"First class service and quality. Artful Color went the extra mile to ensure that my reproduction matched my original and that I was pleased with the end product. Thumbs up!!"

—Russell Smith
Russell Smith Studios, Inc.
www.russellsmithart.com

FAQs

If my print has a white border, do I need to include that in the final print size? click here
How do I determine what size Décor Giclée Paper I need to order? click here
How Should I sign my paper and canvas prints? click here
How do I determine if there is sufficient resolution to print? click here
What pens do you recommend for signing prints? click here
I plan to sell unframed prints. Where can I find affordable packaging materials? click here
Where's a good place to shop for art supplies? click

If your question is not listed, please call us at 919.363.6271 or send us an email.

If my print has a white border, do I need to include that in the final print size?

Yes. Our prices are determined by the final size of the finished print, which includes the image and the border.

How do I determine what size Décor Giclée Paper I need to order?

This is a tough one so feel free to give us a call if you need further explanation. Our Décor Prints are printed on a 17" roll. Therefore, one dimension is fixed at 17" and the other is variable. Whatever size is needed (17 x ?) to accommodate your desired number of prints, that is the sheet size you need to order. For example, if you need 4 - 8x10 prints you would order a 17x20 (see illustrated example). Upon request, we will add crop marks to make your final cut easier. (If you don’t have a cutter or are not comfortable with the final cut please let us know.) If you would like us to include crop marks, you need to specify the desired border dimension when ordering and add an additional .5" to each print dimension (.25" for each crop mark). For example, an 8x10 print will consume 8.5x10.5 of the sheet (see illustrated example). <TOP>

How Should I sign my paper and canvas prints?

There are no exact standards on signing or numbering a print but click here to see some nice examples. You can choose to leave your original signature in the print or have us remove it at no charge. <TOP>

How do I determine if there is sufficient resolution to print?

Resizing a print and determining if there is sufficient image resolution to print the new size is one of the most complicated tasks for an artist. There are a few things to keep in mind. If you double the length of the print on each side, that quadruples the size of the print (400%) and cuts the dpi in half. The optimal dpi is 200 to 250 dpi at the final output size. It is not recommended that you go below 140 dpi. When calculating proportions, adding the same number of inches to each side will not produce the same proportion. Use our Proportion Calculator to determine the final reproduction size and percentage. <TOP>

What pens do you recommend for signing prints?

While there hasn't been any official testing, my buddy Mark at Aardenburg Imaging provided me with some good anecdotal information. He also agreed to do some official testing once I provide the pens.

Sharpe (don't) – The first most surprising don’t is the standard Sharpe pen. The report I got on the Sharpe is don’t use it, it's not as permanent as the claims.
#2 Pencil – If you like it and can use it, do. It lasts a very long time.
Zig Pens – Zig Memory System pens are made of archival-quality pigment ink. Fade-proof waterproof non-bleeding and acid free (pH 7.0 or higher). I don’t have any detailed information, but these are likely good performers.
Pigma & Gelly Roll Pens (Sakura) – Appear to be pretty good pens. It states on their website “Pigma’s color doesn't change over time. When possible, Sakura uses single pigments for coloring, eliminating the possibility of pigment separation over time or exposure to outside elements. Secondly, Pigma ink also dries to a neutral pH, making it neither acid nor alkaline. As such, it doesn't adversely affect the paper or other materials on which it’s used.” Here is what they say about the Gelly Roll Pens: “In 1985, a second gel rollerball model was introduced: The Ballsign 150. The new gel was pigment-based, giving it superior quality. Other non-gel rollerballs were far less waterproof, not fade resistant, and they were also prone to bleed-through on paper. The new Ballsign 150 surpassed these problems and was introduced at a more consumer-friendly price.”

Some specific Pigma products which may interest you are the Pigma® Graphic, Pigma® Brush, Gelly Roll® Metallic, Gelly Roll® Fine & Medium Point. These pens have archival quality ink, chemically stable, waterproof, and are fade resistant. <TOP>

I plan to sell unframed prints. Where can I find affordable packaging materials?

When selling their unframed prints, many artists need mattes, boards, and bags. It is important that all of these products be of archival quality. We have come across a few good products and vendors. If you have other suggestions, please let us know and we'll post them.

Bags for Prints – http://www.clearbags.com/bags/crystal-clear-bags/flap-seal-bags
We have used Clear Bags plastic bags for prints for years. Here is the archival information: Crystal Clear Bags as well as their adhesive, and Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are all safe for conservation and archiving purposes. These products have passed the PAT Test (Photographic Activity Test ISO standard 18916). Except for our Biodegradable Clear Bags, all Crystal Clear Bags are naturally acid and lignin-free, which means that no chemical processes are needed to remove these harmful elements. Biodegradable Clear Bags are made from starch-based PLA (polyactide), which is not acid-free.

Mat Boards – Mats are important to the full product solution for artists. Through our efforts in trying to find affordable products we have uncovered two sources.

GoldStateArt (www.goldenstateart.com)— They offer very affordable mat boards and a package that includes clear bag, mat, and backing. An example is the 11x14 (for 8x10 print) mat with backing and clear bag all acid free is $1.17 each in quantities over 20 and $1.05 in quantities over 80.
Carter Little at 800-858-9988—They provide excellent volume pricing. Example is 11x14 with custom opening for $.49 in quantities of 500. <TOP>

Where's a good place to shop for art supplies?

Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

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Questions? Need a quote? Call 919.363.6271 or send us an email.