Printing 8x10's, brochures, etc.

[Michael Georges]

Mary:

Yes, they are really Giclee prints done on watercolor paper instead of canvas - which, BTW, you can do on the P2000 too.

As for explaining the process, the superior archival nature of the prints is the key. I explain that the prints are produced by the artist(me) using archival inks on watercolor paper, that they are fade-resistant for 140 years. If the print is matted, then I explain about archival methods of mounting a print and how I do it - hanging tape, acid free mats, backing, etc..

I get between 15 to 20 full-sized prints from a cartridge - color and black and white. I broke the cost down (ink & paper) and they came out to about $2-3 per print.

[Mary Reilly]

Thanks Michael, this is really helpful. I'm thinking seriously of getting this printer thanks to the info from you and others on this forum.

Do you find yourself wasting many prints trying to get the color and values adjusted?

Mary

[Michael Georges]

Mary:

I have a HP970Cse inkjet printer for test prints and printing everything that is not an art print - the P2000 is only for prints or oversized signs for my shows.

I generally have been lucky in getting color that is pretty close to the originals - they are never quite exactly matching, but they get very close.

You can sell your test prints as "Artist Proofs".

[Michele Rushworth]

Whenever I have to do test prints to check for color, I put many small images on one page, and then tweak the color of each one individually. I make notes as to what I tweaked in Photoshop (reduce contrast by 10, change the color balance to less red by 20, for example.)

Then I print out the page with the eight or nine small, different-colored versions of my image and pick the one that looks best. Because I took notes on what I changed in each of the color tests, I can replicate it when I do my full page print. Saves me a lot of ink and paper.

Often my color tests are so awful looking (until I get it right) that I'd never want anyone else to see them -- let alone sell them!

[Mary Reilly]

Thank you Michael and Michele. I'm probably going to get this printer when I get paid for the portrait I am now working on. I'm totally excited about it.


Mary