The contemporary process for producing archival pigment edition prints from original artworks or photographs.
Traditionally known as giclée prints, they provide vivid, pure colour and exceptional detail very suitable for exhibition display and sale as high end fine art prints.
Regarded as one of the most stable colour printing processes available today.
Key aspects of modern fine art & archival printing:
- High-Quality Reproduction: archival pigment printing is known for its ability to reproduce fine art and photographic images with exceptional detail, colour accuracy, and vibrancy. It is often used to replicate paintings and artworks, allowing for a faithful representation of the original.
- Archival Quality: archival pigment prints are typically created using archival-grade, pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant and designed to withstand the test of time. When printed on high-quality, archival paper or canvas, such pigment prints can have a long lifespan without significant fading or deterioration – often rated at 100-200 years.
- Media Options: Prints can be produced on various substrates, including fine art paper, canvas, and other specialist materials. The choice of substrate can impact the texture and appearance of the final print.
- Limited Editions: The modern way to produce limited editions, with a specific number of copies signed and numbered by the artist. Adding value and exclusivity to the prints.
- Art Reproduction: The most popular method for artists to reproduce their original artworks for sale, exhibitions, or distribution to a wider audience.
- Customisation: This printing method allows for customisation in terms of print size and substrate, making it suitable for various artistic and decorative purposes.
Digital, archival pigment printing has gained recognition as the high-quality and archival printing method that closely replicates the look and feel of original artworks or photographs. Commonly used in the art world, it’s the preferred choice for artists and photographers looking to create high-quality reproductions of their work.
Our range of print media includes Hahnemühle Digital FineArt paper and if you are not sure which to choose please let us know, we’ll do our best to advise.
The three key steps to a successful digital archival print
1) High end digital capture of the original artwork involving professional photography or scanning techniques.
2) Digital artwork file setup
Professionally produced, colour managed digital image files faithfully reproducing the essence of the original artwork.
3) Final print production
A wide range of superb, acid free, fine art media are available. These should be certified as archival rated.
Once a print-ready file has been finalised multiple giclée prints can then be produced to sell ‘On Demand’
Print On Demand
The modern digital pigment print process is a very cost effective method for the self publishing artist with prints being printed one at a time (or more) as sales are made, thus ensuring that the individual print cost is covered each time. Generally known as print on demand (POD) services. Where you are looking to increase online art sales and build a self-sustaining creative career it’s a great solution.
Advantages are that you do not need to maintain expensive stock inventory, there is little wastage and there will be a consistency in print editions from start to finish.
Average cost per unit is lower for very small print runs compared to setup costs involved with traditional offset printing with no guarantee of selling all prints produced.
We are known for our personal approach, significant experience and can tailor specific services to suit.
Archival Art Prints for book illustrators
By using the CMYK files provided by your publisher you can issue a set of limited edition prints to coincide with a book or other special event. Your illustrations will then also become available to a larger market as “print on demand” giclée prints.
File conversion and print proofing service – from your CMYK book files we can produce a set of RGB print-ready files optimised for your choice of available digital fine art media plus a printed proof from each file.
The files are yours to keep and can be used to produce your on-demand fine art prints.
Contact Us today for further details on this or any of our services
Print Size Calculator
Enter your image dimensions to see recommended print sizes.
How to use this calculator:
- Find your image size: Right-click your image file on your computer and select “Properties” (Windows) or “Get Info” (Mac) to find the dimensions in pixels (e.g. 4500px X 3000px).
- Enter the numbers: Type the width and height into the boxes above.
- Check the results:
- High Quality: This is the size your image can be printed at for professional galleries or books where people will look at the print very closely.
- Standard Quality: This is the maximum size we recommend for home decor or posters. Because you usually stand further back from a large poster, your eyes don’t need as much detail as they do for a small photo held in your hand.
Note: If your desired print size is much larger than the “Standard Quality” result, your print may appear “pixelated” or blurry. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out!