cosmic sensorium: FAQ

First off, printed images do not include the copyright watermark as viewed on your screen. Second, in order to have a quick-loading, navigation-friendly website, and to protect my artwork, the image on your screen is a scaled down, compressed, low resolution version of the original. Third, most internet browsers "safely" display images in 256 color mode. Other colors may be displayed differently depending on your system, monitor, and computer settings. So the colors I see in my monitor may be slightly different from the ones you see in yours (see this article for a more detailed explanation).

Furthermore, monitors rely on the RGB additive model to render color, while our Giclée printing process relies on a pigment-based subtractive model. This brings about minor variations between the printed image we will send you and how the image displays on different computer screens. These variations have never been an issue, as the printed images include more detail and the rendering of the colors is richer, livelier, and, at times, even other-worldly. It is always an interesting experience to see how the printed images come alive with a myriad of intricate details and textures that are impossible to accurately portray on different computer screens. You can find more information about our fine art printing system over here.

Nonetheless, if you are not completely satisfied with your fine art print, don't despair! We provide exchanges and refunds. Please see our return policy and satisfaction guarantee. =)

A Giclée ("properly" pronounced zhee-clay and sometimes spelled "Gyclée", "Glycée" or "Glicée", or without the accents) is the highest apparent resolution fine art print available today, made with state of the art printing technologies. The term is a neologism derived from a French root meaning squirting or spraying of ink – this is because the patented printing technology forms the image by squirting microscopically fine ink droplets on the medium, usually somewhere around 1,800 dots per inch. A small sized print can easily include about 20 billion ink droplets. The inks must be specially formulated and compatible with the extreme fineness of the printer head. The fine printer head sprays out microscopic droplets that vary in size and density, similar to the size, density and variation found in red blood cells. This increases the precision of the image, the apparent resolution, and the color spectrum. It also allows a more finely differentiated palette and smoother gradient transitions. In addition, since no screens are used, the prints have a higher apparent resolution than lithographs and a color range that exceeds that of serigraphy. Lithographs and other traditional printing methods are usually based on a 4 color inkset. Our Giclée printers use 8 colors of ink (cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black, light black, and light light black). The different colors of ink mix on the surface of the paper or canvas, so the colors are bright and uniform, even when examined up close.

The most commonly-used printer models are manufacterd by Epson, Canon, Eastman, Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, ITNH Ixia, Mimaki, Mutoh, ColorSpan, and Roland DGA. The paper or canvas used for Giclée printing is specially prepared to accept the type of printing mechanism and ink-set. Epson, Hahnemuhle, St Cuthberts, and Lyson produce thoroughly tested papers and canvas. A wide variety of substrates is available, including various textures and finishes such as matte photo paper, watercolor paper, cotton canvas, or artist textured vinyl. Epson, Iris and Lyson supply many of the most highly-rated ink-sets.

Our giclée printing system typically combines the new Ultra-Chrome K3 pigmented inkset from Epson with Epson's Enhanced Matte heavy weight archival paper. We also use other types of fine art paper and canvas for other limited edition prints and projects.

Yes! At this time we are offering limited edition prints on:
*Piezo Pro Matte Canvas
*Premier Art Canvas
*Hahnemühle Watercolor Torchon Fine Art Paper
*Somerset Velvet Fine Art Paper

Write to d (at) cosmicsensorium [.dot.] com or use the contact form for more info. (Do format the email address as you would normally!)

To ensure that you receive top quality prints, our packaging method exceeds industry standards. Your artwork will be handled with as much care as possible and will be shipped to you well wrapped and protected. We carefully package our prints following one of two different methods, depending on order size and volume:

1. We use anti-crush, extra rigid mailing tubes, or

2. We use two different-sized mailing tubes, one inside the other, with a layer of cushioning between the tubes.

At this time we are providing the shipping options listed above. Customers with domestic orders can choose their final shipping method after clicking "Review Order and Continue" during checkout.

Please note:

Large orders receive free shipping according to number of items, as listed above. This is independent of order total, destination, or size of prints.

Customers with domestic orders and most international orders will receive a tracking number promptly after their order has shipped. At this time, our shipping carrier is not able to provide tracking to some international destinations. If this is the case with your order, we will notify you before charging you, and at your option, we can provide a quote for an alternative shipping method that may offer tracking.

* We are currently based in the US. By "Domestic" we mean orders to the contiguous, continental US. Orders in which your shipment has to cross a border or sea qualify as International (this includes orders to Alaska, Puerto Rico, other US territories, and other countries). Click here for more info on international orders.

** These are delivery time estimates, including order processing time, production time, and shipping time. Delivery times may vary. If you have not received your shipment after the max estimated delivery time, please contact us!

Click here for additional info on shipping.

Delivery time is a function of processing time, production time, and shipping time. To ensure the highest quality artwork, we make and inspect all prints on an individual, on-demand basis. Our estimated delivery times are as follows:

Standard Shipping on Domestic orders to the contiguous US: two to four weeks
Express Shipping on Domestic orders to the contiguous US: one to three weeks
Standard Shipping on International orders and orders outside the contiguous US: three to six weeks

Yes we do!

We offer a flat shipping rate of US $36 on orders with 1 to 9 prints. Orders of 10 prints or more receive free shipping. Our estimated delivery time for international orders is 3 to 6 weeks. Most customers with international orders will receive a tracking number promptly after their order has shipped. Nonetheless, please note that at this rate, our shipping carrier is not able to provide tracking to some international destinations. If this is the case with your order, we will notify you before charging you, and at your option, we will provide you with a quote for an alternative shipping method that offers tracking.

Please be aware that international orders may incur in delays related to customs, as well as value-added taxes and duties. It is your sole responsibility to pay any such fees in case they are charged. We encourage you to contact your local customs bureau and/or postal service for information on this, as we do not have a straightforward way to determine what your taxes and duties may amount to.

We are currently based in the US. Please note that orders in which our shipment has to cross a border or sea qualify as International (this includes orders to Alaska, Puerto Rico, other US territories, Mexico, Canada, and other countries).