Digital Prints

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Mastering Digital Printing
‘Documentation Package.’” This CD package includes: (1) a copy of everything someone
would need to have prints made without additional charges, except for Certificates of
Authenticity, which cost $1 each; (2) a guarantee that the prints will match the first print
order; (3) the freedom so that if for some reason Pixel Place went out of business, the artist
would have everything they need to have prints done elsewhere.
Proofs: Proofs, usually reduced or at one-quarter-size, can make or break a printing project
in terms of costs. Jack Duganne (Duganne Ateliers) charges a flat $85 per proofing session,
although what constitutes a proofing session is open to interpretation. Jim Davis
charges artists “$150, which includes the transparency, drum scan and a set of proofs. With
my closed-loop system, I can hit my color match targets 98 percent of the time. Very seldom
do I have to make a second proof. If I do, it is included in the $150 price.” Chris Wade
(Pixel Place) charges for proofs individually, anywhere from $16 to $48 (Canadian dollars).
Make sure you understand what’s included in a proof, and how many you’ll be getting.
Package Prices: Some inkjet printmakers, usually only those dealing with traditional art
reproductions, will offer package prices that include an image scan, basic image cleanup
and color correction, up to three reduced-size proofs, archiving, and one or more final
prints. For example, Staples Fine Art in Richmond, Virginia, has four packages ranging
from $165 to $450 depending on the size of the print (see Figure 10.3).
Package pricing may be a good idea, or it may make more sense to price out your work
à la carte (per item).
Warranty or Guarantee?
Does the printmaker offer a warranty or a guarantee of some kind, and do you understand
what it does and does not cover?
Figure 10.3 Digital print shop Staples
Fine Art offers four price packages
based on size.
Courtesy of Mark Staples
www.staplesart.com