An open letter to all considering Giclée production
It is not safe to assume that all giclées (Iris prints being the first
and "true" giclées) and those who print giclées are the
same. Customers of ours who have had giclées printed elsewhere have made
a point of letting us know how exceptional we are. We hear it first at the proofing
stage and then again when final prints are delivered. We believe the reason
for such positive feedback is detailed in the information that follows:
- Scanning- we have always scanned for optimum
reproduction, meaning 300-dpi resolution at final reproduction
size. We are finding that elsewhere, scans are done at a much lower
resolution and/or at 50% of reproduction size (which means smaller file sizes that are faster
for the printer to
work with). These scans will, without a doubt, reproduce an image
that is inferior in sharpness and detail. Be sure to look closely at LARGE
samples, where a loss of quality would be most evident.
- Printing inks - we have always believed that
the greatest-looking print is not worth the paper it's printed
on if the print itself does not last. To this end, we use inks
few will attempt to use, since the reproduction characteristics make
painstaking adjustments necessary - BUT THEY LAST, and
we therefore consider the additional effort mandatory.
- Print speed - when doing prints, we are concerned
with quality, not with simply getting them done quickly. We print at a slow speed,
assuring optimum registration. For example,
a 30 x 40 print takes about 55 minutes for us to
print. By increasing the print speed, we can also print the same
image in approximately 35 minutes, albeit with a noticeable reduction
in quality.
- Overcoat - we originally incorporated this
cost into our print charges, but now offer it as an option, since
it appears people are playing games with numbers. Our overcoat
goes far beyond what is offered by most printers.
If you are concerned with your reputation and the quality of
prints you sell, it is to your advantage to be as knowledgeable as possible in
order to ascertain whether or not the printer who does your giclées
meets your requirements. Be sure to ask questions of any vendor you are
considering. If you wish to further discuss or clarify any of the
above, or would like more information regarding concerns you may
have, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
George Sokol
Info@ClassicEditions.com
Copyright © 1997-2001 All Rights Reserved.