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Frequently Asked Questions

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Giclée – What is a Giclée?

What is Giclée?

Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay“) is a method of producing high quality reproductions of artwork using special ink-jet printers.

The term “giclée” was coined in the 1990′s when the technology was first developed. It is derived from the French words for “nozzle” and “to spray.” Giclées have since become the standard for reproductions in museums and fine art galleries. There is a difference between a giclée printer and other inkjet printers. The difference has to do with the quality of the ink. Quality refers to “stability” – the image doesn’t fade, it doesn’t shift in colors. Giclée prints are archival – meaning they last a long time. Just like any other fine art piece – you don’t want to put it in direct sunlight unless it’s been treated in some fashion – UV protectant or UV glass. But with good care the artwork will be heirloom quality.

What is the best size image for printing?

The best  image is always going to be the largest possible file size. And the most original image – so if you’d edited it – send us your edited piece as a guide – but also please send us the most native (original) image. Simply because you “file save” an image to be larger doesn’t always make it so – and we have tricks of the trade to improve the resolution of your image so it can go larger if that is your wish.

You can send a file in the following format PSD, JPG or TIFF.

At a minimum we need a 2MB image that is preferably at 120DPI. (300DPI is for a style of printing called offset – used for magazines and brochures. Fine art printing only needs 120dpi.)

If there ever is a problem, we will always contact you via phone or e-mail.

How does a Giclée differ from a traditional print?

Giclée printmaking derives its quality from its seemingly “dotless” imaging technology which contrasts with traditional fine art prints which typically relies on printing screen pattern dots to reproduce full-range color. Because traditional printing dot patterns are detectable to the unaided eye, it is less desirable than Giclée fine art prints for fine art reproduction. Traditional offset prints are typically restricted to papers that widely vary from what the original artwork was created on – especially when reproducing oil on canvas. The Giclée process enables reproduction on virtually unlimited types of media.

Custom Canvas Artwork

Here is specific information on preparing and submitting artwork to be printed on heirloom quality Canvas.

Quality printing starts with a quality product – your art or photographic image. If you have any questions about your file, please contact us. We are happy to help.

Technical specs:

  • Image is RGB and in the Adobe RGB 1998 work space
  • Set your “Document” width and height to your desired output size, at 120ppi

For canvas gallery wrapping allow:

  • 4 inches of extra image to wrap the sides, 2 inches per side 2 inches of extra white space, 1 inch per side
  • File should be flattened and not contain layers or alpha channels
  • File is saved as JPG, PSD or TIFF
  • For critical color, we suggest ording a proof print
  • Send files via: Dropbox.com (jerri@Menaulprinting.com), or Hightail (used to be www.yousendit.com)
Do Giclee Reproductions Fade?

I have heard that reproductions fade over time, what about Giclée?

Museum-quality Giclée reproductions are recognized as “the next best thing” to owning the original and can be found in the world’s finest museums and art galleries. Based on independent research and testing, there are various image permanence ratings for each combination of ink and media used in Giclée printmaking. Wilhelm Imaging Research’s image permanence ratings have been provided to the public about expected display-life for various ink and media combinations used in Giclée printmaking today. Our Giclée reproductions offer an image stability rating of 100 years due to the archival-grade pigment inks and acid-free media we use. We use the Giclée Printing Process to ensure a print with brilliant, exquisite color and razor sharp detail, specifically designed to meet the rigorous and precise criteria of fine art collectors and connoisseurs of museum quality, limited edition prints.

Giclée prints have been shown at numerous major museums and galleries around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum (NY), the Museum of Modern Art NY), Chelsea Galleries (NY), the Los Angeles Musuem of Contemporary Art, the Los Angeles County Museum, the National Museum of Art (Washington D.C.) and the British Museum (London). Recent auctions of giclée prints have fetched $10,800 for Annie Leibovitz, $9,600 for Chuck Close, and $22,800 for Wolfgang Tillmans (April 23/24 2004, Photographs, New York, Phillips de Pury & Company.)

How long will my artwork last – aka What does Archival mean?

How long should my image last?

We use truly archival ink to last 200 years or so. We also use acid free papers and high quality canvas. We spray a UV protective coating on all our canvases as well. As with any fine art – it is best to not have it in direct sunlight. If you have framed prints – you have the option of using UV glass to protect your artwork.

