Episode 94 : Giclee Prints
As a printmaker Laura has quite definite views on giclee prints, but only because they create confusion over what ‘print’ means. Peter is a painter and though he does not routinely make giclees to sell he has produced some as extra copies of portraits for clients. Whether or not you include them in your artistic business they do create some dilemmas and some moral responsibilities for the artist.
Show Notes
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Be very clear in what you’re selling. There’s a real difference between a giclee print (a simple ‘reproduction’ of a pre-existing art work) and an original print (an original, handcrafted print such as lino, woodblock, etching, screen printing or even digital art work).
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Failing to be transparent in what you’re selling could end up being bad for your reputation, bad for any relationships with pre-existing galleries, customers and even fellow artists.
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Giclee prints can greatly enhance your creative output by offering affordable price points, excellent for first time buyers and thus expanding your potential audience as well as being a desirable product for wholesale retail.
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If making a giclee print of an art work that’s already sold, do make sure you seek permission from the buyer first as they may wish to be the sole owner of the art work. Also consider how a giclee print make increase or decrease the value of the original art work.
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It pays to invest wisely when producing giclee prints. Opt for high quality printing, paper and digital imagery over low cost, poor quality materials.
Takeaway
Giclee prints are here to stay and can be a productive and helpful means to extend the sales possibilities of your art. Always be clear with clients that you are selling a reproduction, not an original and keep the quality high!
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
