to have a "copyright text" at the bottom of the artwork stating the title, their name, and copyright year, such as: "Beautiful Painting" © 2010 Jane Doe. All Rights Reserved.5. Contact Us
Give us a call during business hours, send a message on our CONTACT PAGE, or stop in our shop. We look forward to working with you!Please see About Giclée to learn more about the high quality of our services and materials.
Additional services available at our Yorktown, VA studio:
Gallery Wrap
Giclée prints on canvas have to be stretched onto wooden stretcher bars to be properly framed. It is also popular to hang the unframed canvas on the wall, so that the wrapped sides of the canvas are visible.We have a few options for gallery wrap edges:
- Solid Color - A solid color of your choice (usually black or white)
- Mirrored - The edge of the image is mirrored, creating a visual effect on the edges of a stretched canvas.
- Blurred - The edge of the image is stretched, creating a blur of colors from the image to wrap around the edges.
Laser Prints
Depending on your budget and image size, laser prints may be a more affordable option. We can print up to 11" x 17" images on 12" x 18" 100 lbs paper. Many artists use laser prints as advertisements of their work.Greeting Cards
We have a variety of card stocks available. Let us create a custom design featuring your logo on the back of the card or use one of our standard set-ups. Greeting cards are a popular way to increase sales per work and promote your art.