How large can you print on canvas?

We can print up to 10ft on the short side. What this means is we can produce artwork that is 10ft x how ever long you want it to be. However, if you want the artwork to be gallery wrapped canvas then we need to save some of the size of the canvas to wrap around the edges. This means that the “face” of the artwork – what you see from the front – is limited to 9ft. Yes – we are able to ship this as rolled canvas or stretched canvas anywhere in the US. Contact us with any questions or for a quote. 

Why Work With Us?

We are a Satisfaction Guaranteed Company.
If you are not completely happy, we will work with you until you are or refund your money.

Every member of our team is an artist who has years and years (decades even) of experience in their area. We are here because we love to create artwork that will be the finishing touch to your home or work environment. We only use the top of the line equipment and materials – Archival Inks, Cotton Canvas, and Papers, Wood Stretcher Bars, Quality Framing Materials.  If you need a piece that not a standard size – No Problem – as everything we create is Custom.

Each piece we create is custom so it goes through a number of quality control steps.

While we typically as for 5-7 days to complete an order, if you’re in a rush we can typically get your work done for you before your guests arrive.  Just let us know when you place your order.

We have a staff of Designers and Photoshop experts that can handle every kind of project, from simple fixes to complicated retouching and damaged photo restoration, or a custom design to match your decor. All the work is performed in-house – from the design, restoration, to printing and custom art printing. And if this is being ordered for a location outside the Tampa Bay area we can ship it for you.

We print everything from small prints to 10ft x 15ft stretched canvas!  Just let us know how we can help you!

Working with the Trade

We offer satisfaction guaranteed to all our professional partners. Photographers, artists and interior designers can utilize our in-house resources to create beautiful images for their customers. We have over 30 years of professional photography and art experience, and over 15 years of experience printing for the trade. Our critical eye makes sure we deliver a satisfaction guarantee.  To discuss “For the Trade” pricing packages, call Jess at 727-797-1199.

Professional Services

  • Digital capture of paintings, drawings and illustrations.
  • Photo retouching and restoration.
  • Art reproduction on paper, canvas or specialty materials.
  • Custom Framing
  • Color-matched custom art services for interior designers.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Feel free to call us at 727-726-7411 and let us know. If we can’t do it in-house, we know someone who can!

How Do I Place An Order?

You can place an order via our website – via email or via phone.

Web Orders:  Click here

Phone: Call or text us at  727-726-7411.  

Email: Send your files and what you want to info@MyFavoriteArtPlace.com
If your file is more than 25MB in size, you may want to use a program such as dropbox.com and invite “info@MyFavoriteArtPlace.com” to share the file.

If we’re printing canvas for you, we’ll want to know if you want your edges to be gallery wrapped mirrored, or a solid color. Or, let us know if you would like it to be framed.

If we’re printing paper for you, we’ll want to know what type of paper you want. We’re happy to talk this through with you.

File Specs:
We print RGB, 140dpi at 100% size.
Save your files as a jpg is fine

Do you do Photo and Artwork Restorations

Can you fix old images that are badly torn or artwork that has the marks of age on it.

Yes we can.  We start with a digital capture. Then based on what you want, we can simply clean up to adding full color. We will send you a jpg proof for approval if you’d like before we print.

Our restoration services are $95 per hour and are billed in 15 minute increments.

Here are some before and afters:

Copyrights and Usage Rules

We are happy to print anything that belongs to you. Any artwork that is the intellectual property of someone else, you need to get the rights to reproduce their images, and usually you must pay for the copyright release. This includes if a photographer shoots a session and you’ve not bought the rights to reprint on your own. However, you can give them our contact information and we can assist with getting print size files.

There are many images that are a part of public domain and you do not need to worry about those. Here is a great resource as an example:

The New York Public Library Lets You Download 180,000 Images in High Resolution: Historic Photographs, Maps, Letters & More Open Culture

Another option is Creative Commons.  If you’re looking for content that you can freely and legally use, there is a giant pool of CC-licensed creativity available to you.

Do You Reproduce Artwork?

Can you reproduce artwork?

Yes – whether you are a professional artist looking to reproduce your work for sale, or wanting to share precious family memories – we can help you.

