FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Basics 101
What is a gicleé print?
Giclée (pronounced jee-clay) is derived from the French word “gicler” which essentially means “to spray”. It has become the most popular term to describe digital fine art printing. The term is often used interchangeably with “inkjet prints,” “archival pigment prints,” and “pigmented inkjet print.”
Do you make gicleé prints?
Yes, we do. At Brooklyn Editions, fine art archival digital pigment printing (aka giclée) is our specialty. We can print on a wide variety of substrates through this process including photographic papers, cotton rag, watercolor papers, rice papers, as well as canvas and linen.
What does “archival” mean? Are your fine art prints archival?
“Archival” means the prints have a long lifespan and will not face deterioration in our lifetime. Most of our papers are conservatively tested to last 100 years if properly framed, and up to 400 years under museum storage conditions, with no visible fading or compromise in quality.
All the prints we make, whether paper or canvas, are archival. All the materials we use are state of the art archival quality. This applies to the papers, canvas, packing materials, and most importantly, inks. The Epson Ultrachrome Pro 12 inks are objectively the best set of inks ever made. It has a wide range (“gamut'') of colors with industry-leading permanence. See what the Wilhelm Institute says about our inks and printers here.
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Printing Surfaces
What kind of materials can you print on?
We specialize in fine art printing of the highest quality on paper, canvas, and select fabrics. We stock a wide variety of media to support creative and experimental projects.
Please refer to our Archival Inkjet Papers for a comprehensive overview of our printing materials.
Do you print on metal?
No. We do not print on metal. Dye sublimation is a different technique using solvent inks which produces fumes that could contaminate our archival prints and substrates so it is not something we can currently offer.
Do you print on fabric?
Yes. We curate a specific selection of printable fabrics, from linens to cloths. Please visit our Canvas, Linens & Fabrics page for a full overview of our available fabrics, or reach out to us with a fabric material already in mind.
Do you print on rice paper?
Yes. We stock a variety of rice papers at our studio that print with excellent results. Please visit our Rice Papers page to browse our selection.
Do you print on canvas?
Yes. We print on a range of canvas materials, from smooth matte, to satin, and linen. Please visit our Canvas, Linens & Fabrics page to browse our full selection. For canvas prints that require stretching, we also offer gallery wrap services where we will use a content-aware fill to extend the borders of your image over the wrap around the canvas stretchers to allow for a perfectly seamless final result.
What material should I choose to print on?
This is a common question and one that might be decided by the type of work, such as photography, painting, and digital works, as well as other cost factors such as sheets vs. roll, and whether specialty surfaces such as rice, linens, or fabrics are appropriate. We can help by making suggestions, and testing papers is often the first step for many clients.
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Working with us
Do you accept walk-ins? How can I work with you?
We work by appointment only. In order to provide the attention your project deserves, we can set up a meeting or call to discuss the steps to produce your project. We work virtually for out-of-state and international clients as well.
Feel free to reach out with a project inquiry or schedule a studio with us to get started. Visit our Contact Us page and fill out ourform, and please be sure to include all your contact information and all additional details about your project.
I have a studio appointment with you. What should I do to prepare?
If you have booked a studio appointment through us, we have prepared visitation guidelines for your reference which you can read at our Studio Visit Guidelines page. Please take the time to review these, especially if this is your first time coming in. Being prepared will ensure that we spend the time we have allotted together effectively. See you soon!
Can I order prints online?
You can upload a file and begin the process with a request for a quote. But to be clear, we are not an online print ordering service, we are a hands-on studio where no part of our process is automated.
Automated online ordering is not a recipe for quality. There is no formula or software that can truly evaluate a file; all online printers merely check resolution. While resolution is an important factor, there is much more that goes into a quality file, and resolution is only one element of evaluating sharpness or how large an image can actually print. Oftentimes we can upscale images larger than any size calculator would suggest with superior results, but our methods require skilled human evaluation. In addition to that, our professionals are trained to assess your files beyond resolution and scale, and will work with you to ensure your files are printed color-accurately, without flaws, and on the best medium possible. While it is seemingly convenient, online ordering helps the labs more than it actually benefits clients interested in quality printing.
To share files with us, you can do so through our secure, exclusive File Upload Center. Please include all details and information on the project and work you're looking to have done.
What is your turnaround time?
Typically our printing turnaround is about 1-3 business days, but each project is different and, depending on a few factors, may require more time. Mounting prints and stretching canvas can add to the turnaround. If you have a deadline, be sure to let us know beforehand and we will do our best to meet it.
Do you offer rush services?
Yes. We offer rush services with an additional fee determined on a case by case basis.
Do you offer print on demand?
Yes. We offer fine art print on demand services intended for professional artists, galleries, institutions, and photographers. We archive every file so you do not have to print the whole edition up front and we can offer fulfillment as well. Please review our Artist Fulfillment page for a deeper overview of our fulfillment services.
Can I get test prints of my work?
Absolutely. We like to make the process as predictable and controlled as possible so there are no surprises.
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Pick-Up and Shipping
How do I get my prints?
We allow for in-person pick-up at no cost. Alternatively, we can ship prints for an additional fee. We ship via FedEx, UPS, local couriers, and other options upon request. We also ship internationally as needed. See the next question for more shipping details.
Can you ship my prints for me?
