Giclée print (pronounced “zhee-clays”).
Giclée is a French term meaning “to spray”, referring to how giclée prints are usually produced.
These large format inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can both match colour and apply ink precisely, giving artists a like for like high-quality print of their original art.
What makes a Giclée?
To be able to make such a high-quality print, the camera or scanner used to capture or scan the art must be able to do so with a high level of resolution.
Most digital photos are taken at a resolution of 72 DPI on the screen, or “dots per inch,” and the image file of an art print needs to be at least 300 DPI—because the more dots of colour that can be printed in a small area, the more detailed the final image will appear.
As far as ink and paper go, they must be of high quality and considered “archival.” The paper I use for prints is Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm, expensive but really good quality.
This is typically achieved using inks that are pigment-based instead of dye-based
Printers are typically larger models that are able to hold up to 9-12 ink cartridges which produce a wider range of colours for reproducing the artwork.
The Editions
My artwork is scanned or photographed, then an “artist’s proof” A5 is printed. Once I have approve that the print matches the original artwork, a high resolution production file is created with all the details pertaining to colour, density, paper finish, print size, white space as a border, and locked in place for identical printing.
The Limited Edition Giclée Signed Prints
The limited edition giclée prints are counted or numbered by the printers, so when I get to sign on the bottom right hand side of the print and number on the left hand side, all the details are correct. As soon as the limited number has been reached the file is destroyed, keeping the integrity of the edition.
In addition, when someone purchases a print they will also be given a Certificate of Authenticity that normally stays with the work.
If they are going into a gallery or are to be displayed, then they are mounted and sealed for viewing. If they are to be posted, the prints are posted in robust protective cardboard tubes.
The prints are rolled with the grain of the paper to prevent damage in a protective sleeve
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