We start with a high quality digital capture. If there is any clean up (especially with older family photos or artwork) we can do that – and then create a high quality canvas or paper giclee to your size specifications. First Step – Give us a call at 727-726-7411 or 844 Art Place or send an email so info@MyFavoriteArtPlace so we can discuss your project. 

Sidenote:

Do I need to worry about copyrights on artwork?

Absolutely. Anything that is the intellectual property of someone else, you need to get the rights to reproduce their images, and usually you must pay for the copyright release.

However, you DO NOT need to worry about images that are part of the public domain.

What is Dye Sub Printing?

Dye-sublimation is a technology that bonds full-color artwork with polyester and polymer-coated substrates like aluminum, wood, glass, tile, fabric and much more. In sublimation printing, dyes are transferred to sheets of “transfer” paper via liquid gel ink through a specialized printer. After the digital design is printed onto sublimation transfer sheets, it is placed on a heat press along with the substrate to be sublimated using heat, pressure and time. The end result of the sublimation process is a nearly permanent, high resolution, full-color print. Because the dyes are infused into the substrate at the molecular level, rather than applied at a topical level like traditional printing methods, the prints will not crack, fade or peel from the substrate under normal conditions.

Can you make custom sublimatable products?
Well, if we take YOUR image, and create an art piece the way you want on the material you want – then YES – that would be a Custom Art Piece using dye sublimation technology.
If you are asking if we can print on a material that is not typically used – then we have a few tricks we’ve tried – some turn out great, and some … well… not so great! We have the ability to spray a special polymer coating onto just about any smooth, flat surface. As long as the material can handle the 400-degree heat press, we can transfer an image into it. We can also order many items not listed on our website, so call us to discuss your needs.
Contact us and let’s chat!
How do I choose images which will work well for Dye Sublimation Printing?

We use a phrase here; “the artwork tells us how it wants to be printed”. It is a combination of things that tell us what the best substrate will be. The general reasons for choosing dye sublimation are the sharpness, luster, and color depth of the resulting product. A soft focus black and white photo will not benefit from these strengths, so it may be better suited for canvas or paper. Darker images with deep colors tend to work better, and high detail shots really pop due to the sharpness of dye-sublimation. In reality, most images look great on any dye-sub substrate but choosing images that play into its strengths are preferable. The only images that seem to lose something are very washed out, lighter images devoid of sharp details or strong, deep colors.

What sizes can you print with Dye Sublimation?

We can print up to 40″ x 60″ on our in-house equipment. Most items are limited by available material sizes, but our standard items like aluminum, wood, and fabric are available up to 40″ x 60″. If you have artwork that wants to be larger, we can work with you to create a multi-panel piece.

Can you print on materials that I provide?

In most cases it is hazardous to our equipment, so we rarely allow this. We only use the highest quality substrates available, mostly because this is what our customers expect from us. In addition, substrates not specifically developed for dye-sublimation printing can damage our very expensive equipment, therefore we do not allow outside materials into our heat presses. While some “off-the-shelf” materials may provide satisfactory results, we find that items made specifically for dye sublimation provide better image quality and longevity, without risking our equipment.

How can I sign and number my metal or glass prints?

Many opaque permanent markers will work well on a sublimated product. We find the metallic permanent markers in silver and gold to be a good fit for darker prints, while regular fine-tipped permanent markers will work well on lighter backgrounds. They take a little longer to dry on sublimated products so it is best to sign and let it sit for a few hours before handling or packing it. We can also add your signature to the digital file so that it sublimates directly onto the substrate along with the image itself.

What are the benefits of Dye Sublimation prints?

In general, you will get a sharpness and color depth with sublimation that is not commonly found on other substrates. The prints are also more durable, weather/water resistant, and offer many different and unique hanging and display options. The prints are chemical resistant too and can really only be damaged by extreme heat (350+ degrees) and physical damage such as scratching, bending, or breaking. There are U/V resistant substrates available for outdoor use, otherwise, direct sunlight will eventually fade the image (but at a much slower rate than other substrates).

What can I Frame?

If you love it, we can frame it! (no pets or significant others please) Simple posters and prints, valuable works of art on paper or canvas, cherished documents, favorite photos, family heirlooms, 3D objects, mirrors—our skilled professionals will help design the right custom frame or display solution for whatever you’re framing. We offer obligation-free designs and quotes in our stores, so come see us!

What Can I Frame?

