Checking In ....

Checking in means it’s time to introduce us to you and your artwork.

The first thing we’d like to know from you is your intention for the work. Is it to be a collectible art print? Or do you want reproductions for family and friends only? We can set up each piece for either Limited Edition number tracking or an Open Edition. The first form we’ll fill out together is called a Print Record Form, where all information we need for our records concerning your work will be listed. We must have certain “vital statistics” on your art piece - its name, medium and such. This information is used to build Giclée Cards (G-Cards) to accompany your final print. Please, to better avoid future confusion, name your work and be ready to identify it that way. Do not be tentative, or tempted to change your mind once the process begins. Your first Giclée Card run is free. However, you will be charged for any cards we make as a result of information changes.

The next check-in step is to decide the details of your order. We’ll fill out a Job Order Form, on which we’ll indicate your desired paper (watercolour, drawing, canvas or photo), the output size (or sizes), quantities and finishing options. Both the Job Order and Print Record forms wind their way through our system until the order’s completion. At that point, the Job Order information is transferred to an invoice, and the Print Record Form and final proof are logged and archived for future use.

to Capturing digitally....

Capturing digitally literally means to make a digital copy of an original.

Our preferred method to capture your artwork within our computer system is to scan it directly, using an Epson Professional XL flatbed scanner. With this process, we are best able to reproduce minute textures and subtle colour shifts, resulting in a superior print. For art larger than 11”x17” we apply multiple-piece scanning techniques, then meticulously reassemble those segments within the computer. If the original is unavailable for reproduction, or excessively large (4 feet x 5 feet or larger), consider film.

All 35mm film slides, both negative and positive, are captured using our Nikon Super Coolscan 5000. The resulting digital file is extremely colour accurate at 4000 dpi. Such a file will produce a gorgeous 12”x18” art print rendered at an optimum 300 dpi.

Transparencies and negatives up to 4”x6” are scanned on our Imacon 848 Flextight Drum Scanner. Those 35mm slides requiring a dpi of higher than 4000 for optimal large format printing can also be scanned using this device. One of this scanner’s great features is its drum scan quality. It doesn’t need gels to hold the film in place, resulting in a profoundly direct and clean image capture.

Images may be provided on zip disk or CD. We accept documents formatted as TIFF, PSD or high-quality JPEG. Any files falling outside of these mentioned media and formats will be charged an opening fee. We do not accept Power Point or any MicroSoft Office formats. Files should be 300dpi at print size. We will print your digital file without colour correction at cost of print. Do keep in mind that you will be charged full print price whatever the print outcome. If colour correction is requested, prints made from provided digital files will incur a colour correction fee.

to Pre-Press....

Pre-Press means we're going to get it ready to run through the printer.

Once captured, the digital file is prepared for printing by cropping, sizing, cleaning and colour correcting. We run proofs on 9”x12” stock and then call the artist in for a file evaluation. For images to be produced on Fine Art Paper, up to four colour-correction test prints will be made at no charge. Any proofs beyond four will be charged 50% of print cost. We do not make proofs for provided digital files unless colour correction fees are paid. All proofs, including the Bon-A-Tirer (or final proof), remain the property of Irelock and are kept on file with the corresponding Print Record Form.

Please allow 8-14 days for scanning and proofing.

to Your Edition....

Your Edition means we are actually going to run the final print.

After you’ve approved the Bon-A-Tirer, we will begin printing your edition as Fine Art Giclées. Delivery of your print order is generally completed 3-7 days from the time the colour proof is approved. Should you require a special rush order, please request an estimate on cost and availability as near the outset of the process as possible.

to Finishing....

Finishing means we are nearly done! Only presentation remains.

All finished prints up to 40”x60” are processed through our vacuum press (the paper is heated and relaxed so it lays flat) and hand-trimmed, leaving standard borders. Average-sized fine prints have up to a two-inch border surrounding the image. This allows for proper hinge hanging when framed within an arrangement of mattes, glass and backing board. On canvas prints we apply either a museum grade UV protective vinyl finish, or an archival “print guard” spray. Finishing method is dictated by the inks chosen. You can receive your print at this point or continue with our other services.

with Shrink-Wrap ...
Shrink-Wrapping is a great, cost-effective way to display your print.

Our prints are expertly shrink-wrapped onto ph-neutral foam board, cut at least one inch beyond the print’s finished paper size, and held in place with archival corner mounts. This guards them from atmospheric particulates (and otherwise inevitable crinkles) until properly framed.

or Dry Mount ...
Though not common with art prints, dry mounting is sometimes useful.

Our vacuum dry mount press is capable of processing up to 40”x60” material. This process does allow for framing of artwork without glass and makes it possible to economically deal with very large pieces. Finishes include glossy, luster and satin matte. Or, the machine can be used to safely flatten buckled papers (like watercolor) and old posters.

or Custom Framing ...
A custom picture frame is the cream of print presentation.

Picture framing is one of the earliest services Irelock ever offered. Our retail experience initiated with our first gallery and frame shop back in 1985, and custom framing has remained a specialty ever since. Ask Chris or Jessie for an estimated completion date and cost.

or Do-It-Yourself Framing ...
The look of custom framing at a reduced price.

Whether length moulding or chop-service; matt boards or glass; or any other framing materials - Irelock can provide them for you. Ask Chris or Jessie for details.