The Giclée Process

iclée is as French word meaning, "the spraying of ink." The term is now used to describe a unique printing technology. Originally giclée prints were produced on an Iris printer and often were referred to as Iris prints. This is no longer accurate as there are several brands of printers that produce excellent giclée prints. Early applications of this technology, while producing wonderful results, experienced problems with stability and durability of the dye-based inks used.

New print head technology has been developed which allows the use of pigment-based inks. These pigment-based inks will last for 100+ years.

Digitizing
The first step in creating a reproduction is to convert the original into a high quality digital file using either a direct capture high resolution digital image of the original art or a high-resolution scan of a transparency, slide or negative. The digital image is then manipulated (sized, cropped, color matched, etc.) for output. In order of priority, we prefer to work from the original, a professionally produced transparency or digital file furnished by the artist, a slide or a negative. Low quality digital images will result in low quality results. Please see the section on acceptable digital file format under technical information.

Proofing
Proofing is the process that differentiates a mere inkjet printer from a fine art giclée printmaker. Nearly anyone can purchase a wide format digital printer and produce color reproductions that look o.k. It takes a special talent to participate in the production of a work of art that looks magnificent. The fine art giclée printmaker establishes a collaborative partnership with the artist. The goal being to produce on paper the artist's vision. Prints can be made to reproduce the original or to add subtle changes to enhance color or contrast, all at the direction of the artist. We employ custom color profiles to give our clients the best color reproduction the industry has to offer. The colors we achieve are superior to other reproduction methods but one must be aware that all inks have color limitations. Some colors are outside the printable color spectrum of nearly all reproduction methods. During the proofing process the artist works with the printmaker to achieve the look and feel that is most satisfactory and closest to the original. Once the final proof has been approved and signed by the artist the printmaking begins.

Printing
Studio West uses state-of-the art professional wide format digital printers, computer controlled, with color-matched protocols for each ink-media combination. See technical information section for details on the hardware.

Inks
Studio West uses Epson Ultra Chrom K3 ink formulated for giclée printing offering a wide color gamut and high UV resistance.

Substrates
Somerset Velvet Enhanced
Fine Art Canvas
Photo Gloss
Photo Matte

Print-As-Needed
Print as needed saves the artist money. Since Studio West archives the original digital file, only the quantity currently required need be printed at any one time. As the edition sells, more prints are produced, each identical to every other one in the edition. Each print is an original work of art. Certificate of authenticity will be produced for each print, if requested.

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The main Giclée page
Giclée Technical specifications

Studio West - Specializing in Fine Art Giclee Printmaking!