Getting Started with Inked
Welcome to Inked’s Getting Started Guide, your step-by-step resource for exploring our premium printing services. Whether you’re an artist seeking to transform your creations into gallery-worthy prints or a photographer aspiring to preserve memorable moments in high resolution, this guide will ease your journey.In the following sections, you’ll find essential information about our different print options, tips for preparing your artwork or photos for print, and detailed instructions to help you navigate the ordering process. We’re committed to delivering high-quality products that bring your visions to life and we hope this guide helps illuminate the path to your perfect print.We understand that entering the world of professional printing can be daunting, but don’t worry! Inked team is here to support you every step of the way. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey towards capturing your creativity in print.
Understanding the Art of Giclee Printing
Giclee Printing is a fine art digital printing method that combines pigment-based inks with high quality archival quality paper to achieve prints of superior archival quality, light fastness and stability. The Giclee printing process involves spraying microscopic dots of pigment-based ink onto high-quality art paper or canvas. This technique provides incredibly detailed prints that can retain their color and detail for more than a century with proper care.The top choice of many artists and photographers, Giclee prints are prized for their vibrant color accuracy and exceptional detail. As compared to other print methods, Giclee offers the highest degree of accuracy and richness of color. This makes them ideal for artworks that have intricate details or for photographs that demand precision and extraordinary color depth.At Inked, we specialize in Giclee printing and strive for perfection with every print. Our Giclee prints are created using Epson’s latest generation of inkjet printers and Ultrachrome PRO12 inks. With a 99% Pantone coverage, our prints ensure that your artwork is reproduced with stunning color accuracy and attention to detail. We work closely with artists and photographers to ensure that each print is a true representation of their original work. We also offer a variety of media choices, from fine art papers to canvas, enabling artists and photographers to choose the medium that best suits their work. With Inked, you get the premium choice for reproducing your artwork or photography.
Choosing the Perfect Product for Your Art
Selecting the ideal product for your artwork can be a pivotal decision, dictating the final appearance, feel, and longevity of your cherished pieces. Each of our products offers unique benefits and aesthetic qualities that cater to different styles and preferences. In the ‘Choosing the Perfect Product for Your Art’ section, we’ll guide you through our range of options, discussing the unique features of each, to help you make an informed choice that truly complements and enhances your artwork.
Giclee Prints
Giclee Prints are the epitome of art reproduction excellence, and they are a fantastic choice when you want to replicate the vivid details, rich colors, and textures of your original artwork or photography.You might choose Giclee Prints when:Quality Matters: Giclee Prints employ high-resolution and archival-quality inks on various fine art media. This results in an incredibly accurate reproduction with color stability that can last for decades without any noticeable fading.
Artistic Representation
Giclee Prints offer an exceptional level of color accuracy and high-fidelity reproduction. This means the subtle nuances of tones, shades, and texture in your original piece can be captured meticulously, making it an excellent choice for artists who demand precision and realism in their reproductions.
Limited Edition Prints or Art Sale
Giclee Prints are perfect for artists who want to sell reproductions of their work without compromising on quality. These prints are often seen in galleries and are highly valued by art collectors worldwide.
Photography Enthusiasts
Photographers who seek to showcase their work in a format that captures every detail and color gradient should opt for Giclee Prints. These prints can transform a photograph into a piece of art that can be cherished for generationsHere at Inked, we specialize in Giclee Printing. Our process utilizes the latest in printing technology, including high-precision printers and archival inks. This, coupled with our deep understanding of fine art and photography needs, enables us to deliver Giclee Prints of the highest standard.
Photo Prints
Photo Prints are a time-honored and popular choice for those who want to bring their photographic memories to life with exceptional clarity and vividness. They are perfect for a wide range of applications due to their versatility, affordability, and quality.
Here are some of the primary benefits and best uses of Photo Prints:
1. High Quality: Photo Prints are produced using state-of-the-art printers and high-quality photo paper, resulting in stunningly clear and vibrant images. These prints can capture the intricate details and nuances of your photography with precision.
2. Versatility: Whether it’s a wedding album, family portraits, travel photography, or professional portfolio, Photo Prints are suited to a multitude of uses. They can be framed and displayed in homes, galleries, or offices, given as gifts, or kept as keepsakes.
3. Affordability: Compared to other printing methods, Photo Prints offer an affordable option for both professional photographers and hobbyists. This makes them an excellent choice for large print runs or when budget constraints are a consideration.
4. Durability: When properly cared for, Photo Prints can last for dozens of years. Their durability makes them ideal for uses where they may be handled often, such as photo albums or portfolios.At Inked, we take great pride in offering high-quality Photo Prints that truly reflect the effort and creativity you put into your photography. Our prints ensure your captured moments are preserved with the highest level of detail and color accuracy, making them a pleasure to view time and time again.
Loose Canvas Prints
Canvas Prints offer a great solution for artists who desire the feel of traditional canvas but also want the flexibility to manage their own framing or mounting solutions. These prints cater to the specific needs of artists for several reasons:
1. Control Over Presentation: By purchasing Canvas Prints, artists are able to take full control over the presentation of their work. Whether you have a unique or custom frame in mind, or you plan to display your artwork in a non-traditional way, canvas prints give you the freedom to personalize the final appearance of your artwork.
2. Archival Quality: Canvas Prints from Inked are created with high-quality, archival-grade canvas and inks. This results in a finished product that not only looks stunning but is also designed to resist fading and last for generations.
3. Texture and Depth: One of the most appealing aspects of canvas prints is their textural quality. The canvas material adds a tactile element that lends depth to the image, helping to recreate the feel of an original painting.
