Giclee Prints 101

As an artist who sells reproductions or prints, I find that many people don't know the difference between a giclee print and other types of prints commonly available at art shows, galleries and retail stores. While this is somewhat of a subjective topic open for interpretation and debate, in this video I define what I mean by a giclee print and explain why I believe a limited edition giclee print is truly the next best thing to an original.

[@eudymaverickmentor]

Hi Karen. I appreciate the video. A couple of things to help you out. 1: Giclee printers use between 8 to 12 colors according to the kind of printer. Where as your Epson uses 4. So in other words, more colors to better match the original. 2: The Giclee prints uses pigments like the pigments in paints, where as the Epson uses Inks made from dyes. Why is this important? Those Inks are not permanent and fade over time. Most pigments do not fade. So pigments are more permanent. 3: Giclee prints are printed on archival paper or canvas. Archival paper and canvas is made from cotton and not trees (paper). Trees and thus paper have acid in it. So it starts to deteriorate over time. Cotton paper, refereed to as 100% rag, and canvas has no acid in it. So the prop (surface) is permanent. 4: Heavy weight paper. Regular Epson printers print on a lighter weight paper. Giclee printers print on canvas or heavy weight paper which is very close to water color paper in weight. Hope this helps. Thanks again for the video.

[@margaretlangdon6273]

eudy Maverick Mentor Good Stuff eudy. Thank you..

[@SimplyNobel]

Hi Euny, Re number 2. You mean dye inks and pigment inks... both are inks. From what I have read. I will be buying the Epson Pro 100S with 8 Dye Inks. This ink is just as expensive as the pigment ink from the Pro 10. They claim that unlike most inks, this dye also lasts 100+ years. Possibly 300 if framed. Which made me wonder if I could call my prints Giclee depending on what paper I use. Are you a 100% sure that the paper must be cotton and can't be heavy weight quality paper? If so then gosh darn it I am close! 😋 There's no way I can afford cotton paper yet. Nor would my work sell at such high prices. I'm only getting in to art now. Maybe one day!! For now I can still confidently say that my prints will be high quality and long lasting 😊.

[@cattvaughn]

Thank You so much for adding this info. This is the missing piece of information I needed! Now I feel better about how much to charge for my prints. Thank You again!!!!

[@eudymaverickmentor]

@@cattvaughn Glad I could help.

[@cattvaughn]

​@@eudymaverickmentor You really did help me! I now have a better understanding. I never understood about the acid free on canvas and archival. You also talked about the 8 to 12 colors. I can't wait to get a "real" giclee print-printed. Thank You again and have a good night.

[@Sergei__v]

Very informative. I really wanted to learn about this product and thanks for recording and showing it to us. It was a bit difficult to listen to and hard to see the quality of the material. Please, don't consider it a criticism. You are an artist not a TV presenter.

[@bobolbricht8790]

let's clarify something here for your readers. dots per inch are not per square inch but are per lineal inch. Think about it, were you to have 72dpi in a square inch that would mean you have approx 8-9 dots across and 8-9 dots down to multiply into 72 per sq inch. Even for low quality that is not enough ink, so what you really have at 72dpi is 72X72=5184dots per sq.inch. hope that helps

[@KarenTalbotArt]

bob olbricht You bet! I've addressed this in some of the other comments, and I appreciate your clarification! Thanks

[@SandyDriggers]

Thank you very much for making this video. I had no knowledge regarding giclee before - not even how to pronounce it. The only thing to improve the presentation, in my opinion, is to reduce fillers. Good job and thanks again!

[@jenmanfong]

For the very first time today, I came across the term "giclee" while perusing some digital prints, and after doing a Google search. I came across your video. So thank you for introducing me to the world of giclee, especially on how to pronounce it (I had been saying it as "gick-lee" LOL). :)

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Jenman Fong :-)

[@SilenceAkyn]

+Jenman Fong Same buddy, thanks Karen!

[@loisleegreer]

Good info! Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I own a small Art Gallery in Las Vegas and my husband does giclee printing for local artists. We use a 12 ink giclee printer and the results are sometimes better than the original.

[@Uniblab8]

Extremely informative. Until watching this video I was NOT clear on the term. Thanks.

[@glowworm7575]

Best video I have found explaining just what Giclee printing is, how it is done and why it is valued over just a regular high quality print. Thank you so much for the concise information.

[@jcofortco]

Just started selling my work online thru an "artists print shoppe" kind of setting, and they offer work in giclee form. I had no idea not only how to pronounce (son thought it was close to 'icicle' pronunciation! ;) ) but what the difference was, only that they cost more... ;) NOW I understand WHY, and I'll proudly recommend them from now on. THANK YOU!

[@zackjones3748]

Thank you, this was very informational. I wasn't completely sure what a giclee was or what made it special. Very nicely summed up here.

