Frequently Asked Questions

What's a giclée print?

Giclée, pronounced, 'zhee-clay' is a French word meaning 'to spray ink' or 'to spray on' and is a reference to a type of printers used to recreate the original art. Giclées are more expensive to reproduce than prints made using traditional lithography and they are priced accordingly. The result is a richer color and a print closer to the original than traditional lithography. Giclée art prints are made with archival inks and paper that are longer lasting than traditional printing processes.

What does it mean for a product to be officially licensed by the NBA and NBPA?

By purchasing an officially licensed print, you can have confidence that it's been produced and sold with explicit permission from both the NBA and NBPA. This is significant, in that sports memorabilia are often unlicensed and illegally depicts teams and players of the league. All ImaginaryInk prints include official licensing seals from both the NBA and NBPA—signifying that each print is authorized and legitimate.

How are prints authenticated?

All prints and proofs are signed and numbered by Terry Smith and paired with a certificate of authenticity with the same number. This certificate also verifies the edition size.

What is the difference between a Limited Edition print and an Artist Proof?

Limited Edition prints are offered in larger quantities and a lower price point. They are signed and numbered by the artist. Artist Proofs are much more limited in number, and each include a one-of-a-kind artist sketch and signature.

How do I take care of my TSC Giclée Print?

Upon receiving your print, you will likely want to inspect it. While we can certainly understand your excitement, we suggest taking your unrolled, packaged print upon receipt directly to a professional framer to be handled. Prior to dropping it off, however, please make sure your framer is familiar with giclée prints on archival paper and has a solid understanding of framing them. Please keep your TSC Giclée Print covered in its tube until it is framed in order to avoid damage.

If you choose to unpack and unroll your TSC Giclée Print, please be sure to use both hands to support unrolling your print so that it will not bend. DO NOT HANDLE YOUR TSC GICLÉE PRINT FROM THE CORNERS. If you choose to handle your TSC Giclée Print, you should only handle your TSC Giclée Print from the sides. A crease in your TSC Giclée Print will likely be permanent, so you will want to be extra careful when handling it. Although the archival paper used to make your TSC Giclée Print is high quality and heavy-weight, avoid placing any objects on your TSC Giclée Print, regardless of how small or light it might be, as objects may scratch or dent your TSC Giclée Print.

Each TSC Giclée Print is sent in a cardboard tube. This housing works as a temporary home for your TSC Giclée Print, but please do not keep your TSC Giclée Print in this tube for an extended period time. The cardboard paper used in these tubes are often not acid-free and can damage your TSC Giclée Print over time, if left in the cardboard tube for too long.

Before you get your TSC Giclée Print framed, please keep it free from food, liquids, excessive heat, adhesives, and heavy objects, all of which can damage, scratch, dent, crumple, or bend your TSC Giclée Print.

After you get your TSC Giclée Print framed, please strive to keep it from direct sunlight or intense light that can be reflected from mirrors or glass, as UV rays can eventually cause the brilliant colors to fade over time. Avoid displaying your TSC Giclée Print in an environment that invites moisture and drastic temperature changes, such as an unfinished basement, attic, or garage. Excessive heat from fireplaces, portable heaters, and radiators should also remain at a distance from your TSC Giclée Print. To keep your TSC Giclée Print from being jostled, brushed, or knocked down, it should be out of high traffic areas, such as an entrance or hallway, and be out of reach of children.

These tips are by no means exhaustive, but they should help you start the process of protecting, enjoying, and displaying your TSC Giclée Print for many years.

Can I commission a piece?

Commissions are taken at the discretion of the artist. If you are interested in a commission, you're encouraged to drop us a note via the Contact Us form.

How do I buy an archive piece?

All original sales are made at the discretion of the artist. If you are interested in purchasing an archive piece, you're encouraged to drop us a note via the Contact Us form.

What is the return policy?

Due to the unique nature of these giclée limited edition prints, all sales are final except in specific instances. For more information on lost or stolen packages, please review our Refund Policy.

What are the shipping options?

We offer a variety of shipping options within the United States and for certain
international locations. For more information on ImaginaryInk shipping, please review our Shipping Policy.

When will I receive my order?

We process orders Monday through Friday. Due to the high-quality nature of the products, orders may take up to one (1) to two (2) weeks to process after the close of the relevant TSC Giclée Print availability window, i.e., the 7-day sales period. This time frame is to ensure necessary authentication documents are properly prepared and the production of your print is carefully scrutinized. Once we have completed processing your order, we will send you an email confirming your order will be shipped or has shipped. 

If you place your order after 4:00 p.m. PST, we will consider your order as having been placed on next business day.

What do I do if I never received my order?

ImaginaryInk is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. For more information on lost or stolen packages, please review our Refund Policy.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

Under limited circumstances, ImaginaryInk may accept returns for refunds or exchanges for items damaged by the shipping carrier during transit. For more information on defective orders, please review our Refund Policy.

How do I contact your company if my question isn’t answered here?

You're always welcome to reach out via our Contact Us page. We'll be in touch within one business day of your message.

I’m a dealer. How do I make a sales tax-exempt purchase?

If a sales tax is applied to your order, you may request a sales tax exemption on your purchase by emailing us at info@imaginaryink.net. Your email must include the following: (i) your request for a sales tax exemption, (ii) the relevant ImaginaryInk order number, (iii) a copy of an unexpired, properly completed sales tax certificate (or a similar tax document from your state) for your business, (iv) a contact name, and (v) a contact number. Your sales tax certificate must be for the state where the tax-exempt goods are, or will be, shipped. We will not ship to your customers.
The review of your sales tax certificate may take up to three (3) full business days. If your request is approved, we will either refund the sales tax collected on your purchase to the original payment method used or remove the sales tax applied to your order before it is processed, whichever is applicable. If your request is denied, we will send you notification of your denial with a brief explanation. If you are unable to remediate any deficiencies with your sales tax certificate prior to the deadline stated in your notification, we will not be able to refund or exclude the sales tax on your order. Instead, the sales tax collected will be remitted to the proper taxing authority. 
Due to the 7-day window of availability for each limited edition Giclee print, we recommend you make your purchase first and subsequently submit your request for sales tax exemption to us.