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Frequently Asked Questions
If you've got a question, then we've got an answer. Check out our FAQs below or Contact Customer Care and a member of our team will be happy to help you.
Print Editions FAQs
What is a giclee print?
Giclee (pronounced "gee-clay"), is a highly sophisticated inkjet printing process that was introduced in the late 1980s. It’s so sophisticated, in fact, that it produces prints, which truly capture the artist's original intent. Even museums have realized the vast potential of this technology and have made giclee editions a permanent part of their collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco) and Museum of Contemporary Art (Los Angeles) to name a few. These prints are created from high-resolution digital images, using the finest quality ink and paper stock available, resulting in color saturation and image detail capture that exceeds other types of image reproduction.
What are the advantages of creating giclee prints?
For starters, you have many more fans of your work than can actually afford one of your originals. By offering a giclee print of an original, you’ve enabled them to acquire art that they love, that can even be signed by you, and is an extremely close representation of the original — and available at a fraction of the price. You’ll also get to enjoy additional revenue on a singular work of art, as well as an expanded fan base and increased exposure.
Giclee editions are also so cost-effective and consistent in quality that you can order them as few as one at a time so you’re not over-extended while you continue to receive orders from your clients. This keeps you liquid, so that you can invest in even more images that connect with your public. However, if you do choose to order in large quantities the beauty of giclee prints is such that your 250th impression, is just as precise and beautiful as your 2nd.
How much does a giclee edition cost?
The cost of your edition depends on 2 things: whether you are printing on paper or canvas and the size of your print. The price will adjust depending on your preferences. To order a print with this Pro Artist service, call Customer Care at 800-493-7263.
How long will it take to create an edition?
Editions are just like any of our print only orders, most take only 3-4 business days to print and leave the warehouse. If you would like to adjust the color, size, paper etc, you may do so on your end and upload a new file to print and reorder.
How do I number and sign my edition?
There are a few ways to go about numbering and signing your edition.
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You can upload your file with your number and signature already in the file. This is a good option for those who will be printing and framing their editions.
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You can upload your file with your signature already in the file, and we will do the numbering on our side, for a nominal fee. This is a good option if you are printing a large quantity of prints.
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You can upload your file with no signature or numbering. Once the file has printed, we can ship your prints to you to sign and number manually. If you choose to add a print and frame package, you will have to ship back the prints to us to frame. We do not recommend this option for most people, as the cost of shipping and insurance can get quite expensive.
How much will my giclee prints sell for?
Ultimately, the price is up to you. The following considerations should be taken when pricing your edition:
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Consider the price of your original work, which should be much higher, as a guide to how much you will sell your editions for
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Your gallery, representative or agent may want a percentage of the sale
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The size of your prints will affect the price you assign your work. Consider offering multiple sizes, such as small, medium and large versions so anyone who loves your work can afford to acquire it
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The cost of printing, matting and framing will also affect the price at which you sell your prints
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The quantity of your edition also has an impact. Generally, limited editions are seen as collector’s items and often sell for more than open editions
How large should I make my own digital files?
If you know how to create your own digital files, make sure they are 300 DPI/PPI (dots per inch/pixels per inch) at actual output (print) size. Also, make sure you use RGB (red/green/blue) because our printers and RIP software are profiled to print only RGB files. We prefer .tiff format with no compression, but .jpeg format is also acceptable. Note: For those of you using Photoshop or a similar program, remember to merge all visible layers, including text layers.
How large of an image can you print?
The max print size depends on which paper substrate you choose to print on. However, most of our state-of-the-art printers will print as large as 50 x 80+ inches. (Length is not an issue because our papers come on long continuous rolls.) We can print images with a minimum of 1-inch border as wide as 50 inches. We can stretch canvases up to 50 x 50 inches. However, because of shipping costs, the largest presentation size (including any frame) that you can order online is 48" x 83". If you would like to create a larger print or framed presentation, you may upload your image to our FTP site or mail us a CD with your image, free of charge. Please call Customer Care at 800-332-8884 to take advantage of these services.
Is it common to print a photograph on watercolor paper or non photographic paper?
Yes. With the advancement of the giclee method, many photographers are now enjoying the choice of art papers, canvas, and other substrates to gain a desired texture, softening effect and image quality.
Can I stretch my canvas prints when they arrive?
Yes, but please take great care! Stretching a giclee printed canvas is a more delicate process than stretching a blank canvas. If you stretch too tight, the image may look as though it is cracked. If your print is damaged as you are stretching the canvas, we cannot be held responsible. We can stretch your canvas prints for you so that you don’t have to worry. If any damage occurs in the process, it will be reprinted at no cost. If you do choose to stretch your own canvas, we offer a variety of stretcher bars in all sizes & depths.
How should I protect my prints? How long will my prints last? Are they waterproof?
Your giclee prints are guaranteed to last up to 75 years under normal gallery conditions. We do not recommend hanging your prints in direct sunlight or rooms with high humidity such as a bathroom or kitchen. We always recommend matting and framing your prints with acid free products for protection. A protective coating is applied to all archival canvases however, they are not waterproof.
My print is damaged! What do I do now?
If your print arrives damaged, simply contact our Customer Care team. For more information on returns, please refer to our Return Policy.