[@amydartist9209]

Thanks for this info. I have wondered about this for years but never took the time to really look into it. After watching this video I feel that I now have a pretty fair idea about what giclee is. It was informative and to the point.

[@StevePhillips]

Lovely! Thank you for the information that you make so clear and concise. You have such a clear voice and you keep focused on your subject. You have done great job.

[@HTNPSullivan]

I agree with you but unfortunately she says "um" so much, it's a little distracting.

[@StevePhillips]

@@HTNPSullivan I used to do that a lot say um. Until a shop keeper said we do not sell ums

[@johndominguezok]

Thank you for this video. I wasn't sure what the differences were in prints, now I have a much better understanding.

[@thoughtotherwise]

Thank you for this explanation. I was trying to figure out what this kind of print actually entails and this video helped immensely.

[@feltonphillips2324]

Very helpful! I am an amateur artist and I would like to do prints. This was helpful. It is also always helpful to give some idea of cost.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Felton Phillips It's difficult to give costs, as it varies widely. For example, I am a fulltime working artist, so I am able to give my printer a large enough volume of work that I receive a discount over the person who walks in and wants to but a single reproduction. Also, printers in different parts of the country may charge different prices based on their costs. Thanks for the comment!

[@DivineEarthSchool]

Thank you so much for this Karen! This is the first time I've heard someone go into depth on the difference. So grateful for you sharing this information :)

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@darkredcrow]

I've recently been commissioned for an art piece for the first time in my life and I did not now how to go about printing the piece...A friend of mine suggested doing a Giclee printing...after watching your video I'm convinced this might be the best way to go...one of the most informative videos I've seen on Giclee,.... to the point and well edited, Just wanted you to know, another person in this crazy world, has benefited from this post... Thank you very much.

[@cindyeaster6678]

Great explanation ... thank you for taking the time to make a video on it!

[@carlbaker4478]

At last a human that talks about the subject in the title! fantastic information very helpful and put across very well.

[@sweetsage369]

This was an excellent video! You were very thorough. I appreciate you taking the time to share. I now can pronouce the "Giclee" correct! Thanks to you!

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ryandavid-andersen8127]

Absolutely wonderful short video thank you Karen! You explain giclee prints in an empirical way that would make any scientist proud =)

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

THANK YOU for all the information. This was VERY helpful!

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Angie Barr Thanks, Angie.

[@brendanmckenna4799]

Thank you Karen for this very instructive video. I had no idea what a giclee print is, and I just received a giclee portrait as a gift. Wonderful explanation.

[@karenkerwin]

Thank you very much for the complete definition. I am a beginning artist and most certainly appreciate you posting this video.

[@californiabobby3858]

A++ video ! this actually helped a LOT , yours is the first video that.....actually explains what it is

[@MikeyD22]

Awesome job, Karen! Thanks so much for posting this video and for clearing up my confusion of the term. Excellent job of clarifying!

[@susanisrael9779]

Thank you very much for explaining that to everyone. I’m a crafter of little decor pieces. I wanted to craft a flag sign or framed photo for my dad and I looked on pottery barn website to honestly dupe one of their products if I possibly could. Well..I had to look up a word and it led me to you, an artist! Thank you for explaining and beyond that I’m captivated by your water color paintings!

[@AldanShinault]

I appreciate the education. As I'm currently looking into having my own work reproduced, I seek only the highest quality. One thing that bothered me, though, was the amount of times you used "umm" and "uhh" between statements. It was exhausting. But I've got the stamina, and made it through. Thank you again.

[@ljones98391]

Exhausting and distracting, but I also made it through.

[@billyvioletcous]

Thank you, this is a great explanation, exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

[@Rafolanfranco]

Thanks for taking the time to do this video. its very useful and Im going to blog about it. There is an interesting discussion over giclée prints versus traditional prints and the value of the first. The points you´ve brought in this video are key, and I will use them as part of the selling arguments for my work which is mostly in this technique. Best and thanks for the good work.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Rafael Lanfranco Thanks for the kind words! I think the take home point is to explain to the client what a giclee print is and to then not cut any corners. I see way too many reproductions sold as "giclee prints" that are not what most people would consider consistent with the quality of a giclee print as expressed in this video. Ultimately for me it is about building a relationship with my clients, and cutting corners doesn't achieve that end. Good luck!

[@Rumsrock]

Great video, very clear and informative. This cleared up a few things I was wondering about.

[@elizabethburns4489]

That was just a wonderful talk and explained so much to me! I enjoyed it. Thank you Karen.

[@wildflowerwhispersstudio6]

Thanks for sharing this info. I am planning to place my first order of giclee prints very soon, and was grateful to hear why giclee is the way to go.

[@COQH]

Karen, thank you very much for a well done and detailed explanation on Giclee and the different examples provided.

