Giclee Printing

by Elaine Frennett

Presented as part of the Roundtable Discussion: Making Money/Making Art
April 5, 2003

Good informational website: www.fineartgicleeprinters.org

Definition & materials

Giclee printing is a hi-end form of ink jet printing allowing low initial cost, small capital investment, broad gamut of color reproduction, in a variety of sizes on various substrates/surfaces for printing.

Surfaces:

Rag 100% archival

Arches Watercolor Paper

Somerset Velvet

German etching

Canvas – may be a bit more expensive (+$45 at ArtPress)

Inks:

Waterbased dyes (35 – 50 years longevity)

Pigmented inks (100 years under museum conditions)

The Process – Capturing image, Color correcting & Printing

Input of Image

digital photo
digital scan (flatbed, cylinder)
Transparency
CD

Proofing

Printers usually provide a proof (smaller version of full original or slice of problem area) for color comparison. Mitchell Imaging charges $27.50 per 8 x 10 proof

Size

Iris Printer – 31 x 40 full sheet (may be divided up to 16 up images)
I – Jet – 40” x any length (on roll at ArtPress)

Pricing

Currently $800 for full sheet print, divide down accordingly for more images on sheet

Editions

Number of prints in each run of particular print of particular size
Limited Editions – usually from 95 – 100
Open End Editions – endless number of prints

Certificates of Authenticity

Consider – if self-publishing, publishing houses will not take on LE to market
Consider – approach potential publishing houses with images for them to publish

Marketing

Use giclee prints for

Self Promotion
Shows, Fairs, Festivals, Open Studios etc SAMPLE flyer
Advertise in Art/Framing Magazines SAMPLE Décor (more framing), Art Business News (more retail)

Websites: www.artworldnews.com, www.artbusinessnew.com

Catalogues – SAMPLE Good Catalogue Company
Websites – Ebay etc.

Printers

Mitchell Imaging – Burlingame 650-692-5700, Owner – Mike, Artist – Bob, recommended by Nancy Wulff
Image Arts – Los Altos 650-948-0434 www.iaetc.com/0042, Owner – Mike Harrigan, 40% discount to artists
ArtPress – Los Gatos 408-354-2095 www.artistnet.com, Artist – Paul Fortis, Photographer – DavidC, I-jet & Iris printers