Digital Prints

Experience?
How long have they been in the business of making digital prints? Do they understand
color management and take a hands-on approach to getting the best color from each file?
Are they familiar with the kind of art output you’re looking for, or are they a sign shop
that figures digital printing is digital printing? “Find out if they have worked with other
artists and whether or not they found that experience rewarding,” advises printmaker JD
Jarvis. “If the printer does not realize that creating work for ‘fine-art’ requires special attention,
or if they offer that attention grudgingly, look for someone else.”
Referrals?
As with any service, get referrals. How many clients or customers similar to you do they
have? Can they give you any customer references? If so, absolutely follow up and contact
them asking for their comments.
Also, talk to other imagemakers whose output you like, and who are happy with the printing
services they use. Then contact those providers.
Samples?
At a minimum, you should evaluate several samples of a printmaker’s work. Most professional
printmakers are glad to send out a sample packet with a price sheet and sometimes
paper swatches.
An even better idea is a test print. “The best interview,” explains New Media Art’s Lynn
Lown, “is to have them make you a small print.” You’ll have to pay for it, but onequarter-size
prints can be made at very reasonable prices.
Chapter 10 ■ Using a Print Service 317
A custom test file the author had
printed by Thunderbird Editions in
Clearwater, Florida.
Olé No Moiré image (lower right)
courtesy of Adobe Systems, Inc.