[@ichigorobei]

Thanks for a very informative and well thought out presentation -- I learned a lot from your video!

[@valeriemontanez5005]

Thank you for the good information and the easy to understand way that you explained it. I love your fish pieces. They're beautiful.

[@FrumpFighter]

SUCH great information! I have been so curious as to what exactly a giclee was. Thanks!

[@barbaramoran5438]

Thank you Karen for sharing. I've always wanted to know what giclee was, and the process.

[@nanjeannie]

Thank you so much for your informative piece on giclee prints...It was very helpful when shopping for some art works.

[@sarakalinin]

What a wealth of information! Thank you for this thorough explanation of what a Giclee is.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Sara Kalinin Thank you. I'm planning a follow-up soon, so please stay tuned!

[@AbsolutZer0-1C3]

Thanks! I recently bought a giclee reprint of an illustration that appeared in HG Wells' first illustrated edition of his book War of the Worlds and wondered why I paid so much more than a poster. Now I know! Very informative, especially the dyes vs pigments thing, as well as the quality of the paper. Thanks so much! I'll be buying giclee prints when I can now :D

[@bboopahome]

Thanks so much, you explain the giclee process so well, very easy to understand.

[@ajadresic]

Thank you so much for this very informative video which I luckily found as I begin to explore the possibility of making prints out of my artwork

[@alanhinkel8352]

Very Informative! Thanks. Take care and God bless, Alan

[@richardpettitt8827]

Hi Karen, that is a very useful video, thank you. I didn't know anything about giclee printing so this makes me feel a lot more confident about ordering my first prints.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Richard Pettitt Thank you, Richard. Make sure to ask each artist about his or her giclee print process--especially inks, substrate and matting/framing materials. If you're going to pay for a true giclee print, you'll want to be sure it is printed, matted and framed in such a way that the longevity you've purchased will be protected. Good luck!

[@joseeallyn9950]

I am looking for a printer to make Giclee prints of my watercolors. Your video was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@valerieokeefe3331]

That was a wonderfully concise and informative video. Thank you!

[@alexisbarham6455]

This video was very helpful. I now understand what a giclee print is. Thank you Karen.

[@reeceanastasiajakeannaandc369]

thanks for this. clears up a lot of my questions. i guess i would just call around and ask printers if they offer this service. i'm hoping it's not too hard to find a great printer.

[@metals2546]

Lovely video Karen, thank you very much.

[@jackiewood9881]

Fantastic video and a pleasure to watch, THANK YOU!

[@berniceseigel6482]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. It was quite educational, and you made it very easy to understand. Ignore dansterism's post.

[@joaniestraw5075]

Wonderful presentation, thank you…learned so much from this!!

[@MrNod30]

thanks so much for your help. i think you covered it very well. i had no clue about this. you were a great help thank you

[@alphainparis]

Thank you, Karen. This is a very informative video.

[@ballroomdancer02]

i learned so much watching this. thanks for taking the time to explain giclee to the novice.

[@yourfiction]

Thank you for sharing this, Karen!

[@ms.christian7792]

Very, very nicely done video. Concise, precise, only the info I need and not a lot of talk. Perfect! Make more!

[@truvei]

I am a watercolourist(hobby) and always wondered what the term meant.. now I know!!! Thank you.. a very clear description!

[@paulettequann1019]

Great clarifying information. Really appreciated! Thank You.

[@kevinrodbard5865]

A very interesting and informative video. Thank you Karen and well done.

[@Possessky]

Thank you for the detailed, straightforward explanation.

[@SpartanCL1989]

Very instructive and knowledgable. Excellent job and thank you!

[@fohtynine]

Karen, thank you for this video, you taught me a great amount in a short non boring fashion. I will look for more of your work in the future.

[@omissidde]

Thank you Karen for sharing with us,

[@omurodog]

Thank you Karen! Now I know what it is and able to pronounce it with confidence.

[@louiseolson5733]

Your work is stunning. Thanks for the explanation. Nice video.

[@stacey74c]

Thank you for this...Giclee is on my Art exam for teaching certification and I needed a good explaination. Great!

[@xx-ve3if]

Very informative and educational. Thank you Karen!

[@pbhartley]

Very informative video. I thought you did a great job of editing the video and presenting general information - giclee prints as well as - specific information on your own art work - It was a bonus to find a linked video telling about your new (now a year old) gallery in Rockland, Maine! I vacationed on North Haven Island last summer for two weeks. My son has since purchased a small home on the island so next summer we will visit again - I will forward information about your gallery to my son and his friends - you prints look like the would fit out there . And your gallery the best place to see them. Thank you for your video...We live in NJ - (The video looked pro to me)

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Paul Hartley I hope you can visit this summer! The Gallery is at 239 Cedar Street in Rockland (not far from the North Haven ferry!). In the summer, the Gallery is usually open Thursday - Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and other times by appointment or chance. Hope to see you!