If you love it, we can frame it! (no pets or significant others please) Simple posters and prints, valuable works of art on paper or canvas, cherished documents, favorite photos, family heirlooms, 3D objects, mirrors—our skilled professionals will help design the right custom frame or display solution for whatever you’re framing. We offer obligation-free designs and quotes in our stores, so come see us!

Choosing the Right Frame

Choosing the right frame can be a lot of fun! If you’re uncomfortable, then we’re happy to help you. We always feel that the artwork ‘tells us how it wants to be framed.’ How? Look at the subject matter. What predominant colors stand out? Is there a subtle saturation of a particular color that is throughout the Art? How would a complimentary or contrasting colored fit a aesthetically? We have a wide selection of frame choices and are happy to work with you to create an art piece that makes your heart happy.

How to choose the Right Glass (Glazing)

The primary purpose of the glass aka glazing in art framing is to clearly exhibit the work while physically protecting it from damaging factors such as light humidity, heat, and soiling.

Regular glass as well as some glass surface treatments can also filter some of the damaging ultra-violet radiation (UV) and heat (NIR). Artworks that require protective glazing are those rendered on paper or fabrics (including photographs), which contain pigments and dyes that absorb UV and are susceptible to discoloration.

In this case, if the framed object or artwork is UV resistant, UV protection can still serve the purpose of preserving the integrity and colors of non-conservation grade framing materials susceptible to UV damage, such as mat board.

Although protection is a primary purpose of glazing, displaying an artwork is the primary purpose of framing it. Therefore, the least visible glazing best displays the artwork behind it.

Glare Reducing Glass

When it comes to glare-reducing glass, there are two types: non-glare glass, and Museum glass. Each type has a different appearance and different features.

Museum glass and Art glass is a modern and more widely used anti-reflective glass with conservation-grade UV protection. In addition to its nearly-invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays so that framed pieces remain clearer and brighter for longer.

Non-glare glass is the original anti-reflective glass that enhances the beauty of artwork with an etched matte finish to scatter light and minimize unwanted glare. Although it is less reflective than regular clear glass, non-glare glass can have a slightly-frosted look in direct sunlight. It is available in both 45% UV protection and 99% UV protection.

What type of glass prevents fading?

UV-filtering glass is the only choice for lasting protection! We offer 3 types of glass with UV protection and 2 types of acrylic with UV protection. Each of these glazing products is up to 99% UV protective and will ensure that your artwork and memorabilia does not fade or discolor over time. Once you have decided to use UV protection glazing, your ultimate selection will depend on features like improved color clarity or reflection control.

What type of Frames do we offer?

We have a wide selection of choices from which to choose – in a wide variety of price points. Beachy, rustic, traditional, classic, modern, ornate … We Have the Perfect Frame for You.

Our selection also includes Canvas Float Frames – a specialty frame that creates the illusion of your art “floating” within the frame. They are perfect for a finished, yet minimalist look.

The choices we have are examples of what we can get from local suppliers (We Support Local Suppliers!) and we can typically receive the materials within the week.

Are you in a hurry?

We always have a wide selection of ‘ready mades’ and moulding in-stock to be able to assist with any Art Emergency!

How much will framing costs?

If budget is your number one concern – but you want quality custom framing – we offer a Special Framing Package that includes one mat and your choice from our special selection of frames. As the selection is always being updated – we recommend your stopping in to see the choices. Some examples of pricing includes:

Up to size……………Price
11″ x 14″……………$39.95
16″ x 20″……………$59.95
18″ x 24″……………$69.95
22″ x 28″……………$79.95
24″ x 36″……………$99.95

We’ll always show you what we think works best with the art first. If it doesn’t fit your budget, we can adjust the design. Keep in mind that you’re going to be looking at this art for a long time. Going with what you really love can actually save money since you won’t want to re-frame it down the road.

The cost can vary depending on the materials you choose to work with! If you bring in your work we will give you a free quote on a specific design. There is no cost to you to come into our shop and speak with one of our highly qualified framing specialists.

Based upon customer comments, our prices often are less than the large craft stores even AFTER their 50% off coupons.

How long does framing take?

Turn-around time is typically two weeks for moulding that must be ordered. Though- we have an extensive amount of frames in house and ready-mades that can be chosen and can be turned around in less time! We usually can beat that projected delivery, especially if you pay our $20.00 rush fee- only useable for inhouse and readymade frames. We can provide one day turn-around under special circumstances if in stock materials are selected.

