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A Quick Guide to the Giclée Reproduction Process

STEP 1: GETTING STARTED
The first step is to acquire the artwork to be reproduced.
- Original artwork (paintings, illustrations, photographs)
- 4" x 5" transparency, 35mm slide, negative
(The original, transparency, 35mm slide, negative are scanned and converted to a digital file.)

This first step is one of the most important. The better the quality of this first generation image, the higher quality the print. When photographing the original it is particularly important that the image is evenly lit with no “hot spots” and that it is in sharp focus.

To insure color accuracy we employ color management through
out the process of scanning your art. All scans are custom profiled to maintain the best quality color reproduction.

Determining the size of the image is another one of the first considerations as it may affect our scan settings. Most prints are printed with a 300 dpi file. Also it is necessary to decide on how much of a paper border you want around the image, if any. Other considerations are: Print media (paper or canvas) and edition size.

STEP 2: INSPECTING THE FILE
Once the digital file is received our experts go over the file, inspecting it for dust, scratches, or other flaws that should not be reproduced; if found, they are edited or removed. The edges are squared off and aligned if necessary. The “cleaned up” file is sent to production.

STEP 3: PRINTING THE PROOFS
Now the first proofs are created. They allow the digital technician to adjust the colors in the print and check for any other problems that may have escaped notice in the previous steps. Once our technician decides that it is an accurate representation of the original the artist is contacted to come to our studio to view the proof or the proof is mailed to the artist or client for approval.

STEP 4: STARTING PRODUCTION
Upon approval the image is printed. This could mean printing the entire edition or an agreed upon number of prints. Our archival fine art prints are printed using Roland or Epson printers using pigmented ink technology, creating an archival print that is suitable for museum or gallery display.

STEP 5: FINISHING
Next the prints are curated and checked for any misprints or other flaws. On canvas we add two coats of UV varnish to protect the print. It can be a semi gloss or glossy finish. The varnishing will give an increased protection against scratching and possible water exposure.

STEP 6: TRIMMED AND SIGNED
Lastly, the prints are trimmed to the desired border size and signed by the artist. Hand torn edges (deckled) are available upon request. There may be an extra charge depending on quantities.

Skylark Images
8010 Whited Road • Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 823-8369
info@skylarkimages.com