Genesis Imaging were featured in the October 2017 issue of The Fine Art Trade Guild’s monthly magazine, Art + Framing Today – a premier trade magazine for art, print & framing professionals. This issue includes an interview with our very own CEO, Ken Sethi, who discusses the history of Genesis Imaging, our services, collaborations and upcoming ventures. Take a look at the interview below:
How did you come to be in the digital imaging business?
Having worked in the industry for many years, I set up Genesis Imaging with Howard Lee back in 1997. There were a lot of traditional labs around at the time, but we felt like we could provide a more personable service than competitors – the clients have always been at the heart of the business.
Quite simply, we at Genesis have always been committed to bringing our client’s work to life – that was the case when the company was established in 1997, and it’s still true today.
You have recently worked with Chromaluxe on a prestigious exhibition featuring a collaboration between Gered Mankowitz and Christian Furr. Tell us about some of the other high profile art-world projects you’ve worked on.
Our clients are wide-ranging and include world-famous photographers and artists, such as Gered Mankowitz and Christian Furr, right through to interior designers, architects, and individuals working in a diverse range of sectors. We work with world-renowned photographers, such as David Yarrow, and it’s a real privilege to see the work we’ve produced for him hang in galleries across the world – from London’s Somerset House, through to the Xposure Int’l Photography Festival in UAE.
What services do you offer?
From the company’s beginning as one of many traditional photographic labs in London, Genesis has evolved into a hub for discerning photographers and artists with a comprehensive range of printing and finishing services; a process that now begins with the initial consultations and edits through to printing, framing and even installation.
Our printing services include Lambda C-type, Giclée Fine Art, ChromaLuxe and Direct to Media UV printing services, comprehensive mounting services and bespoke framing – up to a huge 3 x 2m.
Throughout each stage, the final piece is carefully considered from aesthetic and technical angles and only the highest quality archival materials are used – ensuring the longevity of these relics of the future.
Where do you think technological innovations will take the digital printing industry in the next five years? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee?
The industry is always evolving, so it’s incredibly important that we keep up. We take guidance from our clients and keep abreast of the technological advancements that are available at the time. The advancement of UV printers has really opened the doors for photographic works to become much more sculptural. Using our Direct to Media printing service we’ve produced artwork for clients on materials ranging from Dibond, glass, wood, right through to rubber and concrete – we’re always trying new things. Experimentation is important.
In what ways do you use the Internet and social media to boost your business? How important is it as part of your business model?
Because our business is so focused on working collaboratively with our clients, it’s important for us to connect with clients online in much the same as we do in person – with an open and friendly demeanor. Our social media, much like our website, is just an extension of us. We do our utmost to use this to create conversations we care about and to promote our clients. There are a few silly things in there too for good measure – we are people, after all.
What other marketing channels do you use (such as sponsorship)?
Genesis is very proud to collaborate with and support a number of leading creative initiatives including Photo London, Format Festival, Travel Photographer of the Year and London Art Fair. We also do our utmost to support students and young professionals as we recognize that they are the future of the creative industry. We offer a 20% student discount, which is also available to recent graduates.
Are you planning to be at any upcoming trade shows? If so, what will you be showing?
We don’t often take part in trade shows, but you can find our work at London Art Fair in January where we’ll be supporting Photo50 – a curated exhibition of 50 contemporary photographers – and many other individual shows before then.
What exciting new developments have you got in the pipeline in the near future?
We’re always looking for the next development in the industry and working out ways to stay ahead of the game by understanding the problems our clients face. That was our main motivation in introducing printing developments – such as Direct to Media UV Printing in 2013 (weather-resistant printing to almost any substrate) and ChromaLuxe Fine Art Printing (chemical, fire, abrasion and water-resistant dye-sublimation printing to aluminium). You’ll just have to keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming next.
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