[@briankreie9579]

Very informative. I had just bought a Steven Adler giclee (Think about You). And the dealer said it was giclee. I had no idea what type of Median that was. Thank you.

[@vidyajoshi9046]

Thank you for explaining giclee so well. I saw some Giclee prints at an Art Galleery this evening and was wondering what they were.

[@marcipotts7397]

I want to thank you for explaining giclee` I had no idea what it was or how it was pronounced, I had seen the word over and over again on Pinterest in conjunction with watercolor art pieces, so now I know thanks to you!

[@edwardjohnson1623]

Thank you so very much!! This was truly most helpful

[@mestredomar]

Thank you for teaching me something I didn't know about. Very interesting.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Manuel Simao Thanks!

[@rickisabelle4314]

Thank you! You did a great job and I really appreciate it.

[@antoinettespencer5153]

thanks, much clearer for me than just reading about it

[@raulestela6170]

Short and informative. Thanks for posting.

[@littleheath1666]

Thank you. You answered all my questions.

[@adesantis5147]

Loved your video: thanks for explaining so clearly.

[@patiscamacca419]

Thanks Karen, that was helpful.

[@rwethealtman]

I think you did a GREAT job explaining about Giclees Karen! Thank you for this video. I just posted it on my facebook page. (Fellow Laguna Artist Robin Altman)

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Robin Wethe Altman Thanks, Robin! As you may know at this point, I relocated to the coast of Maine. Are you still in Laguna?

[@JeremyLewis]

I've been to Laguna Beach one time in my life and I actually visited your studio. Awesome work! Thanks for the tutorial. I'm looking into getting some of my photographs printed and the place I'm using does giclee prints but I had no idea what that meant lol. Thanks again!

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Jeremy Lewis That's so cool! Now you'll have to come visit my Gallery in Maine!

[@JeremyLewis]

Yeah for sure! I've always wanted to visit Maine. I hear it's beautiful.

[@marsbeads]

Thanks for the information. It was very helpful.

[@caringerard1871]

Love this. So informative. Thank you!

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Carin Gerard Thank you so much, Carin!

[@blahblee9383]

thank you for your vid, it was very helpful to me. Never mind the trolls your information was great.

[@karlthomas8031]

Really useful, very interesting and very well presented. Thank you.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Thanks for the question, @Sean F. I do not do my print my own giclee prints. This is a decision I made a few years back, acknowledging that I am an artist and not a printer. I do have some artist friends who do produce their own giclee prints with varying degrees of success, but I have chosen to outsource to a full-time, professional fine art printer for many reasons including 1) Costs of purchasing/maintaining/upgrading equipment, 2) Learning curve/anticipated wastage, and 3) Time. -K

[@JamesCarrozza]

This was very helpful. Much appreciated.

[@patriciacarey3529]

Thanks. You explained giclee very well. Nice to know how to pronounce it as well!

[@authenticmind]

Excellent video, you're a very good teacher!

[@MrFindoc]

Excellent - where was this video 16 years ago when i needed to watch it!

[@DavidWhelbourn]

Thank you a very clear and concise explanation.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@vxn8319]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@LeonDeVoseII]

Thank you, Karen. I am preparing to sell my photography for the first time. I just set up an account and applied to sell on Artfinder.com. I have seen the term before when I started thinking this could be a possibility about two years ago. Now I know. Now to find a good giclee print service. Once again, I thank you.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Leon De Vose, Good luck. Limited edition giclee prints are an important part of my business. I'm glad you found the video useful. Best, Karen

[@KarenTalbotArt]

I used to do a combination of scanning and photography to digitize the image, but I now use all photography, and I use a professional photographer who provides me with the images and color strips on disk. I've been much happier with the fidelity of the photography over the scans. Hope that helps!

[@lgelderd]

Wow, great explanation. Thank you. Mystery solved.

[@timpost968]

wow, your video got me thinking giclee prints in a different light now. Thanks.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

+Tim Post And it's a constantly moving target. The take home for me and my business is to make it clear to my clients what I mean when I call a piece a limited edition giclee. I hope they ask the same questions of other artists. Thanks for watching!

[@CulbersonMatt]

Love you fish Karen! Beautiful work!

[@MagnumVideos]

Thanks for the information. I'm considering doing a limited edition on canvas, but I'm not certain how you would sign and number those. Will a pencil work on canvas? I'm considering shipping them as rolled canvas prints (to save shipping hassles) so I was also wondering how much the recipient could expect to pay for stretching for framing. In other words, how much would the stretching add to the framing cost. Thanks again.

[@KarenTalbotArt]

***** Thanks for the question. I only ship stretched pieces, so I'm not sure I can answer your question on shipping rolled canvas. In terms of signing limited edition giclees on canvas, you can use an archival waterproof ink (e.g., micron pens).