Pixel Mint
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The newest generations of high quality inkjet printers have provided speed, efficiency and convenience for the professional photographer. However, the digital printing process follows a slightly different set of traditions than the photographer may be accustomed to. The same is true for the artist or illustrator looking to digitally reproduce their work. A close working relationship with an imaging professional can unlock the full potential of the images, and illuminate the countless printing options available. Mat Lombardi, owner/operator of The Pixel Mint, a Chicago digital imaging shop, stresses that communication is the key, “There are so many digital options available to artists and photographers today; if I can distill those down to the choices that most effectively communicate their vision, I have done my job.”
When Lombardi assumed ownership of The Pixel Mint, he brought more than twenty-five years of professional darkroom and digital printing experience with him. He personally directed the transition from film to digital at one of Chicago’s oldest professional photo labs. For Lombardi, an excellent print is the ultimate goal. “Digital printing affords a greater variety of sizes and surfaces”, he explains. “I have clients that prefer a traditional photographic surface, others want fine art paper like cotton rag or canvas, then some want to see their options before they decide. Providing tests and variations is far more cost effective for the client than it used to be.” The same holds true for the size choices available with inkjet prints. He adds, “We currently print images up to 44” wide far more economically than was possible with traditional darkroom printing”.
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The Pixel Mint’s full range of digital tools also applies to film photography. Images originally captured on film can be scanned and made into high-resolution digital files. Drum scanners are able to create high-resolution files from negatives and transparencies, while maintaining optimum sharpness and clarity. In addition, by using a wet mounting technique, drum scanning minimizes scratches and imperfections that have occurred with time. The captured image is then saved as a digital file that can be used with most photo imaging software.
As with great food, the best quality ingredients and an expert chef make all the difference. Lombardi says that the best scans rely on two key components, “a superb piece of scanning equipment and an experienced operator”. The Pixel Mint has both components, a skilled technician and the Heidelberg Tango drum scanner. He works closely with experienced technician Dustin Johnson, a product of the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology. Johnson has scanned thousands of pieces of film, from 35mm negatives to 8 x10 transparencies.
Artists and craftsmen working in all mediums can take advantage of these same digital tools. As little as five years ago, many fine art portfolio submissions still required slide transparencies. Today almost everything is submitted and reviewed in a digital format. Lombardi works closely with a number of artists on both file preparation and print production to maximize the distinctive characteristics of their work. Painter and photographer Linda Logan remarked, “I’ve been producing photographs that have an image relationship with abstract painting. Working with a firm like The Pixel Mint has enhanced subtle variances and layering that I might not be able to achieve on my own.”
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For the artist having their work published professionally, Lombardi believes that digital imaging affords consistency that time can rob from images spanning a number of decades. He recently executed the catalogue prepress for a Guggenheim fellow working in installation and multimedia. The benefit? Fading and discoloration can be corrected, flaws erased. Ultimately, the artist can realize a more uniform and consistent representation of their work, no matter when it was captured, or who captured it.
Many artists want print reproductions of their work. Lombardi again emphasizes the cost advantage that inkjet printing provides, “Traditional offset printing is often cost prohibitive for artists that want a small quantity of identical prints. Inkjet printing affords the artist multiple prints, in a variety of sizes, at a fraction of the cost.”
Ultimately, Lombardi stresses that collaboration with his clients is paramount. “It is very satisfying when my client leaves here more informed about the process than when they arrived. Their input is invaluable to the production process.”
Lombardi is delighted to answer questions about scanning, retouching, and printing. The Pixel Mint is located at 215 N. Damen, Chicago, Illinois, 60612. Ph. (312) 733-8558. www.thepixelmint.com.