Stop in and check out our “Wall of Frame”– Tons of beautiful frames already made!

Do you frame canvas art?

In general, you will get a sharpness and color depth with sublimation that is not commonly found on other substrates. The prints are also more durable, weather/water resistant, and offer many different and unique hanging and display options. The prints are chemical resistant too and can really only be damaged by extreme heat (350+ degrees) and physical damage such as scratching, bending, or breaking. There are U/V resistant substrates available for outdoor use, otherwise, direct sunlight will eventually fade the image (but at a much slower rate than other substrates).

Design tips for Matting

Originally mats were neutral in color and used to provide visual relief between the art and its surroundings. One of the most important function of mats is that it separates the glass from the art or document being framed. This is important because any condensation that develops on the inside of the glass can be transferred to the piece if they are not separated, resulting in water damage, mold or mildew. Photos should also be separated from the glass because the surface of photographs is easy to damage. Additionally, some types of art, such as pastels or chalk pictures, can smudge easily and should be separated from the glass for that reason.

A second but key rule is that all framing and matting should have one goal – to draw the viewer’s eye to the focus of the image being presented. To that end – choices of mats and frames are made that build on this principle.

When using multiple mats, try using the same color for all layers as it can simplify the design and keep attention focused on the art.

What is a Fillet?

In the picture framing industry, a fillet is a small piece of moulding which fits inside a larger frame or, typically, underneath or in between matting, used for decorative purposes. The intent is to help draw the eye inwards to the document being framed.

Do you frame for Corporate Spaces?

Image Creations of Florida (ICF) a part of My Favorite Art Place is ready to assist you with your corporate framing needs, large or small. We can frame just one single piece to an entire location. Complete re-framing and repair services are available as well, as some artwork does not need to be replaced but just needs a refresher. We can provide the prints need for framing too- We have a large selection of fine art prints that can be used in corporate / office spaces!

What is Bottom Weighting?

To Bottom Weight or Not To Bottom Weight – there seems to be many strong opinions on this topic amongst framers.

Let’s look at where this “rule” of matting originated. During the 19th century, rooms in homes had high ceilings. It was the fashion at the time to hang framed art high up on the wall. For a time, it was even fashionable to hang the art tilted out from the wall on a long wire so when someone was looking at it from below they could better see it. When viewed at that angle, however, the framing appears to be out of balance. The top of the frame is more prominently exposed than the bottom. Thus – bottom weight was born.

We tend to be more practical. Our client loved this art piece and needed it to fill a space much larger than the art – thus the bottom weight of the mat was decided. (by the way – they also loved this mat color – it wasn’t available in oversize so we printed it for them – exactly the color they wanted!)

 

Do you work with the Trade for Framing?

Yes, we offer a number of options for conservation framing. Glass, mats, and backing all have the most impact on the preservation of a framed item. The glazing (glass or acrylic) must be UV-protective to help filter out ultraviolet light. Beyond that, the matting, mounting materials, and backing must also be conservation-grade (acid and lignin-free to prevent yellowing, fading, and deterioration). With the combined magical forces of complete front and the back protection, your art—in all of its original glory— will beautify your space for years to come! Our standard conservation materials are as follows, but is by no means an exhaustive list:

UV-Filtering Glazing of Your Choice (from 78%-99% filtering) protects against environmental factors such as light, heat, pollution, and humidity—all of which can quickly fade and discolor your artwork.

Do you offer Conservation Framing?

Yes, we offer a number of options for conservation framing. Glass, mats, and backing all have the most impact on the preservation of a framed item. The glazing (glass or acrylic) must be UV-protective to help filter out ultraviolet light. Beyond that, the matting, mounting materials, and backing must also be conservation-grade (acid and lignin-free to prevent yellowing, fading, and deterioration). With the combined magical forces of complete front and back protection, your art—in all of its original glory— will beautify your space for years to come! Our standard conservation materials are as follows, but is by no means an exhaustive list:

UV-Filtering Glazing of Your Choice (from 78%-99% filtering) protects against environmental factors such as light, heat, pollution, and humidity—all of which can quickly fade and discolor your artwork.

Conservation Mat board is free from acid that will cause yellowish-brown stains to appear around the edges of your object and can also make the paper brittle, weak, and cause it to lose its value.

