Is it difficult to get giclee prints of one's paintings?  It looks like there are many steps in getting this done, and unless you intend to get many prints of one painting done, it doesn't look like it might be worth the cost?  Can anyone enlighten me?

i don't know if you are having your work shot to make into slides or digital images anyway. cost varies depending on output, but I always do this because the images can then be used to enter juried shows, to make prints, cards, go on the website, etc. have found out the hard way that for me it's worth paying a professional- especially if i think i will ever want a large, good quality print. there are services that will make slides from digital images, or you can scan a slide and go the other way. last one i had done was $25 and worth every penny, as the reshot several times to get the colors right.

i live in a relatively small art market, and just don't see the value in gicless for the cost. i have 4-5 really nice large florals that cost $45 or more to print that i've been sitting on for a while now. been in a gallery, juried into shows, image purchased to put into the city's collection, but selling the framed pieces is a tough go. these are photos, paintings could be different.

my sense is that unless an artist has a good following for their original work (which you may), it's best to start with other, less expensive types of prints. my printer where i get my cards done can run color copies up to 11x14 for under $5 each. a giclee the same size, while better quality, would cost considerably more. i think that the market is getting more competitive, as more people buy large format home printers & set up shop.

so- not exactly what you asked, but there are a lot of options out there. the steps themselves aren't that hard- have a good quality digital image & find someone to print it- but it bears doing research both into the price point the market will bear for reproductions of your work and what you get on the print side for your money.

hope this is helpful.

i don't know if you are having your work shot to make into slides or digital images anyway. cost varies depending on output, but I always do this because the images can then be used to enter juried shows, to make prints, cards, go on the website, etc. have found out the hard way that for me it's worth paying a professional- especially if i think i will ever want a large, good quality print. there are services that will make slides from digital images, or you can scan a slide and go the other way. last one i had done was $25 and worth every penny, as the reshot several times to get the colors right.

i live in a relatively small art market, and just don't see the value in gicless for the cost. i have 4-5 really nice large florals that cost $45 or more to print that i've been sitting on for a while now. been in a gallery, juried into shows, image purchased to put into the city's collection, but selling the framed pieces is a tough go. these are photos, paintings could be different.

my sense is that unless an artist has a good following for their original work (which you may), it's best to start with other, less expensive types of prints. my printer where i get my cards done can run color copies up to 11x14 for under $5 each. a giclee the same size, while better quality, would cost considerably more. i think that the market is getting more competitive, as more people buy large format home printers & set up shop.

so- not exactly what you asked, but there are a lot of options out there. the steps themselves aren't that hard- have a good quality digital image & find someone to print it- but it bears doing research both into the price point the market will bear for reproductions of your work and what you get on the print side for your money.

hope this is helpful.

Thanks Mike - I guess the best advice is go down and find out how it all works.  I am at a pass where I find someone might want a picture which is already sold, thus, if I can offer a copy (giclee) of the painting, they might come back for more... also, it would be nice to have one for my own portfolio.  What do you do for your own portfolio - photos of your artwork or do you actually have copies (giclee) made?

I guess any digital image would be fine.  I have only digital copies of some of my sold works.

M

mksart

Checked out your website... beautiful. 

Love The Road Goes on Forever.   Very strong.

thanks very much- that would be one that i sell cards & prints of- long before i managed to sell the original! i also make 5x7 and 8x10 prints at home on my HP photo printer.

there are probably a variety of options for getting your work shot. some printers do it, we have a local gallery that does, there might also be a camera club with someone who would like the experience & will do it for a reduced price. there is a specialty shop here that does all sorts of special photography, computer work, etc. you'd probably be surprised if you ask around. try the local art supply store.

i have agood camera & enjoy shooting, but don't do such a good job of shooting my artwork!