Lenticular Inkjet PrintmakingArtists throughout the ages have worked on the problem of representing three-dimensional space on a two dimensional plane. Several of the most effective attempts to capture realistic space rely on human stereo vision; each of our eyes sees a slightly different view. This approach applied to photography made stereograph viewers a common site in parlors in the US 100 years ago. In the 50's small novelty items in which photographic images flipped from one to another appeared in cereal boxes and on political pins. After lying dormant for half a century, advances in digital imaging allow us to create spectacular three-dimensional images using lenticular technology.
A lenticular image allows the viewer to see a series of "frames" (usually 2 to 24) sequentially. By carefully crafting these frames, the artist can create animation, depth and/or morphing of images.
To create lenticular images, the source images are developed in an image creation software like PhotoShop. A series of variations on the image are saved as seperate files. Each of these variations becomes a "frame" in the finished lenticular print.
In order to create depth in a lenticular image, the artist uses PhotoShop to develop a set of "frames" which will use horizontal offset of elements in the image to place these elements on different virtual planes. Elements which are designed to recede into the background are offset to the left; elements designed to project forward of the picture plane are offset to the right. Elements can also be turned on and off in sequence to give the impression of blinking. To create movement, elements are altered in form and/or position evenly across all frames.
The resultant frame set is then interlaced together in linear strips, which match the lenticular lens. This lens is a piece of plastic, with a series of parallel lens or lenticules embossed into one surface. After the interlaced image is printed, it is aligned with the lens, so that the viewer sees only one frame at a time. As the viewer moves by the image, all of the frames are seen in sequence, creating the illusion of movement, depth, animation, morphing or 3-dimensional space which the artist set up in the original frames.
A specialized lenticular software like Flip! can be found at http://www.flipsigns.com. It can interlace 18 or more images and create test patterns which are used to determine the proper pitch or increment (to the 1000 of an inch) to interlace for a perfect match with the lens. Each lens, combined with different printers, inks and paper may require a different pitch.
The images created can become quite large as the pitch of the lens is multiplied by the number of layers to determine the dpi of the final image. For example, an image with 10 frames interlaced for a 40-line lens creates an image with 400ppi.
A range of lenses are created for different purposes with lenticules per inch, (lpi) ranging from 10 to 300. Some have great depth for three-dimensional representation while others are designed for flip and animation. A range of lenticular materials are available including ultra thin (4mil) lenticular sheets, lenticular lens patterns for the billboard market and flexible lens for the apparel market.
As little as two years ago the only way to make a lenticular image would be to spend $5,000-10,000 to have it produced with offset lithography. Today the use of high-resolution inkjet printers like the Roland Hi-Fi JET, Epson wide-format, Mutoh Falcon and Encad NovaJet make it possible for an individual to create lenticular images up to 48" x 96", the current maximum lens size. Small images can be made with inexpensive printers such as the Epson Stylus Photo 780 or 1280. The higher the number of lenticules per inch (lpi) the higher the printer resolution must be. The 10 to15 lpi lens can be used with lower resolution printers.
Only inks with archival properties are used for fine art inkjet prints. While paper may be adequate for small lenticular images, film is necessary for large ones since shrinking, expansion or stretching of the substrate can cause misalignment.
Because of the illusion of movement and depth in the image, there is a level of ambiguity that engages and involves the viewer. This is art that cannot be understood in a glance. Although the basic process of making a lenticular image can be relatively simple, artists find that making complex layered images requires considerable time to master. While some artists may be deterred by this steep learning curve, the current convergence of software, lens and high-resolution ink jet printers make this emerging technology a new challenge and opportunity for artists who are interested in pushing boundaries.
Bonny Lhotka
Karin Schminke
Dorothy Simpson KrauseThis information was originally published in slightly different form as: "Exploring Lenticular Prints", Digital Fine Art, Fall 1999 pp 44 - 48.