4. Large Format Friendly: For larger artworks, Canvas Prints are an excellent choice. The durability of canvas makes it less likely to rip or tear, and it can be stretched around large frames without losing its integrity.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to transform your artwork into a statement piece that captures attention, provides longevity, and carries an air of professionalism and class, Canvas Prints are an exceptional choice.
Ready to transform your artwork? Start with our range of premium printing products now.
Selecting the Right Size and Border Options
Choosing the right print size and border option for your artwork is essential for enhancing its impact and appeal. Here at Inked, we offer a variety of sizes and border options to cater to your specific needs. Here’s how you can make the best selection:
Choosing the Right Print Size:
Consider the Artwork’s Scale: The size of your print should align with the dimensions of your original artwork. For larger pieces, a larger print size can effectively capture all the details, while smaller artwork can be best served with smaller print sizes.
Context Matters: Think about where the print will be displayed. A larger print might work best on an empty wall in a living room, while a smaller print might be more suitable for a desk or bedside table. Also, consider the existing décor and room size to ensure your print complements its surroundings.
Sample Different Sizes: If you’re unsure about the size, consider printing small samples of your work at different sizes to see which one works best. It’s an inexpensive way to make a more informed decision. Understanding Border Options:
At Inked, we offer several border options, mainly for our Fine Art Prints. These include borderless, 1/4-inch border, 1-inch border, and a generous 2-inch border. Here’s how to choose:
At Inked, we offer several border options, mainly for our Fine Art Prints. These include borderless, 1/4-inch border, 1-inch border, and a generous 2-inch border. Here’s how to choose:
1-Inch Border: A more noticeable border that adds extra white space around your artwork, creating a “mat” effect and allowing for easier handling or framing.
2-Inch Border: This broad border provides an aesthetic boost, particularly for larger prints, and gives you ample space for stretching or framing.
Remember, the right size and border for your print will depend on your artwork, its intended location, and your personal preference. The Inked team is always here to help if you need advice or assistance in making your selection.
Submitting Your Artwork for Printing
Submitting your artwork for printing can feel like a daunting task, but at Inked, we aim to simplify the process for you. In the ‘Submitting Your Artwork for Printing’ section, we will walk you through every step, from file preparation and upload to final verification. We will provide you with practical tips and guidelines to ensure your artwork is correctly formatted and ready for our high-quality printing process. Have your files ready? Select a product, upload your images, and let’s get printing.File Format: Save your artwork as a high-resolution JPEG, TIFF, or PNG. These formats will retain the quality and detail of your artwork best for printing.
Resolution: The resolution of your image should be at least 240 dpi. This ensures that your printed artwork will be sharp and clear. Color Profile: Use an RGB color profile (Preferrably Adobe RGB for Giclee & sRGB for Photo Printing) for your artwork file and embed the icc profile whenever prompted. While some prefer CMYK for print, our printers are RGB devices and will provide the most accurate color reproduction using this color profile.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues while preparing or uploading your files, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and experienced team is here to assist and guide you through the process. At Inked, we’re committed to making your print ordering experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Ensuring the Longevity of Your Prints
Your print from Inked is a valuable piece of art, and with the right care, it can last for generations. Here’s how to handle, display, and care for your prints to ensure their longevity:
Handling Your Prints
Use Clean Hands: Always ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling your prints. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can damage the print surface.
Use Cotton Gloves
For the best protection, use cotton gloves when handling prints. This prevents fingerprints and reduces the risk of scratching the print surface.
Displaying Your Prints
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Choose a location for your print that is out of direct sunlight.
Use UV Protective Glass
If framing your print, consider using UV protective glass to further safeguard against light damage.
Control the Environment
Extreme temperatures and humidity can adversely affect your print. Aim for a stable, moderate climate and consider using a dehumidifier in humid environments. Caring for Your Prints.
Dusting
Dust your prints regularly using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Never use cleaning products or water on your prints.
Cleaning Frames
If your print is framed, clean the glass with a glass cleaner, but be careful not to let the cleaner seep under the edge of the frame onto the print.
Check Regularly
Regularly check your prints for any signs of mold, discoloration, or other damage, especially if displayed in a humid environment. Your prints are meant to be enjoyed for a lifetime and beyond. With these tips, you’ll ensure that your artwork remains vibrant and intact for years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your print, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Inked.
Understanding the Production and Shipping Process At Inked, we are committed to delivering top-quality prints, right from the moment you place an order until it arrives at your doorstep. Here’s a glimpse of our production process and an overview of our shipping options:
Our Production Process
Once your order is placed, it enters our streamlined production process:Artwork Review: Every artwork file is manually reviewed by our experienced team to ensure it meets the necessary specifications for top-quality printing. If any issues are identified, we’ll reach out to you for resolution.
Printing: Upon approval, your artwork enters the printing phase. Our high-end giclee printers use archival inks to ensure color accuracy, detail fidelity, and long-lasting prints.
Quality Control: Post-printing, each print is meticulously inspected for any flaws or inconsistencies. We guarantee that only flawless prints make it through this stringent quality control. Packaging: Each print is carefully packaged using protective materials to safeguard it during transit.
Production Times While production times can vary depending on the size, material, and quantity of your order, most orders are typically ready for shipping within 3-5 business days.
Shipping Options & Process
We use reputable courier services to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your prints:Standard Shipping: With our standard shipping option, most orders are delivered within 3-7 business days post-production. Tracking information will be provided so you can follow your order’s journey.
At Inked, we strive to make the process from ordering to delivery as smooth as possible. If you have any queries or require assistance at any stage, our customer service team is ready to help.