Resources & Support

Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

1. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
3. How does a Giclee differ from a traditional print (a lithograph)?
4. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
5. I have heard that reproductions fade over time, what about Giclee?
6. Is white considered a printing color?
7. Tips on how to save your design files
8. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
9. What is Giclee, And Why Is It The Next Best Thing to Owning the Original?
10. What is a "proof"?
11. What is the Pantone Matching System?
12. What type of products and services do you provide?
13. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

1. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

   Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

   Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call.

3. How does a Giclee differ from a traditional print (a lithograph)?

   Giclée printmaking derives its quality from its seemingly “dotless” imaging technology which contrasts with traditional fine art prints which typically rely on printing screen pattern dots to reproduce full-range color. Because traditional offset printing dot patterns are detectable to the unaided eye, it is less desirable than Giclée fine art prints for fine art reproduction. Traditional offset prints are typically restricted to papers that widely vary from what the original artwork was created on — especially when reproducing oil on canvas. The Giclée process enables reproduction on virtually the same media as the original artwork whether it is on canvas, textured watercolor paper, or specialty fine art papers. The result is a reproduction that is virtually indistinguishable from the original artwork.

4. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

   We do our best to accommodate our clients needs, especially when it comes to quick turnarounds, but for jobs that don't require rush, please conservatively allow 10-14 days for the full scan & proof process. During this time we will call you to come to our studio or mail a proof to you. After the proof is approved, the print order will be ready for shipment in approximately 3-5 days. Turnaround time for any given order is based on the volume of prints required. Most often reprint orders also take 3-5 days, granted there are no adjustments or variations to be applied to your images.

5. I have heard that reproductions fade over time, what about Giclee?

   Museum-quality Giclée reproductions are recognized as "the next best thing” to owning the original and can be found in the world's finest museums and art galleries. Based on independent research and testing, there are various image permanence ratings for each combination of ink and media used in Giclée printmaking. Wilhelm Imaging Research's image permanence ratings have been provided to the public about expected display-life for various ink and media combinations used in Giclée printmaking today. Our Giclée reproductions offer an image stability rating of greater than 80 years* due to the archival-grade pigment inks and acid-free media we exclusively use at Skylark Images.

6. Is white considered a printing color?

   Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

7. Tips on how to save your design files

   Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

   COREL DRAW:
   Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export as Illustrator EPS

   FREEHAND:
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to paths
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

   PAGEMAKER:
   Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
   Postscript Level 2
   CMYK Mode
   TIFF format and
   Binary

   PUBLISHER:
   You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
   Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
   Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

8. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

   PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

9. What is Giclee, And Why Is It The Next Best Thing to Owning the Original?

   Giclée (zhee-clay) is an advanced printmaking process for creating high quality fine art reproductions. The attainable quality that Giclée printmaking affords makes the reproduction virtually indistinguishable from the original artwork. The result is wide acceptance of high quality Giclées by galleries, museums, and private collectors.

10. What is a "proof"?

    A proof is a way of ensuring that we have adjusted your color accurately and that everything is cropped and positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof on the paper or canvas that will be used on your final print. This proof will be sent to you online or printed on your chosen substrate, which can be viewed in our studio or delivered to you by mail.

11. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

12. What type of products and services do you provide?

    Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

13. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.