Art Prints: Understanding the Giclée Printing Process
We create art prints to enhance your decor, to celebrate meaningful places and finally, to add a touch of elegance to your living space. With so much detail and expertise going in to creating our art we are particular about how each illustration is printed. In 2019 we integrated our design studio with an expert print house who professionally print our artwork. Our high-quality art prints are created using a process called giclée printing, and we produce limited edition collections of screen prints too.
Giclée printing originated in France during the late 1980s, it's the most beautiful and highest quality full colour print process available. Here we explain giclee printing and share why we favour this ahead of standard ink jet printing.
An introduction to giclee Printing
The term "Giclée" comes from the French words meaning "to spray" and was used to describe a new printing process that allowed French printmakers to add impulse and spontaneity back into their work after the mechanical processes of screen-printing.
In 1991, printmaker Jack Duganne coined the phrase "Giclée," and it remained a European art technique until it was introduced into mainstream America soon after digital printing and imaging systems were launched. Nowadays, artists, galleries, and print shops use Giclée printing for high-quality printing. When recreating artwork such as a watercolour print, the end result is almost indistinguishable from the original, making Giclée printing the natural choice at Natalie Ryan Design.
Giclée art prints offer several advantages over inkjet prints.
Firstly, Giclée printing uses archival-quality pigment-based inks, which are fade-resistant and can last up to 200 years without fading. On the other hand, inkjet prints typically use dye-based inks that are not as stable and can fade much quicker over time, especially when exposed to light.
Secondly, Giclée printing allows for a higher level of colour accuracy and detail reproduction, resulting in prints that are almost identical to the original artwork. This is due to the use of specialised printers and software that are designed to replicate the texture and colour of the original artwork.
Thirdly, Giclée printing can be done on a variety of media, which enables us to produce our work on a variety of materials, including fine art papers, canvas, and even metal or wood.
Lastly, Giclée prints are higher quality than inkjet prints, this is extremely important for us, and for our clients who prefer to purchase and own high-quality artwork.
Overall, while inkjet printing can be a more affordable option, we prefer Giclée art printing for it's superior quality, longevity, and value. Natalie Ryan Design have opted for a professional and long-lasting printing option.
About the paper we print on.
We use a premium quality heavyweight fine art print material with a smooth, clean finish. This museum-quality paper is extremely consistent and works perfectly with our illustrations. The matte finish emphasises different highlights and tones in the source artworks; helping to create stunning works of art. Our paper is sourced from sustainable forests and contains no plastic.
About the ink we use.
100% non-hazardous and toxin-free. We have minimised the use of solvent inks and ensure either neo pigment or eco solvent inks are used.
We provide high-quality framed art prints that are individually handmade to order. Our teams are situated around the world, so you can have your artwork arrive framed and ready to hang, no matter where you are located.
We offer a core range of classic frames that are bespoke to us and use fine art papers, mounts, and unique glazes. Made to our preferences, our artwork is printed and framed with exceptional detail and shipped directly.
Our classic custom-framed prints are crafted from sustainably sourced wood and come with a premium fine art print, making them one of our best-selling products. Customers repeatedly tell us that they love the quality of our frames and prints, which are available in black, white, brown, natural, antique gold, and antique silver finishes. Please see product lisitings for detailed specifications.
Our limited edition picture frames also come with the option of including a mount, a choice of frame sizes and colours, and are delivered ready to hang with perspex glaze for added protection. We take pride in our exceptional craftsmanship, ethical business practices, and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Our stationery collections of wrapping paper, greetings cards and notebooks are exquisitely made and beautifully manufactured. With a variety of designs and styles to choose from, you can select stationery that matches your unique personality and aesthetic. Whether you prefer personalised or custom our singles or packs of greetings cards in bold and vibrant colours or classic and understated designs, are the perfect choice.
At Natalie Ryan Design, we understand that stationery is not only functional but can also reflect your unique personality and aesthetic. Stationery is an essential aspect of our everyday lives, from jotting down notes to sending cards to loved ones. That's why we offer an exquisite collection of wrapping paper, greetings cards, and notebooks that are beautifully manufactured and made with the highest quality materials.
Our stationery collections feature a variety of designs and styles, allowing you to choose products that perfectly match your unique style and needs. Whether you prefer personalised or custom-made greetings cards, our singles or packs in bold and vibrant colours or classic and understated designs are the perfect choice.
We take pride in the quality of our stationery products, which are beautifully made and printed on either 280gsm gloss paper or 324gsm Mohawk card. Our custom greeting cards can be ordered with a blank envelope or sent directly to the recipient in an envelope. You can order cards as singles or as multipacks of 10, 15, 20, 50, or 100.
Our stationery products are highly functional and perfect for various occasions. Whether it's taking notes in meetings or sending thank-you cards, our stationery helps you communicate in style and with confidence. We also provide brown kraft envelopes and package our products in protective biodegradable OPP bags (excluding multipacks and direct-to-recipient orders).
