Why make Giclée prints?

Artists may choose to "edition" their work. Doing limited editions means creating several high quality copies of the original, then offering the copies to collectors in a numbered series. Several factors can drive the decision to edition an otherwise singular original work:

1.Economics: Doing an edition of a popular original multiplies the economic value derived from the artists’ efforts. An original may sell for $6000. An edition of 50 well-executed Giclée prints may sell for $700 apiece, returning an additional $35,000 in gross sales to the artist.

2.Archival Considerations: Executed properly using the latest ink sets and media substrates, Giclée prints have archival characteristics.

3.Portfolio Expansion: Artists may have difficulty maintaining a portfolio of the best work. The best pieces usually sell first. Making Giclée prints of ones best work prior to sale allows the artist to build a portfolio that is truly representative of their career.

4.Marketing Considerations: Before purchase, many collectors wish to see a piece in the intended display environment. Galleries or art directors may hold an artists work for extended periods, thus making those pieces unavailable to other potential buyers. Artists with several Giclée prints of an original have extended marketing reach, showing the same work simultaneously to several potential buyers. It is possible several Giclée prints can be sold before the original is purchased.

Is there special care in handling a giclee print?

Handling Giclée Prints

You should treat all artwork with the utmost care. Your Giclée prints should be protected from water. Cintar Imaging Paper Giclée prints should be framed and mounted behind glass. Cintar Imaging Giclée prints on canvas are treated with a coating which will aid in their protection, but careful treatment is still required.

How good is the colour accuracy compared to the original?

Colour Accuracy

The Giclée printing process provides brilliant and superior colour to other methods of art reproduction. However, due to the limitations of the ink process, some colours can fall outside of the printable colour spectrum. During the proofing process, close attention will be given to ensure the print is the closest possible colour match to the original artwork.