What is Giclée?

What does Giclée mean? I often get asked this question since the term is plastered all over my website. I thought I’d write a quick blog post to explain.

You probably have some idea already of the difference between an original piece of artwork and a print. Prints are reproductions of the original, often on thick high quality paper. This gives me the opportunity to share my work with others, and for all my hard work to go that little bit further. Just like the original can be completed in many mediums, so can a print. Textured paper, smooth paper, high quality inks, large, small etc.

I usually paint my originals on canvas, and then if I choose to create a print from it, I will take a high resolution photo or scan so that I have a digital record. From here, I do some retouching to make sure everything is up to scratch, then get the artwork printed. The type of print I use is classed as ‘Giclée’.

Giclée is a French term meaning ‘to spray’, referring to how an inkjet printer works and how giclée prints are usually produced. These large inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can both match color and apply ink precisely, giving artists a high-quality print of their original art.

Not all prints can be classed as giclée however.

To be able to make a high-quality print such as giclée, the camera or scanner that I use must be able to do so with a very high resolution. For context, many digital photos are recorded at a resolution of 72 DPI (dots per inch) on your computer or laptop screen. The image file of a fine art print needs to be at least 300 DPI, because the more dots of color that can be printed in a small area, the more detailed the final image will be. 

The type of ink and paper are also important when it comes to giclée prints. Both must be of a high standard and considered ‘archival’. This usually means using pigment-based inks and a special printing paper.

The type of paper I use for my prints is called ‘Hahnemühle German Etching’. This is a heavyweight paper with a warm base tone and strong mottled texture. It’s great for the deep blacks that I use in most of my backgrounds, and provides a rich feel and high contrast.

All in all, I strive to provide a truly high quality product, as it’s important to me that those that support my work get to enjoy it in the very best format. I have done a lot of research and testing of products and packaging, to ensure that everyone is pleased with the print or original they purchase. Be sure to check out my store if you haven’t done so already.

Yours,

Joseph Cashmore - ART JC