GUIDELINES

For image submissions - high quality Inkjet/Giclée reproductions.

The following guidelines will help maximize the results that can be achieved when creating a High Quality Inkjet/Giclée print from a digital file.

Two frequently asked questions are about resolution and color space. Generally speaking it is recommended to have a minimum resolution of 150-200 ppi at the maximum size the image is going to be printed. An Adobe RGB colour profile embedded with the image.

Since not all digital cameras or scanners are created equal, images created by a professional 8MP digital SLR with professional lenses will produce a much better file than a 10 MP point and shoot. We understand that very few individual have a digital camera capable of producing native resolution for a 30X40 giclée at 150ppi or higher resolutions. Similarly, scanners work in much the same way. You may use image interpolation to compensate, though be warned that this also has limitations and it is advisable not to resample more than 200% from the original. You will need to work additionally on the re-sampled image to make it appear reasonably close to the original in terms of its sharpness and details.

If you are planning to resample your digital image files to create large pieces of art, we recommend that you consider an application dealing with Fractals to help you maximize the quality of your image enlargement.

Digital photographs are easier to enlarge because there are no dots to start with. A film scan from i.e. a 35mm or 6cm x 6cm negative will not be as easy to interpolate because of the inherent film grain.

Make sure that the file you post is at least 150 PPI (pixels per inch) at the final print size desired. Since your image file may be reproduced at many different sizes, it is a always a good idea to retain the file size to the largest print size you have in mind of a specific artwork. It can always be downsized without any loss.

For example: If you wish to have a final giclée print image size of 30” x 40” on a media of your choice, then your file, when viewed in Photoshop, should have a native (not re-sampled) image size of 30” x 40” with a PPI at that size of at least 150.

• • Make sure that the file you post is at least 150 PPI (pixels per inch) at the final print size desired. Since your image file may be reproduced at many different sizes, it is a good idea to retain the file size to the largest print size you foresee of a specific artwork. It can always be downsized without any loss.
  
• • Avoid taking a low-resolution file and "Re-sampling" it to a much larger size using Photoshop. This will usually leave signs of pixelation.
  
• • Because of the high quality and color gamut of our giclée inkjet printing, we recommend working in the Adobe RGB 1998 color space.
  
• • Do not convert your files to the CMYK colour space - The CMYK colour spaces reflect offset printing and may be unable to reproduce a lot of colours that are represented by many RGB colours available with the inkjet print technology.
  
• If you are scanning your original art, we recommend that you scan the art at 100% magnification at 300dpi.
  
• If you are using a digital camera to digitize your art, ensure even lighting, avoid any reflections and use the highest possible image quality setting on the camera.