What is Giclee?
Giclee \je-kla \ n [fr origin to squirt or spray]
1. The process of reproducing works of art by spraying archival inks on paper or canvas.
2. The closest duplication of an original artwork that is humanly, mechanically and technically possible.
3. Cie-Elle Digital Imaging
Giclee is a French slang word for spraying or squirting ink that was established in the 1990’s to describe fine art prints reproduced with large format inkjet printers. Giclee prints have become increasingly popular as the technology and materials improve. Today, giclee is the world’s best technique for reproducing original works of art. It has a higher resolution than lithography and a wider colour range than a screen print.
Giclee can capture the colour, depth and texture of original works of art by combining high-end / high resolution scanning and high-tech, large format printers with archival inks and the highest quality artist canvas or paper
Why Giclee Makes Sense
Better Prints. Giclee prints provide noticeably better detail and quality that makes prints hard to distinguish from originals.
Flexibility. You have many options available, such as being able to fill special requests for extra large or smaller prints, hand embellishing or customising.
Print On Demand. With digital printmaking, you can order on demand and purchase prints, as you need them vs. all at once.
Working Capital. The initial cost to bring an edition to the market place as a giclee is a fraction of the cost to produce lithographs or screen prints.