Frequently Asked Questions

PRODUCTS

1. Ordering

4. Policies / Terms of Trade

2. Preparing and Supplying Images

5. Technical Stuff

3. Shipping

6. Miscellaneous

How do I order?

Either

1) directly through the website CREATE YOUR CANVAS - choose your shape, size, wrap, DON'T FORGET to UPLOAD your image, check out

2) Go straight to UPLOAD your photo and email us your requirements and we will do the whole thing by phone

How do I pay?

You can pay online safely and securely or call us with credit card details.

Payment is required with your order. We will test your image free of charge and if you give us the go ahead you can simply either fill in an online order or call us with payment details

We accept VISA, MasterCard, EFTPOS, and AMEX.

Typically we will charge your credit card when we are sure your job has printed correctly.

What do you do about reprinting my files?

Upon request only we will archive the file and all your color preferences. If you would like re-prints later, just let us know and we'll pull your file from the archive and print it - no recurring costs to you except for the printing.

Can I send you a picture from my digital camera

Yes - we accept any jpeg, TIF, RAW or PDF images from any brand of digital camera. Usually they make great canvases or big prints from a jpeg around 300k in size or bigger. We have successfully found a unique way to take very small 100k files and enlarge them up to over a metre wide! If in doubt just email your image to us at studio@bigprints.com.au and we'll let you know the optimum way of presenting it.

What can I send you?

A digital file, or a 35mm negative, or a 35mm slide, or a photo print. We scan all the latter ones to a digital file and enlarge them using some very sophisticated technology that does it and keeps the image sharp.

Can you do other creative things to my pictures?

Yes. Basically anything can be superimposed, the colours changed and we even fix up faded pics and put nice old fashioned sepia tones on them with titles if required. Converting your photo to black and white or sepia is FREE of charge. More complex artwork may require a small fee.

Do you fix scratches and marks on my original?

Oh yes - it doesn't take long and you won't see the patch up. First we have to make it into a digital file by scanning the film, photo or artwork - then we can remove stratches and blemishes

What are Acceptable Digital Files?

Preferably, send your digital file as a jpeg, PDF or TIF file: RGB encoded (3 channels, 8 bits per channel) with LZW compression. This uses a lossless compression so there is no image degredation.

For crisp output, your original file should contain a minimum of 220 pixels per inch at final output size. Files with 100-200 dots per inch at final output may be acceptable, but will not have the sharpness and detail of larger files. A lower dpi leads to soft edges and loss of detail which may be acceptable for some images particularly on canvas.

How do I size my own images up?

Leave original file as is and make colour edits first before sizing. For crisp output, your original file should contain a minimum of 220 pixels per inch at final output size. Files with 100-200 dots per inch at final output may be acceptable, but will not have the sharpness and detail of larger files.

In your photo editing program:

Size up to final canvas print size you want or change the dpi to something huge like 1200dpi or 600dpi minimum and save the file - we will do the sizing and final file prep at no charge.

Save the file as a TIF with LZW compression ON - (it is lossless compression) or simply as a jpeg at max resolution

Upload to us.

How do I sharpen an image?

Your image should be sized to 220dpi at the size you're going to print it. Zoom the image to 100% so that you can see every pixel in an area of your image. Note: Photoshop canvas at 100% on your screen does NOT mean that that's what the final print will look like as you need to see "actual" 100% size according to your ruler at the top of the screen.

Click on "unsharpen" feature of your photo edit program as shown in PhotoShop example below

Then SAVE AS jpg at highest resolution

I create my own digital files. How large should I make them?

Create you image with 220dpi at final output size and it will be more than sufficient to maintain sharpness and detail.

If you have an existing file, and you can't recreate your image at a high resolution, DO NOT simply resize and resample it with a photo editing program to achieve high resolution. For best results, you must create your image at a high dpi in the first place by choosing the 'FINE' setting or 'maximum resolution' on the camera preferences.

What special instructions does my photographer need to shoot my work?

If you are having a professional photographer shoot your work, be sure to get high resolution digital files on a CD or DVD.

Instruct your photographer to take extra care ensuring the piece is evenly lit.

If you work in oils, acrylics, or any other highly reflective medium, your photographer will need to polarize both the light source and lens.

How do you get my original painting ready for digital reproduction?

Digital File : The most important element of giclee printing is the digital file. We scan your original work using a high resloution digital camera to create this digital file.

Camera Scan : The digital camera directly captures the image creating a hi-resolution file. Traditionally, the image is captured on film and is then scanned. However, this latter process leads to a loss of color accuracy, detail and does introduce 'noise' from the emulsion on the film when enlarged.

Proof : Camera capture also facilitates the proofing process since color corrections can be made first hand. Even if you are not ready to do a run of prints, it is a good idea to scan and proof an original work that you may no longer have access to. The file can be used in lieu of a transparency for any output method as well as giclee prints. Scan once, and output many.

Film Scan : In some cases, the only archive available is transparency or film material. We use a scanner that will scan this material to create a digital file or a 35mm scanner.

How should I prepare my digital files?

Digital File : The most important element of giclée printing is the digital file. Without quality input, no printer can produce quality output . Make sure your digital file is prepared properly and contains no unwanted jpeg 'artifacts' before sending it to us.

Digital Color Space : Compose your color files in the Adobe 1998 RGB workspace if you have PhotoShop installed otherwise just an sRGB jpeg is fine.

File Types : Save your files as jpg, TIF with LZW compression or flattened Photoshop PSDs. LZW is a lossless compression that does not degrade the image quality. To the contrary, JPG compression is a lossy compression. Avoid opening and resaving JPG files as this may destroy color fidelity and image sharpness.

