Prior to working at Widen, I applied my expertise to color retouching for fine art reproductions. Creating exact reproductions of an artist's vision is not an easy task. Here are some things I have learned over the years to help achieve the best reproductions of your work.
Let's talk RGB
In the ever expanding world of Premedia Arts, digital is now the norm. Hopefully the fine art of printing will not become a thing of the past. With so many ways to get your digital creations out there we cannot leave behind the good feeling of holding a printed masterpiece in our hands.
Personally, I work the bulk of my files in RGB... sometimes I do ALL my work in RGB then convert for output. RGB as a color space has a much wider color gamut, you can change colors more easily and make larger changes to exposure and contrast too. Have I lost you yet?... boy, this can be pretty dull... lets liven it up with some fun images...
An image that is in RGB mode is optimized for display on a computer monitor. In order to reproduce that very same image using ink on paper, it must be converted to the CMYK. This is where we might run into trouble... If you have been working on a super vibrant RGB image and then convert your file to CMYK for output you might feel a little let down... Your super sexy colors in RGB are now a little drab and dull in CMYK.
First let's check your color settings... Go to Edit - Color Settings (command + shift + k on a mac) I always work in Adobe RGB 1998. You'll want to make sure your settings reflect your final output. If your goal is to display your masterpiece on the web or on a device (monitor, iphone, etc) keep with RGB. However, when your ready to print your CMYK profile should be the same as the output device you are printing to.
Of course, we are assuming that your monitor is calibrated...
You can use a number of methods to calibrate your monitor. Two low cost solutions are the X-Rite Colormunki for about $500, or the X-Rite i1 Display for around $200. Both solutions will allow you to calibrate and profile your monitor. The Colormunki is a full blown spectrophotometer that will also sample colors and profile a printer. Read more at Mark Pajari’s blog: Go Bananas with X-Rite's New Colormunki.
As far as settings go, a typical LCD display should be calibrated to a white point of 6500, gamma 2.2, and a luminance of around 120 cd/m2. You can increase the luminance a bit if you work in a brighter environment. A new monitor out of the box is usually set way too bright, often over 300 cd/m2. So calibrating it and bringing down the luminance is a very good start.
If you are still using a CRT display, as soon as you are done reading this blog, get in your car and go buy a new LCD display. Put it in place today. Really, if you care about the color of the work you produce from your computer, a good LCD display is a smart and cost effective investment.
Widen Prints
Need a large print for promotional materials? Maybe something from your corporate image library? Looking to reproduce your best image as a small edition to sell at galleries or art shows? Whatever your needs, your files are in good hands with Widen.
We use either the Epson 9880s or the HPZ6100. The Epson uses K3 ink technology, the HP using their own version, called HP Vivera inks. The Epson has a max width of 44", the HP max width is 60". All of our devices are put to the test on a daily basics, printing everything from beautiful full color landscapes to subtle sepia tones creations. We are always checking for consistency and accuracy in all of our prints so you are sure to receive the finest quality print Widen can produce.
Substrates
We use HPs Premium Instant Dry Satin Photo Paper and are currently testing various papers with matte finishes. In the future we will be expanding our substrate list as the demand increases.
Color Space
Nothing traditional here...
Widen will print your images on both machines in RGB using Adobe'98 color space. We are still experimenting with 16 bit color and other gamuts that will help your images reach their fullest potential.
What do we need from you?
Simple. You supply us with your RGB file and depending on your level of expertise you can request just a print or have one of our experienced color operators give your file our undivided attention. We will convert the file, if needed, spot check for any flaws and complete any specific direction you might have for us.
Remember the past, live in the present, and plan for the future.
In the coming weeks I will be diving in deeper to wide format printing at Widen. For now, you can get more info and a price quote by clicking the link below:
Wide Format Prints at Widen
Psst... I will be interviewing one of the GREATS in the world of fine art reproduction! So stay tuned and follow me on twitter or Behance for all the latest and greatest in the great big world of Premedia Arts!
Hola, I'm Joy Hamel. During my first year of art school I took my first Photoshop class. I knew I was in trouble when, at the end of my first semester, I was better at wielding the all mighty pen tool than my instructor. That was the beginning of my love affair with Photoshop. I wanted to use Photoshop on every project I created.
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