Channeling our picture-framing origin, Spacia Group applies that same precision, detail and ingenuity to art consulting, sourcing and creating. Our experienced art consultants work in collaboration with you—your specifications and design direction—to help define your unique space.
With a range of resources and capabilities at our disposal, Spacia thoughtfully and intentionally brings an inspired approach to every project. Think of art consultation as a bonus—not as an additional investment but as a complimentary part of your experience. Rely on our consultants to bring a fresh perspective, informed recommendations and imaginative solutions.
Use the following as a guide to get exactly what you've envisioned. This series is intended to aid you in specifying Spacia custom art. We'll break down the basics, first things first, framing & fitting, hanging, and substrates & such.
Part 1: The Basics
Kicking things off with some vocabulary—don't worry, there won't be a quiz.
Digital Print: A general term for any print that incorporates digital technology into the creation of an image or its printing. (Spacia art consultants primarily create art digitally. The digital images are then printed on a substate of choice. More about substrates later.)
Giclée (zhee-clay) Print: In its most basic definition, giclée is a French term meaning "to spray" or "to squirt." It references the process that an inkjet printer uses when reproducing individual copies of an original piece of fine art/photography. It is important to note that not all inkjet prints are giclée prints. With giclée printing, expect a higher quality product that lasts longer than your run-of-the-mill inkjet prints. Criteria that must be met for a print to be considered giclée:
- Resolution is at least 300 dots per inch (DPI)
- Ink is pigment-based as opposed to dye-based
- Archival paper or canvas (acid-free)
DPI: Measurement of digital output device resolution (dots per inch).
Resolution: Print resolution is simply the level of detail in a printed image—or the measurement of the number of dots that a device can put in one square inch of a page space (DPI). The more dots (of ink) that are printed per inch, the higher the resolution of the image, therefore, a higher quality print in terms of sharpness and details. A low-resolution print may appear fuzzy or blurry.
Pixel: The smallest element of an electronic image where brightness or color values have been measured. A pixel is one of the small dots/squares that make up an image on a computer screen.
300 DPI is needed for prints because it ensures high detail and sharpness at physical sizes. Prints are viewed up close, so more dots per inch are required to maintain clarity. In contrast, 72 DPI is standard for web images because screens display images at a lower resolution, and it's sufficient for viewing from a distance.
Our giclée printing process provides superior color accuracy and precise image quality similar to a high-definition display. Unlike some of our competitors, Spacia uses 12 pigment-based, archival inks to create a vibrant print with a vast color gamut. The giclée process is applied to archival fine art paper or quality canvas with a protective coating and hardboard backing.
Typically, custom paper & canvas prints produced by Spacia Group are considered giclée prints. No need to specify.
DO note if speciality paper or canvas is desired i.e. watercolor paper or raw canvas.
Digital Printing: A method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media.
UV Printing: A printing process using special inks that have been formulated to dry quickly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. As the substrate passes through the printing press and receives wet ink, it is immediately exposed to UV light. Because the UV light dries the application of ink instantly, the ink does not have an opportunity to seep or spread. UV-cured ink is less prone to scratches, scuffs, or ink transfer during handling and transportation. It also resists fading. Eco-friendly—UV-cured inks are not solvent based, therefore, harmful substances do not evaporate into the surrounding air.
Latex Printing: A printing process using print heads to distribute water-based color onto various substrates such as paper, canvas, vinyl, etc. The latex works as a carrier for color pigments. Heat is applied immediately to reduce drying time. Eco-Friendly—latex inks do not contain chemicals in quantities that are harmful to the environment.
Dye-Sublimation: A printing process using thermal transfer to transport varying amounts of colored dye pigments from a carrier ribbon (or film) to the printing surface to which the dyes bond chemically. Sublimation is a chemical process occurring when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. In other words, the image is printed with special inks onto transfer paper. The paper is laid face down onto the substrate, and a large amount of pressure and a high level of heat is applied. The colored dyes in the paper sublimate—turn into gas—and are infused into the fibers of the substrate. Once the substrate has cooled and the fibers retract, the image is trapped permanently within the surface.
First Surface Printing: Ink is applied directly on the front of top surface of the substrate. In other words, the graphic is printed on the side facing the viewer.
Second Surface Printing: Ink is applied to the back or rear facing surface (away from the viewing side). The viewer looks through the substrate to see the image. Typically used when printing transparent substrates like acrylic; can also be applied to mirror glass before silvering.
Printing on White: During the printing process, a layer of white ink is applied to the substrate first, followed by colored inks. Any graphic or text element "backed" in white WILL NOT allow the substrate to show through, therefore, any element not backed in white WILL allow the substrate to peek through. Integrating a combination of both techniques is possible. The white layer provides opacity and saturation for the colored inks, whereas without the white layer, colors appear translucent (and not as vibrant).
Typically, printing techniques are most often determined by Spacia Group based on substrate. No need to specify.
DO note if print is preferred on paper, canvas, acrylic, etc.
Next up, first things first—tips on what is needed to begin the art quotation process...