What is a giclée print?
What do I call my prints?
Do you work from digital files?
What are your digital file requirements?
What is the largest original I can bring in to have digitally scanned?
How large can you print?
Are my prints archival?
Can you use paper that I supply to you?
What does "No Setup Fees" mean?
Can I put two different images on one sheet of paper to print?
I have a 35mm slide, can you produce a print from that?
I only want something scanned, can you do that?
Can I get a copy of my file for a website or brochure?
What other services do you offer?
For how long do you keep my files?
What is your turnaround time?
I am in a hurry for prints, can you help me?
Do you require a deposit?
What forms of payment do you accept?
What if I want reprints?
Can you ship me the prints?
How do I get to your studio?


What is a giclée print?     top
Derived from a French term meaning "to spray," the word giclée is used to describe a museum-quality print generated on a high-end fine art printer using archival inks and paper by a skilled digital printmaker.  The utmost care and attention to detail has been followed to produce a print that accurately represents the artist's vision.

What do I call my prints?     top
Admittedly, over the years the word giclée has been over-used by just about anyone creating a digital print of a photograph or an artwork.  We still use the term, but we also like pigment print and fine art digital print.

Do you work from digital files?     top
Absolutely.  We have many photography clients who shoot digitally.  As well, many of our clients create their artwork on a computer using various programs.  And sometimes, a digital photograph of a painting is all that an artist may have of their work.  See the next section for our digital file requirements.

What are your digital file requirements?     top
We prefer to receive digital files on either a CD or DVD.  They should be in the RGB color mode and saved in the TIFF format.  Files should be at 300ppi resolution and be at least half of the desired final image size.  Since the quality and size of digital files can vary drastically, we can offer suggestions on file preparation and final output size upon viewing the client file.

What is the largest original I can bring in to have digitally scanned?     top
The largest original we can scan directly with our digital scanning back camera is 40"x60".  Any thing over that size we recommend having a 4"x5" or 8"x10" transparency taken.  If your original is very dark or very glossy (or both), special preparations may be necessary for digital scanning.

How large can you print?     top
We normally print by the full sheet which is approximately 35"x45".  So the largest size print that can fit on a sheet with a 1" border is 32"x42".  We are able to print larger sizes using roll media however.  Pricing is calculated by the square inch for these projects.

Are my prints archival?     top
Yes.  We only use archival quality, acid-free papers and canvas.  The inks are stable pigments with longevity ratings of over 80 years under normal viewing conditions.  We always recommend handling a print along its edges and storing it flat in a dry environment.  Treat a giclée print as you would a watercolor.  Its never advisable to display a print in direct sunlight (such as a window) for extended periods of time.

Can you use paper that I supply to you?     top
Yes we can, assuming we are able to print on the material.  Additional fees may be charged for testing and calibration.  And we may not be able to guarantee absolute quality and longevity of the prints.  All of the papers we use in-house have been optimized to our system and offer stable brilliant colors and excellent detail.  We highly recommend using one of the papers we stock.  In the past though, we have printed on silks, vellums, wood veneers and metal foils provided by our clients.

What does "No Setup Fees" mean?     top
At Pictex we are very unique in that we don't charge Scanning or Proofing fees with most print orders.  These fees are waived with the purchase of at least one sheet per image.  This is a real cost savings of $200 - $300 per image.  For most projects, the Printing price is the only cost involved.  See the Pricing section for more information.

Can I put two different images on one sheet of paper to print?     top
You can if we have already printed the images once before and they were printed using the same paper and the same printer.  This is what we call "mix and match".  If you are bringing us two new images, each image will have to be printed on its own layout the first time through.  Because we waive the Scanning and Proofing charges with the purchase of at least one sheet per image, placing two images on one sheet would necessitate additional fees.

I have a 35mm slide, can you produce a print from that?     top
Yes.  We can take a high resolution scan of your 35mm slide and create a wonderful looking fine art print.  Maximum final print size will depend on many factors including film grain, sharpness and subject matter.

I only want something scanned, can you do that?     top
Yes.  We provide scan-only services for a number of artists who wish to archive their work or use the high quality file for another purpose, such as a brochure.  Our scans are color-correct so that the file accurately represents the original.  A direct digital scan from our high-end system is typically $100 per scan and is provided on a CD in RGB TIFF format.

Can I get a copy of my file for a website or brochure?     top
Sure.  The cost for the file is $25 plus $1 per megabyte ($5 minimum per image).  This allows us to tailor the file to the needs of the client without the purchase of our full archived file.  A file for the web is typically 1 megabyte, a brochure is 10 - 20 megabytes and our full scan is 30 - 150 megabytes.

What other services do you offer?     top
- Digital photography of artwork using our high-end digital scanning back system, suitable for archiving of artwork.
- Consulting on the planning, implementation and marketing of limited edition prints.
- Studio rental of the space, equipment and personnel expertise.  Call us for scheduling and pricing.
- Collaborative printmaking and art creation.
- Advanced design and digital imaging.

For how long do you keep my files?     top
In general, we archive all of our client's files indefinitely.  However, CDs, DVDs and drives can go bad and we cannot guarantee their integrity forever.  Some of our clients do purchase a copy of their full files for back-up and peace of mind sake.  And although we have never yet lost a file, we do recommend considering a back-up.  We can also destroy your archived files upon request.

What is your turnaround time?     top
Our typical turnaround time is about 10 business days for Image Capture and Proofing and another 5 business days for Printing.  Larger orders involving multiple images and many sheets may take longer.  Call us to find out what our current production schedule is like.

I am in a hurry for prints, can you help me?     top
Rush orders can often be accommodated.  We understand that a last minute sale or gallery show is sometimes unavoidable.  Call us to find out what our current production schedule is like.  If we have the time, we will try to make your deadline.  However, sometimes a rush fee may be charged if the order affects the timing of other work in the studio.  A typical rush fee is $125 per original.

Do you require a deposit?     top
Yes.  A 50% deposit is required at the time of ordering before work begins.  The remaining balance is due upon completion and pick-up of the prints or prior to shipping if needed.  If an order is cancelled, the deposit may or may not be refundable, depending on the amount of work already completed.

What forms of payment do you accept?     top
We accept personal checks or credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express).  Cash is fine also, but please have exact change on hand.

What if I want reprints?     top
Just give us a call or send us an email with the name of the image and how many sheets you need.  The reprint process is pretty straightforward.  There is no need to bring your artwork back in to us.  Your print files have been archived and we have the approved proof for reference.  If you need to change the size and layout configuration we will be more than happy to assist with the calculations.  Reprint pricing is project specific and may be discounted from the standard price schedule.  Call us for a reprint quote.  A 50% deposit may be required before printing begins.

Can you ship me the prints?     top
Yes.  We have safely shipped hundreds of print packages around the country.  We usually try to flat-pack the artwork for shipment to avoid curling issues.  Larger sized prints may require the use of a heavy-duty 6" diameter mailing tube.  Our main courier is FedEx, but we can use UPS or the USPS upon request.  The customer is billed for all packaging and shipping charges.

How do I get to your studio?     top
Click here for the location and directions to Pictex.