Hello from my studio!
Scroll down for shop FAQs, or to find out more about how I make my work, head over to the process page.



FAQ

What is an original print?
An original print is an artwork in its own right, conceived from the start by the artist as a print, often also hand-printed by the artist, or sometimes made in collaboration with a master printer or publisher. An original print can be made using one or more print techniques, in a limited edition, or as a one-off monoprint. Original prints are hand-made using skilled manual printmaking techniques such as etching, screen printing, lithography, linocut, woodcut and many more.

All my original prints are hand-made and printed in my studio in West Yorkshire - shop the collection here.

What is a giclée art print?
A giclée art print is a digital reproduction of an existing work of art or digital design, printed on a high-quality inkjet printer. They can be printed in limited or open editions.

Why are original prints and giclée art prints priced differently?
There is a vast amount of skill that goes into creating an original print - a lifetime’s worth of learning and honing a craft - and this is reflected in the price. Giclée art prints in open-editions enable artists to offer work for sale at lower price points, and this in turn helps them to make the work they love making.

Browse my range of giclée art prints here.

What is a limited edition print?
A limited edition print is a finite number of prints pulled from the same matrix, (etching plate, wood block or litho stone for example), decided on by the artist or printer. This differs from an open edition, where no limit is set. 

What is an artist proof?
An artist proof is a print taken during the experimental proof-printing stage, before the edition is made. There may be mulitple artist proofs depending on how long it takes to finalise the colours used, the method of inking, and the order the plates or blocks are printed in. 

Why buy direct from the artist?
Buying direct from an artist means you are supporting an independent artist or maker to continue to make the work they love making, and in turn you are supporting the wider creative community in the UK.

Buying from me means that you are also helping to support the small businesses I use to help me create my work, such as independent print workshops, art supplies stores and paper manufacturers. It also means you can ask me any quesions you may have concerning the work before you buy.

Get in touch through my contact form.




Shipping & Postage
Original prints and unique works 
are packed and sent by hand from my studio in Mirfield, UK.

Pieces up to 30 x 40cm will be packaged flat. Pieces larger than this will be sent in a sturdy postal tube.

I aim to get your order dispatched within 2-3 working days. Once posted, your parcel should usually be with you within 1-2 working days (UK), or within 5-7 working days (International). If you need something sooner, please get in touch via the contact form and I’ll see what I can do.

Please note that international customers are responsible for any additional import taxes and charges associated with shipping to their respective countries, (this now includes the EU), and items may be held until these are paid. I would strongly recommend finding out what these charges are likely to be before placing your order to avoid any nasty surprises.

Giclée art prints will be sent direct from the printer. Orders from outside the UK will be fulfilled from the print lab nearest to you, helping to reduce carbon emissions from overseas postage. Prints sized A4 or smaller will be sent flat in an envelope.

Quality
All original works are created with great care and attention to detail. Works on plywood are slealed with an acrylic varnish with UV filter protection, and drawings are spray-fixed to ensure as little smudging as possible. Original prints are printed on acid-free paper which is resistant to yellowing, and where possible, light-fast inks. That said, the nature of hand-made means that there are likely to be idiosyncrasies and variations, which I believe makes the work truly unique.

Sustainability
In all my work I aim to source and use materials from sustainable sources, and to reduce my impact on our enviroment wherever possible. I aim to use plastic-free packaging when sending original work myself. Giclée art prints sent direct from the printers may sometimes arrive in cellophane wrapping - I have yet to source a print company who offer plastic free packagaing. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Returns/Damages
In the event of a lost or damaged parcel, or if you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me and I’ll be happy to advise on a way forward.

Copyright and reproduction
All work is ©2022 Kathryn Desforges. If you are interested in licensing my work, please get in touch using the contact form.




  ©2022 Kathryn Desforges