Canon’s Pro line may be known for its stunning images — but that doesn’t mean the printers are used solely for images. So what do non-photographers have to say about in-house printing with Canon’s line-up? An illustrator, prop designer and videographer recently shared insight on printing with Canon — and how the tech changed their business.
Megan Hess, Illustrator
Megan Hess, an artist known most for her illustration on the cover of Sex and the City, uses the imagePROGRAF Pro-1000 and Pro-2000 from the Canon Pro series for printing her fashion designs in-house. The illustrator, which has worked on canvases from postage-stamp sized to graphics that cover the side of an entire building, says that printer her work allows her to control the details in the graphics.
“The benefit of printing in house is that I can keep a close eye over the detail, which is a fundamental aspect of my design process. Partnering with Canon gives me the peace of mind that the exact colours, the line work, and detail is reproduced precisely as I envisioned it,” Hess says.
The artist added that prints create more value than a digital art piece.
Captain America – Winter Soldier, Prop Master Russel Bobbitt
Canon’s ProGraf IPF8400 even had a hand in creating Captain America – Winter Solider. Property Master Russel Bobbitt says that the printer was used for several aspects of the film. Since a single prop could cost up to $200,000, the art team created detailed illustrations before manufacturing and the Image ProGraf IPF8400 printer created large-scale images of those ideas.
Prints even made it into the film, when the scene required art on the walls. The printer handled a life-sized version of a weapon and even Captain America himself in a life-size reproduction. Having an on-site printer also helped to bring down costs and the ability to put 18 different types of files on a USB drive and print them right away also helped create a more convenient workflow for the prop master.
“I seek out the best tools that I can find,” Bobbitt says. “I’m a firm believer that you are only as good as your tools.”
Ori Media, Videography Studio
So how does a videographer use a large-format printer? Ori Media produces both video and stills, a versatility that owner Michael Ori says has helped to build the business. In an hour, the client can walk away with 4K video and high-end prints using teamwork and a Canon ProGraph IPF8400.
“When you are building a small business, shooting a hybrid is the only way to go,” Ori says. “Pulling stills from video saves time and helps make more money.”
Ori says that the printer look so nice that they set it up in the entry way — which often prompts customers to ask for prints and helps drive up sales. The printer offers the versatility to work with a number of different papers and offers excellent print quality with “unreal” clarity, he said.
Outside-the-box thinking and an in-house printer can help many different types of creatives explore new possibilities. Ready to explore yours? Ask a Photo Direct specialist to assist you on your creative journey today.
