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Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions asked by our customers, and some that should be asked by anyone purchasing Giclee printing services.
1. I've never had a Giclee Print made before, what is the process?
If your original is 8x10 or smaller, (film or print) we will scan it and prepare your digital file for printing. This includes correct sizing, minor retouching, and color correction to match your original as closely as possible. We also accept digital files from clients, whether from a high quality digital camera, high-resolution scan, or original digital art. An 8x10 proof is produced on the paper or canvas of your choice and sent for your approval. Printmaking is a collaboration between the artist and printmaker; additional proofs are sometimes required to correct and enhance your image. This back and forth communication may add time to the process but results in a print that meets or exceeds your expectations.
2. I have original art larger than 8x10, what do I do?
You have a few options here. If your original is smaller than 12x17, we can scan it on our flat art scanning system. This is a good and cost effective way to get your image into digital form. If it is larger than 12x17, a 4x5 transparency copy shot is produced. You can have this done in your area at a professional photo lab or we can recommend a local vendor. For the best reproduction of large originals, we will make a high-resolution digital capture; you can read more about this on the technical info page.
3. How long can I expect my print to last?
The combination of paper, ink, light and environmental exposure all play a critical role in how long a print will last. The ink and paper combinations we use at Carbon Editions are some of the longest lasting in the industry. Our prints are rated between 67 and 200+ years (depending on paper choice framing options) before apparent fading occurs. You can consult the Wilhelm research web site for the most up to date information on print longevity for the Epson 9600 with ultrachrome ink.
4. I'd like a print bigger than my original, is that possible?
Yes. Any print size is possible up to our maximum size. (43.75x83.3 inches) Original art, photograph or film can be enlarged via our digital process to whatever size you desire. Digital files, lower resolution scans or original digital art can also be enlarged, but only up to a certain point. A small digital file from a consumer grade digital camera or screen resolution render for instance, can be enlarged to some extent. There is a limit however, depending on subject matter, image detail, and your acceptance of sharpness. This is very subjective, and we can guide you in this decision if necessary.
5. What does Giclee mean?
Here is a link to a good web site that answers that question and many other regarding Giclee printing. http://giclee.netfirms.com We use the term because much of the printing industry has adopted it, and artists can find us under this heading.
6. How long does the process take?
Generally it takes one to two weeks to complete the whole process with an out of town artist. Additional proofs and adjustments or large final print orders may add to this time. Reorders of previously printed material and printer ready files not requiring proofing are turned around in 2-4 days.
7. Why do you offer fewer paper selections than other Giclee printers?
When we first started making Giclee prints, we tested an enormous variety of papers and made them available to our customers. Over the years, we have narrowed those choices to a number that is easily digested. Our choices are not based on cost but print quality, longevity, and customer demand. If there is a specific paper you would like that is not listed, let us know and we may be able to accommodate your request.
8. Do I have to frame a Giclee print?
No. While framing is often the best way to protect your print, it can be displayed any number of ways. Customers often have them mounted to Gator board or Masonite or bound in a book as a portfolio. In our studio we simply have them tacked to the wall. Our prints have an advantage over other Giclee prints, as they are nearly waterproof. The ink on our papers will not run if it gets wet. Do not expect the same results from an Iris print.
9. Why don't you charge set up fees?
We don't charge set up fees because they are unfair to most clients. Clients who do their own digital work often deliver files 100% ready to print. There is no set up other than sending their file to the printer. In good conscience, we couldn't charge hundreds of dollars for that. For clients who need a lot of digital work, (i.e. retouching, masking, heavy color editing, etc.) we simply charge by the hour.
10. Does this mean I'm going to be charged every time I need a minor change after seeing a proof?
No. A color or contrast adjustment is quite simple to do and takes very little time. We give you 20 minutes of digital time per image to get it looking it's best. If this time is used up you will be contacted and given an estimate on how much more time is needed.
11. Who is Cat Scan?
Cat Scan is our parent company. We share office space with them and use some of their scanning equipment in our printing workflow. They offer high resolution scanning and other pre-press services to photographers, designers, artists, and publishers across the country.
12. There are many Giclee printers out there, what sets Carbon Editions apart from the rest?
Peter Newhall, the owner of Carbon Editions and Cat Scan, has been in the imaging industry for nearly 2 decades. With a degree in color theory from Brooks Institute of Photography and 14 years of experience in commercial photography, pre-press imaging and fine art reproduction, Peter brings vast knowledge and understanding to the variety of details involved in the creation of a Giclee print. Making the best prints possible for our clients-on time and on budget-is what we do every day. Most of our new clients are referrals from other clients. We think that says a lot about what our customers think about us.
13. Why get a Glicee print?
Giclee printing is the most cost effective way for artists to get their work 'out there' in to the public eye. With a small initial investment, you are able to produce many large images and “test the waters.” Editions can be printed one at a time, as they sell, rather than all at once with a huge upfront expenditure. Multiple sizes can be produced from the same original, opening different markets to artists.
14. Other printers have lower print pricing than you, why should I choose Carbon Editions?
One must look further than just final print pricing to determine total value. True, our print prices are not the cheapest on the net (they're about in the middle), but take into consideration that we don't charge set up fees, we give you 20 minutes of free digital work to get your image ready to print, a one inch border and the first proof for a 20x24 or larger print is included in the price.
15. Do you need my original if I am submitting a copy shot or digital file?
Having your original close at hand is the best way to match color and contrast, however we realize that many artists are reluctant to ship large, original artwork or simply don't want to spend the money. Not having your original on hand may increase the time for your prints to be completed, with multiple proofing sessions, but this is a situation we can easily accommodate.
If you have any questions not answered here, please don't hesitate to call 214.303.1640 or email Pete at Carbon Editions.