Q. What paper should I use for my reproduction?

A. This is a great question, and is often under-appreciated. The kind
of paper we print on is so critical to the print. Each paper has its own personality, and should be married to the original.

The kind of paper we use influences:

a. Color gamut (how many colors it will or won’t reproduce).
b. Maximum density.
c. Tactile quality (how it “feels” visually and physically).
d. The personality of the print – warm, cold, neutral, etc.
e. Archival nature.

I have six papers and two canvases – all custom profiled to my printers. When we review the original together, we can talk about the right paper for your project.

Q. How big of an edition should I consider?

A. If you are just starting out in print, it would be best to keep your editions smaller. Far better for you is to be sold out early, than to have an edition linger open for years. One of the greatest things you can say to a prospective customer is, “Sorry, that edition is closed. May I show you some of my new releases?” If you are an established artist, talk to your best clients about your images for guidance before printing to help ensure success. What sells? What doesn’t sell? Is your image regional…or, will it have a more expansive appeal? We want you to be successful. “Inventory” is a dirty word around here!

Q. What is “Oil Mounting?”

A. Oil mounting is an old trick used when scanning from negatives, slides and transparencies. As we mount your original on our scanner, we apply a specially formulated, very viscous photo oil between the emulsion of your original and the glass of the scanner. Your original is now “bathed” in this oil, allowing the oil to fill scratches and grain. The end result is a smoother, cleaner scan that doesn’t appear as grainy and dirty as it would otherwise. We have a 50 inch print we produced with photographer, Mark Weidman that was scanned from a 4x5 color transparency. The result is absolutely breathtaking. There is no apparent grain in the midtones and no chalkiness at all in the shadows. The oil we use is especially formulated for this purpose and in no way harms or leaves any residue whatsoever on the original. In fact, it serves as a very safe cleaner for the film!

Q. Will you print from my files?

A. We would be quite happy to work with you in this manner. However, to ensure success, we need consult with you in advance of preparing your file. We need to discuss color space, ideal file size/resolution, and your best hopes and intentions for the print. Everyone prepares their files a little differently, and if we talk first we can help prevent disappointments and unnecessary retouching and editing costs.

If you have a printing question for Bob Tursack, please e-mail bob@brilliantstudio.com.