WHAT IS Giclée PRINTING?

At its core, Giclée printing is a form of inkjet printing, but not all inkjet prints are Giclée. The term, derived from the French word "gicler" meaning "to spray or squirt," aptly describes the process. High-quality inkjet printers with specially formulated inks are used to spray tiny droplets onto substrates such as archival papers or canvas, creating a detailed and vibrant image.

Unlike traditional inkjet printing, Giclée uses a minimum of 8 different color ink cartridges instead of the standard four (CMYK). This expanded color range ensures a more accurate reproduction of the original artwork's colors and nuances. The precision of this technique captures every subtlety in the original piece, from the finest brushstroke to the softest gradient.

Giclée FOR ARTISTS & Business

One of the most compelling advantages of Giclée printing for artists and collectors is the exceptional quality of the prints. The high resolution and printing precision ensure each print faithfully reproduces the original work. The true depth and richness of color envisioned by an artist in the original work are reproduceable with Giclee prints, surpassing traditional printing methods and making them ideal for archival fine art reproduction.

The expanded color range of Giclée printers allows for an incredibly accurate color reproduction. Precise color reproduction is crucial for artists whose work relies heavily on color nuances and gradations. The deepest blacks, the most subtle grays, and the most vibrant bright colors in an original work are faithfully reproduced using Giclée quality printers, inks, papers, and printing knowledge.

Giclée prints accurately convey the emotions and expressions intended in the original artwork by ensuring the precision of colors in every copy.

Giclée prints are not only beautiful but also durable. Using archival inks and substrates ensures these prints last hundreds of years without fading. Substrates refer to the materials onto which images or designs are printed or transferred. These materials can vary widely depending on the printing process and intended application, and they include surfaces such as photo papers, canvas, natural fiber papers, and can include fabric, metal, plastic, wood, and more. The choice of substrate can significantly impact the final appearance, durability, and suitability of the print. Longevity is essential for artists and collectors who want their work and art to stand the test of time.

Giclée PRINTING IN ART

Due to its fidelity and versatility, Giclée printing has gained immense popularity among contemporary artists and photographers. Renowned artists have adopted this method for limited editions, exhibitions, and portfolio reproductions, noting its ability to replicate the feel of original paintings or drawings. Museums and Galleries often offer this type of print. Successful exhibitions and sales of Giclee prints have demonstrated their acceptance and value in the art market, often fetching prices close to original artworks.

The selection of inks and papers or substrates plays a pivotal role in the quality of your Giclée prints. Artists should choose archival-grade materials to ensure their prints' longevity and vibrancy over time. The choice of paper, whether matte, glossy, or luster; and paper or canvas, can dramatically impact the final appearance of the print, adding texture and depth that complements the artwork, but don't get us started on papers. Best to ask Becka to take you through how different kinds of papers add to or hurt your image quality for Giclée printing.

GICLÉE FOR BUSINESS

In the competitive world of art and commerce, where image is everything, businesses are constantly seeking ways to elevate their brand and captivate their audience. For those in the know, Giclée printing with its unrivaled precision and color fidelity differentiates brands when ink, paper, and the Craftsmanship Digital Printing revolution.  Giclée printing is more than just a reproduction method; it's a way to breathe new life into the materials you leave with buyers, customers, and influencers.  Giclée printing is just making copies - you're making a statement.

Giclée printing becomes not just a technical tool, but a creative one. It allows businesses to put their own unique spin on classic works, to create something that is both familiar and fresh. And in doing so, they can position themselves as innovators, as leaders in their field who are always pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

When a clients sees the care and attention to detail that goes into every Giclée print, they understand that this is a business that values quality above all else. They see a business that is willing to invest in the best technologies and materials to create products and presentations that are exceptional.

In a world where consumers are increasingly savvy and discerning, this kind of commitment to quality can be a powerful differentiator. It can help a business stand out in a crowded market, attract a loyal following, and command premium prices for their offerings.

So for businesses looking to make their mark in the world of art and commerce, Giclée printing is more than just an option - it's a necessity. It's a way to elevate their brand, inspire their clients, and create products that are truly worthy of the term "masterpiece". And in a world where image is everything, that's a powerful advantage indeed.

GETTING STARTED WITH GICLÉE

Embarking on your Giclée printing journey involves a few key steps:

• Select Your Artwork     
  Choose a piece that will benefit from Giclée's high-quality reproduction. Works with rich colors and details are particularly well-suited.
  
  
• High Resolution Digital Capture
  The process begins with a high-resolution digital capture of your artwork. High-res capture can be achieved through professional scanning or photography, ensuring every detail is accurately recorded. Both size and texture are important factors in deciding whether scanning or photography are right for your piece.
  
  
• Paper Selection
  Some papers help, while others hurt the appearance of your art. Ask Becka to show you her paper samples so she can explain how your paper selection is a crucial decision for Giclée printing. 
  
  
• Choose a Giclée Pro
  Sadly some printers say they're producing Giclée prints when their equipment, papers, technique, or knowledge aren't up to snuff. Find reputable printers in our Giclée Printer Network. Look for printers that uses state-of-the-art printers, high-quality inks, and offer a range of substrates. If your printer cannot tell you what the factors of a high-quality giclée print are, you're probably not getting a true giclée.
  
  
• Proofing
  Before the final print run, review a proof to ensure color accuracy and overall satisfaction with the result. This step is crucial for creating a print that represents your original artwork.
  
  
• Printing and Presentation: Once satisfied with the proof, proceed with the final print. Consider additional aspects like framing and presentation to enhance the impact of your Giclée prints.

Giclée printing allows artists to replicate their work with fidelity, depth, and longevity. Whether for limited edition prints, exhibitions, or portfolio reproductions, the precision and quality of Giclée printing are unmatched. As an artist, embracing this technology means preserving the essence of your original creations and sharing them with a broader audience in a form that stays true to your vision.