Services
Image Capture
Image capture is the first critical step in the process. We create a high resolution digital capture of your original artwork in a neutral color environment, uniform lighting and a calibrated camera profile. This assures accurate capture of color and textures of the original work.
Additional lights may be used for 3D work or to enhance the texture and layers of the work. Artwork that is framed and behind glass can be captured in the frame by using polarized lights and polarized image capture.
Calibrated Workflow
A calibrated workflow starts with a neutral environment for image capture along with a matching camera profile. Moving to the computer it is just as important to maintain a defined and calibrated environment. You have heard the saying “what you see is what you get”? Well not necessarily true unless you have a properly calibrated monitor and software.
Captured images of your artwork are uploaded into this computer environment and checked for accuracy. Adjustments are generally made either globally (to the whole image) or locally to a specific area or color(s) that need adjustment to match the original.
This is usually the stopping point by others for creating a digital file for websites or submission to juried shows and galleries but we have found this is not quite far enough. Subtle differences from the original are missed unless a hard copy proof is created.
Proofing
Creating a hard copy proof is an important additional step in achieving what we strive to achieve in our motto of “As Original As The Artist”. A proof copy allows the artist to compare their original to the reproduction and make final adjustments as desired. The process to create the proof is a great deal more difficult than just pressing PRINT. The calibrated workflow must be maintained by incorporating the proper color profiles for the printer, ink set and paper used. There are usually a number of proofs required, before an artists review, with adjustments between each to get the final proof review copy to closely match the original. Once the proof is completed and approved we are now ready to create a digital file for the artists specific needs. The approval of the proof also provides the basis for fine art reproduction prints that may be desired. Without this step of proof copy it would be difficult to assure a future print would closely match the original.
Printing
Printing is the culmination of the creation of the image, editing as desired and final proofing. A calibrated workflow is just as critical in this step. This begins with ‘soft proofing’ using the desired paper’s color profile matched to the printer to be used. This provides greater control of tonal balance, color and print brightness. Pigment based inks are used along with acid free papers to assure archival standards for stable long lasting prints.