In this time of open sources, privacy issues in Facebook and other social sharing sites, and on-line stores, it can be difficult to protect your images. Placing a watermark in the middle of the picture is one way to protect it. However, that severely lowers the quality of your image. If you are trying to present your work to potential customers, you want it to be sharp and clear. Additionally, with software like Photoshop CS5, a watermark can be easily eliminated.

So how does one protect art work on the internet and still take advantage of the vast marketing potential offered by social media? You could limit your exposure only to sites where your work cannot be easily copied like, ArtId. Or you can recognize the risks involved and post only work that is "web friendly" but not "print friendly". Be aware of the resolution of the file you post. If your image is 500 pixels on the longest side, it will be large enough to see clearly on the computer screen but can not be enlarged beyond that size. An added plus to that size is how rapidly it will load. Your viewers will appreciate the quick load time.

Accept the risk that the image might be "borrowed". But since your work cannot increase in size easily, your file will not be very useful to the borrower. Be sure to always mark or sign your work clearly. On social networks, friends will share images they like, not intending to steal but rather to share an experience. That is why we network. It is a great chance for your work to be viewed by a new and larger audience. The internet is a great new way for artists and photographers to market their work. If your name is clearly marked, someone who sees your work might become a fan. Use the internet wisely and take care to protect your work as much as you can.

A helpful hint for those who use Photoshop: To easily scale your image smaller and quickly, use the "Save for Web & Devices" Command under File. It saves your image as a separate file, either .jpeg, .png, or .bmp. Resize in the dialog box to 500 pixels on the longest side and you are ready to upload.

By Nancy Bryant, President, Giclée of New England, Inc.

A giclée print, although done one at a time, involves several steps to create. It begins with an image capture, whereby the original art is scanned or photographed with a digital camera-back scanner. It is then careful color corrected to match the original work of art. This process can often take several tries to get a very close match. The proofing process is painstaking and for the giclée printer "almost there" is not close enough. The initial image capture can take a great deal of time and expense to be sure the finished product is the best it can be. When contrasted to the POD process where fast and cheap is the prime goal, giclée printing could be considered slower, more expensive but much higher quality.

The next step in creating a giclée is the printing. The inkjet printers used for fine art reproduction are high-end technology. The printers often use 8 or more ink sets (compared to the traditional CMYK [cyan, magenta, yellow and black] of the traditional printing industry). They are slow by industry standards. The ink is sprayed onto the substrate in very fine droplets which are not visible to the naked eye giving the appearance of continuous tone imaging. Each print is made one at a time and carefully inspected for any defects. Unlike a print that is not expected to last a lifetime, a giclée needs to be close to perfection. Giclees are printed by a master printer, and each print is a work of art in its self.

Print on Demand (POD) is a printing industry term used to define a digital printing process used to create limited runs of nearly any printed product. It is popular as a book printing process as well as banners, point of purchase displays, brochures or other printed products. Printing, prior to digital, was usually done by a process called offset printing. Because of the set-up expense of offset printing, it was usually cost prohibitive to print just one or even a few of anything. When the digital revolution came to printing, individual prints became feasible. Hence POD became a popular product for print consumers. It is less expensive, fast and without the high price of creating negative, plates and running a huge press. Print on demand comes in a range of qualities, from disposable direct mail to high end annual reports. The printing may be well done, but there is no color match to an original and it is not archival.
Some examples of POD would be vanity press books, posters, brochures or point of purchase displays. Usually the originating files are created in the computer, much like any other printing process.

Like any product, there will be those of higher and lesser quality. But if an artist wishes her or his work to be respected by collectors they will seek out the finest giclée printers they can find to reproduce their work. Being "almost there" is not good enough when it comes to your artwork. When you plan to reproduce your art work, don't think "print on demand" but demand and expect, the best.

Nancy Bryant, Giclee New England

How to Purchase a Giclée Fine Art Print

Beautifully decorated homes are not complete until there is art on the walls. In the past, homeowners had just a few options. One could purchase original works of art, often at very high prices. For some this was an investment and for others it was for the satisfaction of having something of beauty in their homes. The alternative was to buy a reproduction or art print. The cost of a print was usually considerably less than an original work but the quality and appearance of the print just did not look like "real art".
Beginning in the early 1990's new technology created a third alternative.

The giclée (pronounced ghee-clay) print was developed. Giclée is a derivative of the French word meaning to spray. The digital process to print giclées uses fine nozzles to spray thousands of dots per square inch onto the media. Most printers use 7 or more ink colors to achieve the closest possible match to the original artwork.
This new reproduction method was quickly embraced by the art community. Now artists can market their work in a new way. Reproductions done in the giclée process are very like the original work of art and have the promise of 100 years or more of longevity. A further advantage is the ability to match the media of the original work of art. Paintings done on canvas are printed onto canvas, watercolors are printed on watercolor paper. With the new technology came the capacity to match colors more closely than ever before. Now a reproduction looks just like the original and fine art is more affordable.

Unfortunately, as with many new products, not all prints sold as giclées are the quality one might expect. The savvy art buyer will ask questions before making a purchase. Although giclées are less costly than originals they are not inexpensive. A buyer should be sure of what he or she is getting. Consider the following before purchasing a giclée print.

_ Was the image capture done by a professional photographer who specializes in photographing art or by a giclée printer who does image scans? This is an important part of the process, and close examination of the print will show if this was done or not.

_ Does the print have the detail and texture of the original? Does it have the subtle gradations of color? Are brush strokes visible?

_ Do the colors match the original as closely as possible? Due to variations in media there might be slight color differences but they should be minimal.

_ What digital printer and ink sets were used to create the giclée? If the reply is a desktop printer, it is unlikely that the print will meet the longevity standards for a true giclée. Unless archival inks like ultrachromes are used the print could possibly fade in a short period of time.

If an artist is looking for a giclée printer to reproduce his or her work the same questions should be asked. Additionally the artist should ask:

_ Does the printer have references?

_ Does he or she guarantee your satisfaction?

_ Is the printer accessible?

_ Are you given proofs? Do they meet your standards?

_ Are you able to be part of the proofing process? _ Can the printer meet your deadlines?

_ Does the printer help market your work?

_ Does the printer offer full service from printing to framing to shipping if necessary?

Giclée reproduction is also a great way to share family heirlooms. Many families have art work produced by a family member. The value of such artwork is immeasurable to the family but is often a source of discourse as several family members may want the same piece. A giclée reproduction may be the answer.

Photographers and digital artists are also using the giclée process for digital output. High quality digital prints can be made in nearly any size up to 44 inches wide. The longevity and high quality of giclée printing makes it an ideal way to produce fine art photography.
As with many new technologies, giclée printing offers exciting new products but knowledgeable buying will ensure satisfaction with your purchase.
How to tips:

_ Ask questions when buying a giclée print to be sure you know what you are getting, and you are getting what you want.

_ Examine the print closely. Look for details. Blurry details, harsh outlines around objects, and flat colors are some signs of a poor quality print.

_ Giclées can be a good investment. If buying for investment, look for limited editions and Certificates of Authenticity. An artist with an impressive resume of acceptance into juried shows and awards is apt to be more collectible than a lesser known artist. But do not let that be your guide. Buy art that speaks to you, is well executed and is properly reproduced. You may be the first to discover the next big artistic star and have a very valuable print.

_ Buy art you like and want to live with. Because giclées are more affordable than original artwork, you can stretch your budget to fill your home with wonderful art.

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