Archival Acid Free Foam Core Backing, much like acid-free matting, protects artwork from the corroding acids found in regular foam core board.

Cleaning Framed Art

Most of the time, work on paper looks very grimy because of the accumulation of dirt on the glass itself, which could easily be cleaned. You might decide to further protect the piece by changing the mat to an acid-free mat. Be sure to know what kind of glass you have on your piece as higher quality glass uses different cleaning solutions. If your frame needs dusting, a dry feather duster is preferred. Depending on the type of frame

A slightly damp cloth will work to take away the dirt – we can not stress “slightly damp”. Not all frames are made from the same material. You can test the top outer side of the frame, which is not seen as often to be sure you are not going to damage the frame.

If a poly/plastic or glossy / lacquer finish on your frame you can use ammonia-free Windex. Spray onto cloth – NEVER directly onto the frame – and wipe clean.

Regular glass – use Windex and you can spray directly onto glass, but not suggested.
UV glass – Windex, spray onto a rag, wipe glass clean.
Non-glare – Windex, spray onto a rag, wipe glass clean.
Museum Glass – microfiber cloth with no solution. If it is absolutely needed, spray either ammonia-free glass cleaner or a mixture of 50% water and 50% alcohol or distilled water onto a lint-free cloth and wipe clean.

Art Framing for Corporate Spaces

Image Creations of Florida (ICF) a part of My Favorite Art Place is ready to assist you with your corporate framing needs, large or small. We can frame just one single piece to an entire location. Complete re-framing and repair services are available as well, as some artwork does not need to be replaced but just needs a refresher. We can provide the prints needed for framing too. We have a large selection of fine art prints that can be used in corporate / office spaces!

Corporate Services?

Working with corporate clients is a strong focus for My Favorite Art Place.

We are professionals at aligning a company’s physical environment with its core values. Expressing their beliefs through artwork. Reinforcing your mission and message to your public and employees. In the end, it can strengthen brand loyalty and nurture employee engagement.

Art and branding art can play an integral role in communicating an organization’s authenticity.

We add life to corporate spaces with custom size, custom color and spot-on artwork to support your branding, enhance workspaces and improve productivity. We can and will solve your art decorating problems.

Do you work with the Trade for framing?

ICF has been serving the design community since 1988. Interior designers, architects, decorators, artists, photographers and galleries choose to work with us because we deliver exceptional framing and customer service. We specialize in the ‘difficult’ to frame artwork.

We are sensitive to your project budget and will recommend appropriate art and framing so you are offering your clients unique and affordable design choices.

We also provide custom framed mirrors, framed designer bulletin boards, whiteboards, framed newspaper articles, and framing for all documents, blueprints, maps, and photographs.

How much will it cost to frame?

If budget is your number one concern – but you want quality custom framing – we offer a Special Framing Package that includes one mat and your choice from our special selection of frames. As the selection is always being updated – we recommend your stop in to see the choices. Some examples of pricing include:

Up to size……………Price
11″ x 14″……………$39.95
16″ x 20″……………$59.95
18″ x 24″……………$69.95
22″ x 28″……………$79.95
24″ x 36″……………$99.95

We’ll always show you what we think works best with the art first. If it doesn’t fit your budget, we can adjust the design. Keep in mind that you’re going to be looking at this art for a long time. Going with what you really love can actually save money since you won’t want to re-frame it down the road.

The cost can vary depending on the materials you choose to work with! If you bring in your work we will give you a free quote on a specific design. There is no cost to you to come into our shop and speak with one of our highly qualified framing specialists.

Based upon customer comments, our prices often are less than the large craft stores even AFTER their 50% off coupons.

Price for Digital Captures

$65 for art up to 3’x4′; $85 for art larger than 3’x4′

The first step in the process of fine art reproduction is to evaluate the original for the best possible method of digital image capture. We find that most often, it is a high resolution photographic digital capture that is required. Our method does not touch, squish or press the piece, unlike scanners or other capturing methods. This is especially important for fragile, textured or framed pieces.

What can we expect regarding color matching?

Most of the time we get very close in color. Some shades of color are more challenging than others since paint and printing inks are very different and reflect light very differently. 

