Print Studio

There are a number of important variables involved in both methods so it's not easy to recommend one method over the other, however we will try and highlight some of the main aspects.

So much depends on the quality and size of scanning device, scanner configuration, file format and so on - and conversely much depends on the quality of camera, lighting, photographer skill level and file preparation. We've seen superb results from standard office desktop scanners and some pretty horrendous files shot on a digital camera!  read more>>

Package of Sample Giclée Prints - Priced at just $16.50 incl GST

As an artist selling your own artwork you need to be absolutely confident of the material and methods being used to reproduce your work as a fine art art giclee print. We do not send out mini swatch packs of vaguely labelled papers; the only way for you to make a real judgement about our paper, methods and quality is for us provide a very low cost print from your own work.

A screen image is formed by an  electronic back lit display whereas a print is a reflected image produced on one of many different paper types. Each has it's own unique colour gamut and other in-built variables.
The way a picture appears on your screen depends on your screen settings such as contrast, brightness, calibration/profile and the same picture may appear differently on different screens. It is therefore crucial that your monitor is correctly calibrated/profiled to provide the best chance of colour accuracy.
The same unadjusted image printed on different media can often appear differently as well. For optimum colour fidelity proofing is absolutely crucial.

Generally to get the best out of our online print order process your files should be supplied ready to print, the "direct output" service helps keep prices down.
See our File optimisation page with some pointers on preparing your files. But we also know that for many clients the whole digital imaging thing  - pixels, screen calibration, colour management and dpi can be confusing.It's easy for us as we've been involved in electronic imaging since the late 1980's, long before digital cameras as we know them now. Our involvement in professional print production goes back even further.
If you are at all unsure about how well your file will print simply select the "Adjust my file" option when ordering prints, we will assess your files and where necessary make adjustments to colour, contrast and brightness at our discretion.

Generally this means aiming for a neutral colour balance with brightness and contrast adjusted on one of our calibrated screens. The objective being to achieve true blacks, clean whites and everything in between as neutral as possible. Of course if we discover any other problems or issues with your files we will quickly get back to you with some options.
Remember, If you are at all unsure about your image we can provide a free assessment, just transfer files to Code Ice using our electronic file drop box facility. Likewise if you have any questions relating to our file interpolation services, colour management or anything else relating to digital imaging please just drop us a line.

• Image format: 8bit RGB TIFF flattened or JPG (JPEG) minimum compression

• Embedded profile: sRGB or Adobe RGB(1998)

• DPI: between 180-300

• Do not supply CMYK files or PDF files

See also our digital File Preparation page

We've worked hard to make the whole process of print pricing and ordering as easy as possible
1) Simply login and select a paper surface
2) enter your image width/height dimensions
3) select any other options
4) and the price will be instantly displayed.
5) select 2 or more in the quantity box and the price is further reduced.

Please visit our print order portal at

We print your art using Hahnemuhle digital art media and Epson archival rated, pigment inksets.
Independent Wilhelm Imaging Research indicates light stability of more than 100 years

Laminating - resist the tempting offers from framers and photo shops to laminate your prints with claims of "lasting 200 years!"
True archival print life is dependent on a combination of factors including paper specification, inkset and display/storage conditions. Simply encapsulating a print in plastic does not make it archival as many a museum conservator will tell you.

Are your web images too big?
As an artist you’re going to want images of your work to feature heavily on your website. If your website is an e-commerce application then just about every page will include your pictures.
But after putting some major effort into creating your art and developing a website the last thing you need is someone downloading your images and producing unauthorised print copies. You lose out on valuable income let alone the issues of copyright infringement.
This is something that's so easy to do and very commonly done. It could be happening right now somewhere in the world and you are not aware of it.
A quick look some artists’ online presence can be rather worrying, revealing many sites with large image files of a very high quality. Images at 1000 pixels or more were seen, some even at 1500 pixels wide; and not a watermark in site!
The ubiquitous “right click” protection is no protection at all against a web savvy image thief. A file at 1000px or 1200px on the long side will produce a very useful A4 print.
CHECKLIST

1. Generally maximum image sizes of 500px or 600px (long side) are recommended for most web purposes particularly where the images form part of a selling site.
2. If you are using a third party web site for selling your work, such as Etsy, check the image configuration settings to see how large your images are being displayed.
3. Does your site use any form of watermarking or other image protection system? If you value your art and your income then it should. Speak to your webmaster about this now.

We have a great deal of experience in digital imaging and the web - if you have any questions or concerns about your images and the internet please just contact us at Code Ice Prints.

 

Discounted prices are provided to business clients holding a valid ABN
Just create a Business account on our site - supply your ABN and registered business name during registration.
On approval you can immediately begin enjoying a business users discount on all your online orders.

 

Between 180-300dpi
Modern fine art inkjet printing technology is not constrained by the old 300dpi concept relating to traditional book and magazine print presses involving a matrix of ink dots with spaces between the dots.
Understanding pixel dimensions for an image is the important aspect as the pixel count is what really determines the maximum output size, not a figure for DPI which merely relates to a particular output size.
As a general rule of thumb the ideal would be a minimum 2800 pixels on the long side for a 40cm print. Extra pixels are fine i.e small prints can be produced from large files but not the opposite.
Note that our Standard Print Size service is designed for files setup at 300dpi for reasons of cost effectiveness.'