Yes, we can custom ship for delivery anywhere in the world. We have a wide range of options and can advise you on the best solution. We pack all prints with protective glassine and/or archival clear sleeves. Our packaging options include:
- Flat packs made from heavy duty corrugated cardboard
- Shipping tubes (cylindrical)
- Shipping boxes (square tubes)
- Oversized shipping tubes (cylindrical)
- Custom triple-ply corrugated boxes (strong as wood, but lighter)
- Custom crates
For work shipped in boxes or tubes, we put in the care to stuff extra packing materials (such as bubble wrap and/or packing tissues) to provide added protection and ensure your prints do not move about in their packaging. For a full overview of our services and methods, please visit our Packing & Shipping page.
How much does it cost for you to ship my prints?
Our shipping rates depend on each project and will vary due to final weight, dimension, or declared insurance. You may request a shipping quote from us for any project at any time. International shipping rates experience higher levels of variation, as customs tax or VAT can be unpredictable, and most international packages are subject to random price fluctuations at the shipping carrier’s own discretion. Read more on our Shipping practices here.
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Sizing and Files
How large can you print?
We have the capability to print up to 64” wide by any length. The size an image can be printed is largely determined by how big the file is, and we ask for files that are at least 300 DPI. The bigger the file (meaning the higher number of pixels), the bigger the print can be. Please refer to our File Preparation Guidelines for more information on our file standards, formats, and more.
Do you have a minimum print size?
Yes, we do. Prints smaller than 8" x 10" will be billed at the same cost as an 8" x 10" print. Smaller prints can be combined within a sheet size, although cutting charges may apply.
How large should the border be for my image?
There is no standard size for a border; it is purely aesthetic preference and up to the individual artist. Some people prefer their prints to be full bleed without any border at all, while others like a large border. Keep in mind that a border can be trimmed off but cannot be added later, so keeping options open for framing and matting is a good idea. Adding a border will change the aspect ratio of your print so some thoughtful math is required. We overview proportions and borders in our File Prep Guidelines.
How large can I print my file?
Unfortunately, there is no rule to this. In general, print resolution is best at 300 PPI at output size. However, there are other factors to consider including actual sharpness, noise, and the content of the work. We can increase the resolution of most files that are full camera or even iPhone resolution indefinitely without pixelation by upscaling with specific software and practices. This does not guarantee sharpness, but can avoid “stair stepping” pixelation and other artifacts.
We can review files and offer feedback if you are ever unsure. We make checking files for quality before printing a standard part of our practice. Oftentimes, we get requests for suggestions on how large a file should be printed. In these cases it is always more helpful for you to approach us with a particular dimension in mind if you are unsure about the quality or size of your file. Please read our File Prep Guidelines page thoroughly to gain the best understanding of file size and print quality.
I’m interested in making prints but I don’t have digital files. Will you scan my artwork for print?
We offer scanning services to generate digital files from drawings, paintings, film, photographs or other works on paper. Our scanning equipment has a bed size of 12" x 17", and can accommodate works up to 20” x 24” by tiling. Physical artwork that is any larger will be referred to one of our scanning partners. For more details, visit our Scanning page.
What file formats do you accept?
You can read more about acceptable file formats in our File Prep Guidelines. In general, we can work from any file, but for best results we work from RGB files in lossless, color managed formats such as TIFF and PSD.
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Payment
Do you have a minimum order amount?
Yes. $95 before tax, not including delivery/shipping fees. Access our Pricing page for our print pricing chart.
Will you match prices?
No. But we strive to be cost-effective while ensuring the success of our clients' projects. We can always discuss and plan how to meet a budget, or the best way to find the right price point. We are interested in long term, successful relationships with clients. We value our clients far beyond any monetary value, and we work best with clients who see that in us as well. If costs without any consideration of quality is the priority, then we are not likely to be a good match.
Are there price breaks on volume orders?
Yes. We have price breaks on most of our print services. All price breaks are based on efficiency and volume. As our production can be streamlined we can pass those costs along. Quantity is a factor in price breaks, with large 50+ print quantities receiving discounts of up to 50%, however having efficiency and readiness is equally significant. Having print-ready files and keeping communication organized and determined is also a vital part to any discounted estimate. Please contact us for a quote, providing full parameters of your print project or edition.
What are the payment terms, and how do I pay?
Most projects require a 50% up front deposit. The full balance of payment is due upon the project’s completion. We can either send you an electronic invoice for you to securely pay online via QuickBooks, or you may pay in-person at our studio upon pick-up of the work.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, Visa, AMEX, and all major credit cards. You can pay in-person or online via secure payment processing from QuickBooks. Bank payments and wire transfers can be done via your QuickBooks invoice.
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Why BKX?
How is Brooklyn Editions different from other studios?
We strive to be an intimate artist studio with all of the expertise and experience of the largest printers in the world. Between providing superior service and attention to detail, we believe we are more agile and tuned to our clients’ needs than volume-driven corporate labs. We are committed to the best prints possible, no excuses. Learn more about our studio, staffing team, and values at our About Us page.
Why should I work with Brooklyn Editions?
You can read more about us, view testimonials at the bottom of our Home page, and check our Google reviews. But to sum it up: we are committed to making the best quality prints possible with the highest attention to detail, expertise, and finely tuned personal care. We are committed to being cost effective, collaborative, and providing great value as a partner. We will never be the least expensive option if you are shopping for price alone, but our prints will be the best they can be.
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