Creative Avenues - Print Process

previously Ta'Lana Fine Art Productions
Digital and Giclée printing

The Print Process

To initiate the printing process we need to capture the image in digital format. Depending on the size and medium of the original this is achieved either by digitally photographing or directly scanning the image. In both cases we use the highest quality processes in order to ensure the digital file is as close to the original as possible and retains the detail in both the darks and the lights and compensates for any cast in the image.

Once the image capture is complete the file is sent to the proofing station where the density and color of the image are adjusted to closely match the original. If the original is not available we will match to another picture supplied for reference. This process is critical to the quality of the reproduction. The better the information we receive for reference, such as an original, the better the results for the final product.

Alternatively, the artist may wish to modify colour, contrast, composition, or to adjust the original image to create a different visual impression from the original. In this case we need this input at the beginning of the proofing process. (Please book a time to ensure we have someone available to work on the image.)

The artist must specify the stock to be used for the Giclee prior to the proofing. We use the following stock for our Epson Wide Format Printer:

Fine Art Paper:
Arches cold press 170# 356 gsm
Epson Textured Fine Art Paper - Roll
Epson Smooth Fine Art Paper - Roll

Canvas:
Bulldog Platinum
Epson Canvas
Torino UV17
Brilliance Chromata White

Many other paper and canvas products are available and we can special order these if requested. There will be a minimum order size for special orders and the price may vary from our published list.

Once proofing is complete we send out 3 or 4 proofs along with a full resolution 6” wide strip of the proposed Giclée to the artist for approval. The artist then selects a proof, signs the back and returns it to us along with a print order. When we receive the print order, we will clean the image and prepare it for printing. Once the printing is done, canvas images are laminated with a choice of a lustre or matte finish and then mounted onto stretcher bars as required. The image is archived on a CD.

We use ½", ¾", and 1 ½" stretcher bar and we offer standard, gallery (image) and museum wraps, plus black edge tape.

From digital images the process may be slightly different.
Assuming a clean image, the proofing and setup process will be limited to running the required proofs and sizing the image for printing. Please contact us for digital file requirements.

Depending on our workload at any given time, please allow 3 to 4 weeks from the start of the proofing process until the final prints are delivered. We will need 7-10 days for the proofing, 7 days for the printing and coating, and a further few days for stretching canvas images. Paper images can generally be produced quicker than canvas images, because no coating or stretching is required. Rush jobs can be done at a premium, but please remember that quality reproductions take time, especially in the proofing stage.

When additional prints are needed, please contact us by phone, fax or email to request the desired number of additional prints. We can usually produce your order within 7 - 10 days for canvas Giclées and 5 - 7 days for paper Giclées.