Giclee is word coined from the French language for "sprayed paint" and is traditionally used to describe fine art reproductions (copies) of original works of art, generally in larger sizes. Giclee reproductions are created on archival quality printing systems using pigment based inks that are designed to provide a high degree of color accuracy, longevity, and fade resistance. The inks used in these types of printing systems can be calibrated for a variety of media and print runs as small as a single print can be created as needed.

Many artists find that giclee prints are an affordable option for creating color accurate reproductions of their work, at various sizes, and continuing to generate income through sales of the giclee art reproductions. Over time, giclee reproductions of original works of art generate more income, to the artist, than can be made by selling the original work of art.

For example: an original oil, acrylic, or watercolor painting might sell for $2000. Once the sale is completed that is all of the income the original art will generate. This is where giclee reproductions continue to generate income for the artist and also makes the art available to art afficionados.

A limited edition run of 250 giclees, offered for sale at $200 a piece, could generate up to $50,000 in income (just do the math). Of course the trick is to find a way to sell your giclee prints and that is a totally different discussion. An aggressive marketing plan, art gallery outlets, framing shop outlets, and internet galleries are all part of that equation.

The Process:

We will create a digital file from your original work of art that will be used to create reproductions of the work of art. A copy of the digital file is always provided to the artist on CD or DVD. There is no minimum on how many prints have to be ordered.We offer discounts for multi print orders.

Giclee art reproductions can be the same size as the original, larger than the original, or smaller than the original. There is quite a bit of flexibility in sizing of a giclee print due to the nature of digital printing systems. Art galleries recommend that giclee art reproductions should be smaller than the original.

For more information about Print Permanence Ratings visit Wilhelm-Research.

How much does it cost?

Digitizing, proofing, and printing costs vary by the size of the original and the size of the printed reproduction, the media selected, and the number of prints ordered at the same time. We offer discounts if several prints of the same original are ordered at the same time. To give you an exact price, we need you to provide us with some basic information. In general terms you should expect to pay between $17 - $22 per square foot of media used to create your finished giclee print on canvas or fine art papers. Giclees printed on photographic paper, or matte plus paper will cost between $14 - $18 per sq. ft.

Calculating square feet is easily done using the following formula:

Take the Horizontal dimension (in inches) and multiply it by the vertical dimension (in inches). Take the resultant and divide by 144. The result will be square feet. Traditionally, fine art prints have a 1 inch unprinted border so be sure to add an extra two inches to each dimension. This will give you a very close approximation of the sq. ft. required for your giclee print.

If you do not have a "ready to print" digital file, San Diego Photos and Prints also offers scanning/digitizing services for artists. The cost of creating a digital image file varies by the size of the original artwork and the type of scan required but will generally be between $75 to $300 per artwork. This is a one-time-only cost to cover the cost of the time and materials required to create a calibrated digital file that is suitable for fine art printing. Once the file has been created and calibrated for printing, it can be used over and over again.

Proofing is the process where we will generate a series of test strips of the reproduction to show the artist. Adjustments are then made and a new test strip is generated. This process continues until the test strip matches the original as closely as possible and the artist tells us he or she is happy with the result. 

Digitizing and setup fees: 

Scan / digitizing from original work of art: $75 - $300 (the cost of proof strips is waived)

Scan from 35mm slide, negative or other transparency or print: $75 (the cost of proof strips is waived)

Setup charge for digital file you bring us: $35 (for best results shoot at 12 megapixels or higher and in RAW mode. Edit and save in 16bit TIF or PSD format). If you don't need any proofs, there is no setup charge.

Proof strip prints are $10-$20 each (depending on the media used). The first proof strip prior to printing your final print is included in the setup charge.

Why is there a setup charge?

Digitizing / scanning / retouching and calibrating of the resulting digital file for accurate reproduction printing takes time and materials. The setup charge is to offset those costs. Our setup charge is based on the amount of time it generally takes to prepare a digital file for printing.

Copyright Requirements:

Under U.S. Copyright law, a work of art is automatically copyrighted the moment it is created. The artist retains the copyright for his or her entire life unless the artist specifically transfers that copyright to another person or organization. The transfer of copyright must be in writing.

If you purchased or own a work of art and wish to have it digitized to create giclee prints, be aware that we will require a letter of authorization from the copyright holder (the artist) prior to moving forward with the the creation of giclee prints. If you are the creator of a work of art, we will ask you for I.D. prior to creating any giclee reproductions of the artwork you bring us.

San Diego Photos and Prints respects the rights of artists and will not violate an artist's copyright.