Giclee @ The WORDPRO: The Process

The Giclee printing process

1. Preparing your files

The first requirement is a digital representation of the original piece of artwork or photography.

Digital Originals

If the artist composed the artwork digitally, file preparation is normally complete (assuming the digital density and color corrections are correct for high-quality printing).

Hard Copy Originals

If you have hard copy originals, you will need to provide us with a high-quality scan or digital-photograph file for printing. We recommend using a large-format flatbed scanner with a vacuum bed, a vertical mounted camera, and side lights, such as those made by CRUSE. We can suggest vendors who will scan your fine artwork at modest prices. Giclee prints from scans and digital photographs produced with low-quality equipment may show variations in color, tone, density, and balancing. At the least, printing from such images may require additional time and expense for color balancing, image correction, and retouching.

File Types and Resolutions

For best results, you should provide your digital files in RGB format at 300 dpi, although acceptable values range from 200 to 600 dpi.

File Formats

Most file formats are acceptable. Common types are PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and PSD (Photoshop).

Reviewing Your File(s)

Whether you're planning to print from a digital artwork file or from a high-quality scan or digital photograph, you must allow time to review and, if necessary, for us to edit your digital files (using Photoshop) to ensure that the final Giclee print matches the original artwork.

2. Sending us your files

If the size of your file is no more than 50MB, you can upload it using our File Upload form. If your file exceeds 50MB, you will need to provide it on a CD or a USB drive.

3. Choosing media

As you prepare your file(s), you will need to choose the media for your final Giclee prints. Watercolor paper, photo paper, canvas, and other media such as tyvek and silk are the normal choices. Matte, semigloss, and gloss finishes are available for most media.

Depending on the media you choose for final printing, a media profile will be run and used to match the media with the digital file for color and accuracy of detail. Changes may be made in file color, saturation, brightness, and/or contrast as a result.

4. Printing proof copies

After initial file preparation, we will run a small (up to 8" x 10") proof print for you to review and approve. Changes can be made in the digital file (if needed) before the final printing. Full-sized proofs can be run at additional cost.

5. Final printing

After the proof print has been approved, the final prints will be run and likely treated with a spray coating for UV-light and surface protection. All digital files will be archived for future use, and you also will receive a copy for your use.

6. Payment and shipping

All projects start with an estimate of the job cost. An initial payment of 50% of the estimate is due prior to starting the project. The final 50% is due before customer pickup or shipping. Cash, check, and all credit cards are accepted.

For out-of-town customers, we ship via FedEx (ground or overnight). Shipping charges are added to the final payment.