Giclee: Allpconline Company Blog
Monday, January 23, 2006
Giclee and Authenticity
We see a lot of posts and websites discussing the question of authenticity when it comes to giclee prints.
Let's divide giclees into 2 different categories:
Digital artwork printed as a giclee:
Because there is no original, the giclee itself is an original. We have artists who ouput just one giclee, in which case there is no other artwork in existence but the one. For limited editions, the art collectors know how many prints have been made. It is that simple!
Giclee as a reproduction of original artwork:
In this case, open edition or limited edition, the buyer is purchasing a high fidelity copy of an original. The value depends on whether the artist is even selling the original. Sometimes this is not the case and the only way to own the art is to have the giclee. This can be a very effective way of creating more income and keep desirability. It is always a good idea to sign the giclee by hand, not with an electronic system.
Let's divide giclees into 2 different categories:
Digital artwork printed as a giclee:
Because there is no original, the giclee itself is an original. We have artists who ouput just one giclee, in which case there is no other artwork in existence but the one. For limited editions, the art collectors know how many prints have been made. It is that simple!
Giclee as a reproduction of original artwork:
In this case, open edition or limited edition, the buyer is purchasing a high fidelity copy of an original. The value depends on whether the artist is even selling the original. Sometimes this is not the case and the only way to own the art is to have the giclee. This can be a very effective way of creating more income and keep desirability. It is always a good idea to sign the giclee by hand, not with an electronic system.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Why we do not send giclee samples
We are sometimes asked to send samples of our materials out. We have done so in the past and our operating costs have surged dramatically. Because of our high position in the search engines, we spent a lot of time and money printing and mailing the small giclee samples to many people who were just curious about the materials but not serious about printing.
Many other printers do have samples but they have to factor the expense in and pass the costs to the public. We offer something more effective for a small fee: for $15, priority postage included, we will make a print of your file on the substrate of choice. Any additional substrates are $5. If you do not have a file, we will send our own samples for $15. We strive to keep prices down to benefit our customers.
We use premium 300+ gsm pure cotton watercolor papers, well known canvas manufacturers such as Fredrix, Hahnemuhle and Bulldog. Be assured we do not save on substrates by buying low cost materials manufactured abroad.
To this date we have never had anyone asking for a refund or unhappy about the materials we use. We plan to keep it this way!
Many other printers do have samples but they have to factor the expense in and pass the costs to the public. We offer something more effective for a small fee: for $15, priority postage included, we will make a print of your file on the substrate of choice. Any additional substrates are $5. If you do not have a file, we will send our own samples for $15. We strive to keep prices down to benefit our customers.
We use premium 300+ gsm pure cotton watercolor papers, well known canvas manufacturers such as Fredrix, Hahnemuhle and Bulldog. Be assured we do not save on substrates by buying low cost materials manufactured abroad.
To this date we have never had anyone asking for a refund or unhappy about the materials we use. We plan to keep it this way!
Monday, January 09, 2006
What is a giclee?
We often are asked what a giclee is. A few customers have inkjet printers at home and they are able to print on watercolor and canvas often using pigmented inks. These clients want to make smaller giclees at home and have Allpconline do the larger sizes.
Although a desktop printer can print on art papers, this does not mean a high quality giclee can be reproduced. Our take on what makes a giclee is the use of a professional grade machine, fine art materials, pigmented inks and great skill. Here is a list of some models and brands:
Epson 4X00, 7X00, 9X00 and 10600. The X in the number means there are different models.
Colorspan
Roland
Mimaki
Ixia
Canon and HP are working on some very promising printers.
We just received the Epson 9800 as an addition to our equipment and we are still in awe with the output quality.
To return to what a giclee is, keep in mind there is no set standard and the sad truth is that anyone with an inkjet can claim to be producing giclee. The best bet is to go with a reputable company or to buy one of the above printers. Specialized shops do produce good work that will stand a critical eye and the test of time. Please stick with specialists and avoid sign shops and other companies who do not have a staff dedicated full time to giclee printmaking.
Choosing the right materials, staying on top of the technology and having a trained eye for color are essential components. Being artists ourselves, we understand customers needs. Choose a printing company wisely and ask for proofs. Giclees, when made with the highest standards, are astonishing!
Technorati tag: giclee print
Although a desktop printer can print on art papers, this does not mean a high quality giclee can be reproduced. Our take on what makes a giclee is the use of a professional grade machine, fine art materials, pigmented inks and great skill. Here is a list of some models and brands:
Epson 4X00, 7X00, 9X00 and 10600. The X in the number means there are different models.
Colorspan
Roland
Mimaki
Ixia
Canon and HP are working on some very promising printers.
We just received the Epson 9800 as an addition to our equipment and we are still in awe with the output quality.
To return to what a giclee is, keep in mind there is no set standard and the sad truth is that anyone with an inkjet can claim to be producing giclee. The best bet is to go with a reputable company or to buy one of the above printers. Specialized shops do produce good work that will stand a critical eye and the test of time. Please stick with specialists and avoid sign shops and other companies who do not have a staff dedicated full time to giclee printmaking.
Choosing the right materials, staying on top of the technology and having a trained eye for color are essential components. Being artists ourselves, we understand customers needs. Choose a printing company wisely and ask for proofs. Giclees, when made with the highest standards, are astonishing!
Technorati tag: giclee print