File Sizes : Simply enlarging an image file with a graphics program, such as Photoshop, does nothing to enhance output quality. If your image has very fine detail and is to be printed on canvas, creating it at 220dpi will be more than sufficient to maintain the sharpness. The file should be initially created with the final output size as the determining factor for the file size.

Guide Prints : If you have artist proofs or guide prints available and exact color is critical to you, send them to us to make sure we are accurate and consistent with your intent. Remember, monitor colors vary drastically.

What shall I allow for stretch in the borders?

Stretching : If you choose to stretch (or 'wrap') canvas prints, allow a minimum of 2 inch (5cm) borders on all sides of the print. Our 'Send us Yours' prices are for stretched canvas and you can toggle this off for 'unstretched' canvas prices.

What is digital image resolution?

Digital image resolution is the size of your image, measured in pixels (picture elements). A high-resolution image (such as 3000 x 1500 pixels) will result in a better printed photo than a low resolution image (such as 320 x 240 pixels), all other things being equal. If the resolution is too low for the size of the print chosen, the photograph will look fuzzy and indistinct. We recommend that you always use the high resolution setting on your camera to ensure the best prints.

Which digital camera should I buy?

The best reviews on digital cameras can be found at http://www.dpreview.com

Shipping Rates:
Metro Sydney and anywhere in Australia: $35 for packing and delivery (up to 1.5 kg = a few 20x30 inch canvases in one package)

and anywhere outside major cities is $55

over that weight is anything from $55 to $145anywhere in Australia. All shipping charges are shown upon checkout and based on sizes

What is your damaged goods or replacement policy?

Packing and delivery is completed with the best packing materials. We can assure you that all freight is insured so if any damage we will replace the canvas print immediately. Please take some photos and email these to us of the box and the canvas print so we can claim for the delivery.

ways pick up your Big Print from us.

Are your prices inclusive of GST?

Prices quoted include Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) unless otherwise stated

Do you charge for delivery?

Yes - we can quote you freight charges at time of order or you can collect from us in Sydney

How long does it take to get my canvas print ?

Our current turnaround on 'custom requests' is 4 work days but we can do a 24 hr turnaround in metro Sydney if you have the image to us by 12 noon the working day before. If you require 'unwrapped' canvas, then turnaound can be 2 work days.

What are my shipping options?

If you live in Sydney your canvas will be delivered by a metro courier van. Outside Sydney we use TNT door to door couriers. Thats why its very important you give us all the street delivery details on the order with a contact phone number for the courier.

What is the difference between 'canvas only' and 'canvas wrapped'?

"Canvas unstretched" means it is not stretched over a frame - we deliver it rolled and you arrange stretching with your local framer.

"Canvas Stretched" means we deliver it ready to hang, stretched around a 38mm (2inch) thick wooden frame, strung and taped at the back so dust doesn't get in the crack between the canvas and the frame. Gives a nice chunky art gallery feel.

How do I care for my canvas prints (clean them)?

Just treat your canvas like any fine art piece. Simply run a duster over them once a month and that should take any dust off the front and top. If you have a mark from a moth or similar you can use a soft white cloth and water only to rub very gently over the area affected. This does remove light marks that have not embedded in the canvas fabric.

Please note , we give no warranties on this should you rub too hard and the pigment comes off or cracks.

How do you print the giclee prints?

We print your picture on the latest in high resolution large format printers. A recent breakthrough in technology has allowed us to bring you long lasting, vibrant, photo quality images that are fade resistant for over 75 years.

We use archival inks that are pigment based rather than dye based

What inks do you use?

We use pigmented inks which provide not only better display permanence than the dye-based inks you get in most inkjet printers, but also have better water-fastness and humidity-fastness and superior resistance to gas fading (not a misprint!).

What material do you print on?

After much research, we produce the finest giclée prints on acid free matt art/museum quality canvas. WE o our larger prints for restaurants and reception areas with waterproof inks and canvas for protection

How long do my canvas prints last?

At this stage the inks have been lab tested to around 75 years lifespan, provided they are not subjected to direct ultra violet light. So you'll get a long, long life from the prints if they are kept out of direct sunlight. We do however do a waterproof canvas that works well outside but we dont guarantee it and would expect it to last up to 5 years in the weather.

How are my canvas prints mounted?

The canvas is stretched over high quality 40mm pine wood frames, reinforced and stapled at the back. The staples are then covered with tape to protect the wall. Then the canvas is strung so you can hang it straight from the wrapping when you receive it.

How much can I sell my giclee art prints for?

No easy answer. Prices vary from $65 for small prints by unknown artists to thousands of dollars for large canvases by well known artists. Many factors contribute to the price including the reputation of the artist, the size of the print, and if there is an edition count. The price of your original art is a relative indicator of what you will get for your prints. You can work on around 25-35% of the price of your original.

Do I need to copyright my work?

No. Copyright protection is automatic; there is no system of registration in Australia. A work does not need to be published, or have the copyright notice on it, to be protected. From the time it is first written down or recorded in some way it is protected, provided it has resulted from its creator’s skill and effort and is not simply copied from another work.

You do not need to register your work unless you want to sue someone for reproducing or selling your work without your permission. Visit the Australian Copyright Council for more information on copyright laws and protection http://www.copyright.org.au/

Best way to market your work Via the internet

Traditional marketing is still the best through galleries and art shows. Though it is very easy to pay an online gallery commission to sell your images - this varies from 10% to 40% but may be worth it until your work is in demand and you establish your own website for selling.

What proofing options do you offer?

We email "soft " proofs as screen grabs to you. Generally your printed colours will be within 5% of the colours on your screen. Proofing assures both the client and Bigprints are in agreement on the print job expectations. It enables colour and detail to be previewed before the job is printed.