Well, I am thinking of going back to printing my photographs in a full-bleed, edge to edge format. In other words, no trim white space (for instance, I could offer a 12"x18" sheet size with a full 12"x18" image OR a 12"x18" sheet with a centered 11"x16.5" image -- Assuming I want to avoid cropping the photo.).
I constantly hear comments from customers saying, "boy, that's a lot of space wasted ... I would rather have an image be 115% larger and fit the entire page." For the most part, I would have to agree with them. I realize that the trim can be used for handling and matting purposes, but, then again, framers can easily mount the print to the a larger Gatorboard and lose nothing with the front mat OR they can create a "floating image" with a edge-to-edge print.
I realize this is the artist's choice. But, I would like to hear your opinions. All thoughts, comments, pros and cons ... To add trim or NOT to trim?
Thanks
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If glass is to be used, there needs to be a mat to prevent the print from sticking to the glass. You have to decide whether to overmat the image or have it end before the mat opening. Then there is gallery wrapped canvas where the image extends around the stretcher frame and is stapled to the back. I wouldn't look at it as value as much as which way presents the images the best. And you need to be consistent in y0ur presentation or the requests will drive you crazy.
Well, perhaps it is my fault for exaggerating ... A bit of hyperbole in my description of "comments." The few comments I have heard were from paying customers whom were very happy with the prints. I guess the question is really my own.
Is there anything wrong with printing my images to their max (no trim area), edge-to-edge, bleed? What are the pros and cons for me and the consumer?
One "pro" that I see is that I can offer the maximum size for the money to a consumer. For instance, if i wanted to keep the 10x15 size, I can print it edge-to-edge on a 10x15 sheet for $5 OR on a 12x18 sheet with a centered 10x15 image for $14 ... Not to mention the slight savings on smaller sleeves, boards and mats.
So, once again ... to add mat or NO mat? Personal choice or does it really "matter"? :-)
"constantly hearing" probably means you're doing something wrong. Are you hearing that about your entire display or only the pieces you prepare that way? If you have a uniform display and your work is marketable, you shouldn't be hearing anything other than "I'd like to purchase that," unless you're using a larger size paper to artificially inflate your prices.
I once did an entire booth in 5x7's in off centered (toward the top) white vertically matted and framed 11x14's as a test and had many multiple piece sales.
Replies
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Test Your Jury Images and Presentation
http://JuryImages.com
412-767-8644
Well, perhaps it is my fault for exaggerating ... A bit of hyperbole in my description of "comments." The few comments I have heard were from paying customers whom were very happy with the prints. I guess the question is really my own.
Is there anything wrong with printing my images to their max (no trim area), edge-to-edge, bleed? What are the pros and cons for me and the consumer?
One "pro" that I see is that I can offer the maximum size for the money to a consumer. For instance, if i wanted to keep the 10x15 size, I can print it edge-to-edge on a 10x15 sheet for $5 OR on a 12x18 sheet with a centered 10x15 image for $14 ... Not to mention the slight savings on smaller sleeves, boards and mats.
So, once again ... to add mat or NO mat? Personal choice or does it really "matter"? :-)
I once did an entire booth in 5x7's in off centered (toward the top) white vertically matted and framed 11x14's as a test and had many multiple piece sales.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Test Your Jury Images and Presentation
http://JuryImages.com
412-767-8644