Digital Printing Service, Information & Pricing

Introduction

Digital printing opens new options for artistic creativity. Images saved as a digital file can be manipulated with a number of software packages, most commonly Adobe Photoshop.  Apply a subtle change like warming the skin tones – without affecting the sky blue background. Or completely alter a color image into a black & white monochrome. Play with color and effect until you find just what you are looking for.

Another element that determines the look and feel of the final output is the paper choice. For example, a photograph printed as a giclée will have a very different yet appealing character. The possibilities for artistry in digital printing expand what can be done in an artist’s studio or darkroom photographic production. Explore and enjoy the affordable world of digital imaging and printing.

Our digital printing service produces images on an 8 colors Epson printer using 3 shades of black, 2 magentas, 2 cyans and 1 yellow. All prints are archival, meaning with proper care the quality of the print will last for at least a few lifetimes. Images can be printed up to a whopping 60” x any length. See the sizing/pricing chart below.

Ordering Information

File Specifications

Some of the information that follows is more than you need to know because we can help you ensure that your image is print ready. But for the tech savvy we want to present you with all the requirements to save your time and money.

Bring in your digital image on a CD or USB flash drive. It should be in a .tiff format and for best results at 300 dpi and at the desired print size. The image file should be set to an RGB or grayscale with no layers or channels.

If you are familiar with Photoshop, use the Adobe RGB 1998 profile to view and modify the image on your own computer. Otherwise, you will have the same viewing opportunity when you deliver the image to us in the store.

The image can be the original artwork itself (as with digital fine art and photography) or it can be a digital photo taken of a painting or other artwork.  It is suggested that photos of artwork be taken by a professional in a controlled setting to ensure the final file is of the correct color composition. For this service we recommend Electric Works in San Francisco.

Borders

Your prints will be sized to the exact dimensions of the digital file. If you want a border of any type it must be integrated, typically with the Photoshop Canvas Size command. Again, we are here to assist you in creating the image you want. Canvas giclées will require a border of 2½” for stretching the canvas around a set of stretcher bars. See Canvas Stretching below.

Proofing

It is important to note that in certain instances the print we create for you may not match the colors that you see in your image on the monitor. We use monitor calibration software and an ICC profile specific to our printer to best ensure a color match. However, because a monitor uses a 256-color backlit display and the state-of-the-art printer utilizes 8 ink colors, the monitor will be color-accurate to a degree of 90-95%. Some colors may fall outside of the gamut the printer, inks and media can produce, such as metallics. And each of the substrates absorbs certain colors more or less, leading to differences in intensity or hue. For these reasons you may want to order a proof of your image. For a proof we recommend a 9”x12” print, and the price is the same as ordering a standard 9”x12” print. Based on the proof print, modifications can be made to the digital file.

Copyright

Please ensure that images you want reproduced are not subject to any copyright protection. We will maintain the security of your images and not use them in any manner other than to fulfill your requests for print jobs.

Care

Handle your fine art prints with clean hands. Finger prints transfer easily and are magnets for dust. Be very careful when moving larger prints so that the paper or canvas doesn’t “kink”, leaving a visible crease line from improper handling. Protect your print from moisture and direct sunlight, ideally framed behind glass, and you will enjoy it for many years to come.

Reorders

We will keep your digital file for your future convenience. Upon your request we can initiate a new order of as many prints as you like.

Additional Services:

Artwork Scanning and Image Optimization

Time spent by our service personnel scanning your artwork (limited to 11″x17″) and optimizing your image is billed in increments of 15 minutes at $30. For lesser work the minimum charge is $20, which includes a CD for you that holds a copy of the newly scanned or formatted image.

Canvas Coating

The print shield is a water-resistant archival polymer coating that has a slight satin luster. The coating protects the canvas from scuffing and contains a UV protectant that extends the life of your print. It also makes the print look richer, adding depth to colors. There is a 25% surcharge above the cost of the prints.

Canvas Stretching

As an option we’ll stretch your final canvas print onto high-quality, precision-cut stretcher bars, providing you with a beautiful final presentation. Choose either 1 ½” deep gallery-wrap or ¾” standard profile. Sizes at 30”x40” and larger include appropriate cross bracing to ensure a lasting, solid structure for your fine art.

Digital Printing Service Price List

Pricing Guide: The table below is a retail price list guideline that includes some of the most popular sizes. We offer a 10% volume discount on orders for 5 or more copies of one image, and 20% for 10 or more copies. We can print to any size.

* There are complexities when printing large areas of solid, dark color and these images will incur a 25% surcharge.  We will advise you before printing if this condition exists.

Orders placed by noon on Wednesday will be ready by the following Monday.