Color matching is an art rather than a science with numerous variables. What is good or acceptable color reproduction is a subjective evaluation. In fact, different people perceive color differently. We take the time and effort to deliver a reproduction that most people agree is an excellent color reproduction.

What colors are the most challenging to match?

Certain colors of paint are “out of gamut” of the printing inks, meaning that they just can’t be reproduced perfectly by today’s printing inks. Our printer uses eleven ink colors and does a better job of color reproduction than other printers in the marketplace. Other printers may have only four or six colors.

Metallic colors (silver/gold) often look flat when reproduced since the original is viewed with slight movement of the painting or movement of the viewer which cause the metallic colors to glisten.

How does daylight vs. indoor lighting affect color?

Daylight is full spectrum (all colors). Indoor lighting (tungsten, fluorescent, halogen) do not contain all the colors and can cause the original and the print to appear differently under different lighting.

When a painting has varnish on it – how does that affect the digital capture and reproduction of art? When the art is very shiny and has texture, there can be problems with specular highlights (shiny reflections). We have techniques for compensating for this that take additional time. If possible, we prefer to photograph the painting before it is varnished.

What is the effect of texture on a painting or photograph to the process of digital capture?

Deep texture in a painting can be lost with flat even lighting (which is preferable in most cases). If we want to capture the effect of deep texture where shadows appear below the thick paint, we will adjust our lighting to be from above and more directional.

Texture in photographs will appear in the reproduction. In enlargements, the texture will be more prominent the larger the reproduction. The texture in large enlargements may become undesirable. This should be taken into account when deciding how large to make a print.

What is considered a “larger piece” and how is it different capturing

a larger piece – e.g.  3ft x 4ft. Larger pieces than 3 ft x 4 ft may require more lights. Instead of two lights, we go to four or more lights so that we get even lighting across the piece. This takes more time to set up requiring the use of  a light meter and moving the lights until it is even across the piece. Depending upon the size, we may charge more for oversized digital captures (complex capture: see below).

What is the difference between exact color matching and reasonable color matching?

One can make a large number of successive color adjustments and proofs consuming much time, paper and ink to attempt exact color matching. Truth be told – some colors just can not be reproduced. There reaches a point where the color is close enough and most people agree that it is an excellent reproduction. This is the point that we call reasonable color matching. 

Why do you charge to copy files to a USB thumb drive?

We provide three different files: large, medium and web sized. We name the files with the name of the piece. If we email them to you – then there is no charge. If you bring us your USB drive – there is no charge. If we give you a USB drive we paid for – we will charge you.

What size files should I have?

We provide a full resolution file produced by the camera or scanner for full-sized giclee reproduction, a print file for magazine or print production and a web sized file for websites or emailing. We can provide other sized files as requested to meet the specific requirements of juried shows or other uses.

What if I need retouching / cleanup of a digital capture?

There are a variety of techniques and tools to clean up an image, including: image cloning, spotting, digital painting, color enhancement, color adjustment, brightness/contrast, color painting, etc. 

Once we see the original, we can estimate how long it will take to clean up an image and see to what degree the client wants it restored. Many times a client will ask us to spend a certain number of hours and then evaluate the image to see if more enhancement is desired. 

Do I have to pay for proofs and if so, why do I have to pay for proofs?

Proofs take time and material to create. Not everyone wants a proof, so we keep our price for digital capture lower by not including the cost of a proof with the digital capture.

What size file can be delivered?

If a larger reproduction is required, let us know up front as we will photograph the artwork in sections and the pieces can be seamlessly stitched together resulting in much larger files. The size of the file depends upon the size of the sections captured and stitched.

File Sizes

We save files in three different sizes:

Big – full-size capture saved as in jpeg and tiff formats

Medium – 6” on the longest side @ 300 dpi saved jpeg format

Web – 1000px on longest side @72 dpi saved in jpeg format

Can I supply you my digital file?

Yes – you have the option of supplying us with a digital file, the original work or a transparency of the original piece. Client supplied, high-resolution, digital files of the work may be subject to an additional “proofing” charge if you want us to color match it with the original. If we do not create the initial digital capture, we must charge to create a color proof. The charge is $15 a test proof. This

Do you Color Calibrate with Artists / Photographers?

Yes we do. We appreciate when any artist is willing to go through the very simple process of color calibrating with our system – as that streamlines our ability to reproduce your work quickly. Just ask us and we’ll explain the process.