A GiclEe Is:
A giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) refers to both a category of collectible fine art similar to lithographs and serigraphs, as well as a type of digitally created fine art print. However, not all digital prints are giclee’s- only prints that adhere to strict printmaking standards can be called a giclee.
The word “giclee” dates back to 1989 and is a french term roughly meaning “spray or squirt” which refers to the digital printing process. During printing, millions of microscopic droplets of ink per second are applied to the print media. The best giclee printers provide a maximum of 1,200 dpi resolution and blend eight or more colors of ink. At 2Buddybiz, we use HP Designjet Z-series photo printers which runs on 8 to 12 ink cartridges for the best quality and most accurate colour and monochrome reproduction.
A giclde is a high-end fine art print recognized as “the next best thing to owning the original”, or in the case of certain art created by digital artists, each giclee is an “original”. Giclee’s can be found on display in the world’s finest museums and art galleries, often they can be hard to distinguish from originals.
A giclee work is hence defined as:
“A fine art print created by a printmaker adhering to strict standards that utilizes special high resolution digital equipment throughout the workflow process leaving no evidence of the technology used, while providing archival quality consistent with that of a collectible fine art print.”
Are All GiclEe’s The Same?
Not at all! Like any craft or trade, there are different levels of expertise and equipment at any given shop. The best, longest lasting giclee’s are made by craftsman who are masters of their trade and work with the finest equipment available.
At Giclee Art Sdn Bhd, we use the latest technology in archival inks, acid free media and eco-friendly printmaking. Our prints are rated to last up to 200 years without noticeable fading (according to Wilheim Imaging Research, USA). Most prints are even water resistant.
A Printmaster
A master printmaker or ‘Printmaster’ has hands-on participation in the reproduction of 300+ different paintings and photography works before earning the status. A Printmaster is someone with the utmost skill and is recognized by his peers as such.
Printmaster, digital portrait photographer and co-founder, Wesley Wong has been crafting giclee prints since 2005. He is one of the most experienced, capable and tech-savvy giclee expert you can find in Malaysia. With an artists keen eye for color and value, he produces great looking prints— often complimented by artists claiming, “The prints look better than the original”.
Over the years, we worked closely with manufacturers to find the best products and technology available.
Why GiclEe Makes Sense
Working Capital. The initial cost to bring an edition to the marketplace as a giclee is a fraction of the cost to produce lithographs or serigraphs. Instead of just one painting, you can afford to print several paintings.
Print On Demand. With digital printmaking, you can order on demand and purchase prints as you need them vs. all at once. Order one, a few, several or many-you decide, however, discounts apply to volume orders.
Better Prints. Giclee prints provide noticeably better print quality and longer lasting prints.
Flexibility. You have many options available, such as being able to fill special requests for extra big or smaller prints, hand embellishing or customizing.

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