Q&A
FINE ART REPRODUCTION
Q: What is a “Giclée” print?
A: The term “giclée” (pronounced “gee-clay”) comes from a French term meaning “fine spray.” This refers to how the ink is applied to the paper when producing the reproduction print. Giclée prints are made using an inkjet printer, rather than a traditional plate press.
Q: Why make giclée reproductions instead of more traditional plate prints, such as lithographs?
A: As there are no plates to be made, the setup process for a giclée print is less time consuming, and therefore less costly. This allows the artist to produce smaller print runs of a particular print, and to produce smaller batches at a time. For example, many of our clients produce lots of ten prints at a time, and re-order as required. Compare this with a traditional print - such as a lithograph reproduction - where the print runs are in the many hundreds, if not thousands to offset the cost of setting up the file.
Q: How large can you print?
A: Our giclée prints are produced on a wide format inkjet printer, using roll-fed stock. The size of the print is limited only by the width of your chosen material. Generally speaking, our maximum width is 46 to 48 inches. Media is delivered to us on rolls up to 40 feet in length - we will gladly print a whole roll at a time for you if you so choose! The largest print we have produced to date was a stretched canvas print 46” high by 15 feet in length.
Q: How do you make the prints?
A: We start by taking a high quality digital photograph of the original artwork. We then colour correct our file to match the original piece as closely as possible, and profile it appropriately for the stock we will be printing to. At this point, the artist is encouraged to come by to view a proof, and we will tweak the file further to your specifications as required. Once we have the go ahead, we hit the print button, and magic follows.
Q: What type of inks do you use?
A: Our art reproduction printers use fade resistant, pigment ink.
Q: What type of stock do you use?
A: Your original art can be reproduced on:
PAPER MEDIA:
Arches textured 100% cotton rag watercolour paper
Arches smooth 100% cotton rag watercolour paper
Art cards
SPECIALTY MEDIA:
artist’s canvas
semi-opaque polyester fabric
clear and opaque film media
Q: What if I already have a digital file for the piece I want to reproduce?
A: It takes a very high quality, high resolution photograph to produce a quality print. We will happily asses your file to see if it is suitable for printing, and advise you if it is more cost effective to work from your supplied file, or start with a new photograph.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost depends on a variety of factors including print size, what material you choose, whether we are working from a supplied file or from an original piece of artwork, proofing requirements, print quantity and timeline for delivery. Please contact us with your job specifications, and we will happily provide you with a quote.
Q: My computer is old, and/or I don’t have the specific program to archive my artwork. Can you archive it for me?
A: Yes. We archive your digital files for future re-prints. Archiving is subject to our electronic archiving policies.
Q: How should I frame or finish my prints? Do you have a frame shop?
A: Generally speaking, paper prints are usually matted and framed under glass, while canvas prints are not glassed. We offer varnishing and stretching service for canvas prints, but do not offer any other framing services. We’d be happy to recommend a frame shop to you if you need one.
Q: What type of finishing do you offer?
- mounting (foamcore, plaque, sintra, gatorboard)
- lamination, matte or gloss (48’’ wide max). Anti-glare lamination is also available.
- decal die cutting
- grommets
- banner stitching
- drilling
- hanging and mounting hardware for signs and posters
WINDOW GRAPHICS
Q: I would like to see how my window(s) would look like with the advertisement in place, before I sign off the last proof. Can designtype do that?
A: Certainly. We will show you a stand-alone proof, or we can offer you a “mock-up” or representation of your windows with the artwork installed BEFORE the actual printing and installation process. This process ensures your creative expectations are met.
Q: Can I do the windows graphics installation myself?
A: Installation requires a certain level of previous experience (eg: vehicle decal installation). Due to the skill level needed, we strongly recommend that the installation be performed by an experienced individual.
Q: Can I remove window vinyls and graphics easily?
A: Yes, the materials we use for window graphics are for semi-permanent use. Once the graphics are removed, they cannot be re-used.
Q: Do the window graphics need to cover all my window area?
A: No, we can create cutout shapes and lettering on self-adhesive vinyl. This means some sections of the window can be left clear if desired.
Q: I have the artwork ready. Can you print it from my own supplied artwork?
A: Yes - just email your print-ready PDF or upload it to our FTP site. We will advise you if changes are needed to ensure optimum output.
Q: I am not an artist, and need designtype to set up my artwork. How much does it cost to do that?
A: We will meet with you to go over your concept, and determine which is the best creative approach to take with your project. Size of the window may not determine the cost of your project so much as creative and production requirements do. Once we have determined how to best meet your needs, we will submit a quote for your approval before starting on your project.
Q: My artwork is from a business card or a small ad. Can you print it at full window size?
A: Unless what you have is vector-based artwork, the answer is generally no. Enlarging existing artwork to more than 250% will result in jagged and blurred graphics. Your artwork may need to be recreated.
VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Q: Is there a minimum quantity to order when it comes to car decals?
A: No. We can print as few as single decals, or bumper stickers.
Q: How much do car graphics cost?
A: As with any type of advertising, job cost is determined by a number of factors including: vehicle model, type of artwork supplied and/or developed, timeline, and how large your decal(s) will be. We can create bumper stickers, rear windows, sides, half or full wrap graphics. Contact us to request a cost.
Q: Do you do installation?
A: Yes. Our quote will give you a cost breakdown for decal artwork, printing and installation.
Q: I have the artwork ready. Can you print it from my own supplied artwork?
A: Yes - just email your print-ready PDF or upload it to our FTP site. We will advise you if changes are needed to ensure optimum output.
Q: Can I remove car decals easily?
A: Yes, the materials we use for vehicle graphics are for semi-permanent use. Once the graphics are removed, they cannot be re-used.
iPAD PUBLISHING
Q: What is iPad Publishing?
A: It is the creation, production, distribution of traditional print-media content through one of Apple’s mobile devices: the iPad. Your publication is designed with embedded rich-media content such as video, sound, slide shows and other navigational features, in an interactive and user-friendly interface.
iPad Publishing is ideal for magazines, professional single issues, marketing collateral and specialized titles, published on a regular basis.
Q: What are some of the benefits of iPad Publishing?
A: iPad Publishing rich-media experience engages your audience in ways print-media cannot, either through product tours, corporate or demonstration videos, slide shows or gammification techniques. Interaction brings a whole new experience to your consumers’ products and services research. Most importantly, iPad publishing can easily help increase your company’s presence in new marketplaces, outside your traditional advertising geographies.
Some other optional benefits are research reports, sales tools and branded content experiences.
Q: How are my publications distributed?
A: After your own branded app is created and your issue is approved and tested, we upload your app to the App Store, where is ready for distribution. Your app can easily be downloaded for free, or for a small fee. It is through this app that your issue reaches its final destination: your target audience. Future issues are then published to your app with a publishing portal tool.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Design and production varies, based on your publication’s specifications. We analyze your design and distribution requirements and present options that would best suit your company’s budget and advertising needs.
Q: Is iPad Publishing a good fit for my business?
A: Value of business information through leading technology could set your business apart from the competition. iPad Publishing helps bringing your business to a new level of consumer’s interaction and innovative advertising. Instant access of services and product information is at the consumer’s fingertips.