This information is located in our software for artists. Some references within the text will be software related.

PRINTING (Regular and Green Printing)

Contemporary artists are becoming less reliant on printed materials to get the word out about their projects. But printing is still an important component of ongoing marketing campaigns. It is useful to know the basics about printing, and this guide will give you a short overview of things to know before out sourcing print jobs. There are many more print options coming on to the market, so do some research, figure out what you can afford, and print wisely.

Studies have found that, while many people use E-mail as a primary way of getting the word out, E-mails tend to be forgotten. Sending a postcard in the mail, which can be tacked up as a visual reminder, remains a best practice. Printing postcard announcement is also a good idea because sometimes this is the only printed documentation of an exhibition.

There are a few basic processes for printing.

Digital Offset – this process puts ink on paper as does “conventional” printing, but it does away with film, plates and separate proofing systems. With no minimum quantity, it has a fast turnaround and great quality.

Offset Litho – this process is the conventional route. It produces a wonderful result but has a lot of up front costs and usually involves a minimum quantity in the hundreds. It is not a fast process and color proofs are sometimes produced using a different process than the final print job, which can lead to inaccuracy.

The above processes can be used to produce postcards, announcements, brochures, portfolios, greeting cards etc.

Giclee- The most recent addition to the artists’ choices for reproduction is called Giclee (pronounced Jee-Clay). This is basically high quality ink jet printing.

Giclee prints are widely regarded as the highest quality reproduction currently available. There is no minimum quantity, proofing is done “on-press” so you get perfect color matching. You can print on canvas as well as paper, and it will have the look and feel of the original artwork. It is light fast, has no up front costs, and can be ordered as needed. (Be sure to read the section on Editions if you are printing in batches)

Ink-Jet – The easiest do-it-yourself method of printing is ink-jet. It can be expensive due to the high cost of printer ink. If you do not have many documents to print, this might be an option.

Finding a Printer

One of the best things you can do is find a printer who understands the demands of fine art reproduction. Always ask to see their samples and shop around. Using the web to do research is a good place to start.

Ask a lot of questions and discuss your requirements with a printer before committing.

How to Save Money

• Send a digital file if possible, either through E-mail or on a CD. This will skip the scanning step, which costs more money.

• While there is usually no minimum order for Giclee and Digital Offset prints, the cost per copy will change based on quantity.

• Ask for help and advice before you start the process of designing for your print job. You should only work with a helpful, patient printer.

• Sometimes schools post jobs for students in the graphic design department, and they may be cheaper than a professional designer. You might also bring up the idea of a barter or trade. (See Bartering and Trading section for details)

Scanning

Scanning can be a very important part of the process. If you do not know how to scan an image properly, have the printer do it for you. Scanning is usually a one-time charge. Once scanned, you can reproduce an image, use it on the web, send in an E-mail, etc. GYST also offers an affordable scanning service to artists. For more information email info@gyst-ink.com

Green Printing

The Recycled Products Cooperative estimates that over 100 million trees are cut each year to supply fiber for writing and printing papers in the United States. This is not only detrimental to forests, but to air quality and water reserves as well.

How to make your print job more environmentally friendly:

• Choose recycled paper whenever possible. Check out the recycled content percentage on items you buy, and find those with the most recycled content. However, remember that most recycled materials are not archival.

• Do you know where to disposes of used printer inks? Petroleum-based inks leach VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), which cause cancer and birth defects into the soil when printed materials end up in landfills. They can also be released into the air while inks dry.

Soy ink is an excellent alternative to petroleum-based inks. Soy ink uses soybean oil that’s naturally low in VOC’s. This smart substitute is sustainable, efficient, and cost competitive. Many newspapers and magazines are now printed with soy ink.

• Do it digitally. Digital printing is ideal for short-run, four-color work for business cards, stationery, promotional pieces, and most print work that is less than 1,000 sheets of 14 x 20 inches.

This printing method even has advantages over soy inks. While soy is comprised of 86 percent oil, which isn’t biodegradable, digital printing uses 100 percent nontoxic toner. Toner-based inks also produce less chemical waste.

• Use tree-free paper such as Denim Blues (100 percent reclaimed blue jean cotton), and synthetic papers by Yupo because of their environmental attributes and durability. Consider using papers made of hemp and Knaf or a new paper called TerraSkin, which is made from ground stone.

• Bleaching processes have changed over the years, but look for those products that are acceptable by the Chlorine Free Products Association are granted PCF and TCF emblems. Look for the symbols when purchasing recycled paper.

Additional resources can be found on the web under green printing.