What's the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Simply, RGB refers to transmitted light such as that seen through a transparency or a television or computer screen. Combinations of Red, Green and Blue light. It more or less describes the spectrum of light visible to the human eye. CMYK generally refers to the standard four color printing process , combinations of overlaid inks, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These 4 colors create a spectrum of reflected light that only represents about 60% of what the human eye can see. This is why even the most beautifully printed works can look dull compared to the originals or even next to transparencies of the originals.

If you deliver an RGB file to us, we will make every effort to reproduce it as faithfully as possible, but remember, in the end, we will be printing with Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black inks. Does it matter to us whether we receive RGB or CMYK files? No.

What about resolution?

The resolution of a digital file refers to the number of pixels (picture elements) in a given measurement, usually inches. This is expressed as ppi or pixels per inch, or more commonly dpi; dots per inch. Since the advent of digital processes, 300 dpi has become the standard in the printing industry. 72 is commonly used for "web only" designations.

Obviously, the greater the resolution, the more detail and information we will have to work with. Our printer has a maximum resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi, but in most instances, this is overkill. Although we advise caution when printing images below 300 dpi, there is no need to submit maximum res files.

It is also important to understand that changing the resolution of an image from say, 72 dpi to 300 dpi will not increase the quality of the image. High resolution must come from the original image capture and not from an interpolation method such as in Photoshop. While there are perfectly acceptable uses for this function, it has no place in fine art reproduction.

What are Color Profiles?

Color profiles are instructions that can be attached to an image, describing how it is intended to be viewed on a screen or printed on a digital printer. They can compensate for differences in viewing conditions, paper qualities and printer calibrations so that in theory, what you see now, is what you will get later. Our view is that, although profiles can save some time and trouble, they are not perfect and cannot possibly eliminate every variable.

Should I use transparencies or digital files?

Makes little difference to us. However, since it will need to be digital in order to be printed, it makes more sense to go straight to digital, getting the highest quality capture that you can. If you need a transparency for any reason, you can easily get one made from your digital file.

If your transparency is a 35mm, be forewarned that any significant enlargement will most likely be excessively grainy. 4x5's and 8x10's offer much better results.

What is a Giclée?

When digital prints were first pioneered, the idea was scorned by the art world. Purists will always shun new technology. So someone had the clever idea of coming up with a fancy name to obscure the new medium's high tech and "soulless" origins. So the term giclée seems to have stuck, but the actual meaning of the word eludes us so, being the pedestrian types we are, we prefer the less glamorous "digital print".

How long does it take to make a print?

The maximum print speed is 190 square feet per hour. This speed is reduced when introducing variables such as file size, print resolution and ink coverage. It's pretty quick considering the time it used to take digital prints to get made. Still, a considerable amount of time is required to properly set up an image. This is where the craftsmanship and ultimate quality of your print lies.

Is the cost determined by print area or paper size?

Paper size.

Do you provide framing services?

We do not directly provide this service. However, we do work with a handful of local framers who offer us their services at savings that we can pass on to you. We will mount your work on foam-core or masonite if you desire. If you are printing on canvas we can mount that on stretcher bars. We also contract with bookbinding and letterpress craftsmen and women. If your project requires such specialized services we will be happy to introduce you.

Why Oil + Electron?

From the caves at Lascaux to the walls of the Metropolitan, pigmented oils have been a longstanding favorite in the story of creative self-expression. Here in the 21st century, we still see no need to abandon the linseed oil (or any other artistic tradition), in our human pursuit of the interpretation of the world around and within us.

However, technology allows us to direct elemental particles in our pursuit of new perceptions of light and color, allowing us a different way to imitate... inviting us to expand again, our notions of what constitutes art.

Oil + Electron merges the worlds of artistic traditions and modern technologies.