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What ACEO is all about
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Demonstration of Making a Printwith Laura
Making ACEO PrintsEDITIONACEO prints are supposed to be limited edition. I'm not sure where this is written down, but I remember seeing it when I was researching them and have honored it. It's not a bad thing because ACEO buyers seem to understand the value of a limited edition. Generally speaking, limited editions of smaller numbers (15 - 25) are preferred. SUPPLIES The best paper I've found for this use is PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper for Epson. It is 100% cotton, archival and double sided. It will work with any inkjet printer. It is available at some stores or online at http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductMediaSpec.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-12346 It is also a good idea to spray the prints. I use Preserve It from Krylon, which is designed for digital prints: http://www.krylon.com/main/product_template.cfm?levelid=5&sub_levelid=8&productid=1732&content=product_details For the software to create the prints, I use Adobe PhotoShop Elements You will also need a paper cutter (I have an inexpensive one with a slide blade). You are only cutting paper so it doesn't have to be a fancy one. PRINTING You can set these up to print 9 to a page. I print mine double sided and follow this procedure: 1) Set up 9 images that you'd like to have prints of. The orientation doesn't matter but there may be a slight prejudice towards portrait orientation. I print 9 different images. If one sells, I print a second one and so forth. I don't see the point of using up a lot of paper & ink, then finding that particular print doesn't sell too well. 2) For the back side, set up COAs (Certificate of Authenticity). These include the following:
Title Since you are printing the COAs directly on the back, you can print the number on them, as opposed to leaving a place to hand-number them. This will also help you keep track, although it's a good idea to keep a list of titles. Here is an example: http://zenbreeze.com/images/aceozencat24_back.gif 3) PRINT A DRAFT (yes this is in all caps for a reason). Use plain paper on draft mode and print both sides. Make sure you know how to load in the paper so it prints the right way and the COAs are matched up. The center row will be right but make sure the right & left are correct and that they all fit within the card (i.e., that the COA doesn't run over the side of the print). 6) When you have approved the draft, print the COA side first, let it dry for a few minutes, then print the front side. 7) Let the print dry for several hours or a day, if possible, then spray the front. Let the varnish completely dry (they recommend 2 hours for Preserve It). 8) Sign the COAs with an archival, acid free pen (such as Micron). You can find these in the scrapbooking section of a craft or art supply store. 9) At this point, I usually scan in the backs because I include an image of the COA in the listing but this is an optional step. 10) Cut them out using your paper cutter. 11) Put them in the sleeves. Plastic sleeves can be obtained at hobby or sports fan shops for around a penny a piece (a pack of 100 costs around $1). They come in a larger size too, if you are embellishing, or rigid (which cost more). LISTING It's a good idea to include all the perks of your prints in the listing. Let your buyers know the specifics of the paper, that you also sprayed the piece with UV protection, etc. SHIPPING If you are shipping within the US and would like to use delivery confirmation, envelopes have to be 3/4" thick. To comply, I use a 6" x 9" bubble envelope and wrap the card in a folded piece of cardboard. I include the paypal packing slip. I also usually include a postcard of my work. Remember, many ACEO buyers are collectors and some will either buy larger pieces or recommend you to friends who may purchase from you. It helps to spend a little extra to make a good impression. Laura |
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