Origins
Skar Image Lab, founded by Sanji Karu in 2014, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the basement of Sanji's house in Titirangi. What started as a small-scale operation with a desktop printer producing portfolios and fine art prints has evolved into a full-service print studio and gallery space catering to the diverse needs of artists, photographers, and businesses across New Zealand.
Sanji began his journey by offering personalized services in printing, mounting, and high-resolution film scanning to his customers. As demand grew, Skar Image Lab moved into a small commercial premise at 93 The Strand in Parnell, Auckland, in 2018. This move enabled the studio to upgrade to the latest 64" wide format printer, the largest inkjet printer with lightfast inks, and expand its service offerings to include artwork digitization, custom framing, mini lab prints, and drop shipping.
In 2021, Skar Image Lab found a new home in a larger commercial premise in Kingsland. This expansion allowed the business to further enhance its drop shipping capabilities and create dedicated spaces for production, consultation, and digitization. The new location also enabled Skar Image Lab to set up a unique gallery space, which now features a curated selection of artists throughout the year. As the only dedicated lens-based gallery in Auckland, Skar Image Lab's Gallery is a testament to the team's commitment to supporting and showcasing the creative talents of the community.
Today, Skar Image Lab is not just a reflection of Sanji Karu's passion for quality and craftsmanship; it is a thriving business backed by a team of dedicated professionals who share the same vision for excellence. We take pride in providing exceptional services and fostering strong relationships with our clients, always striving to exceed their expectations and bring their creative visions to life.
What We Do
Skar Image Lab is New Zealand's premier fine art print studio, dedicated to delivering the highest quality standards, attention to detail, and consistency in every project. With a comprehensive range of services, Skar Image Lab caters to the diverse needs of artists, photographers, and businesses alike.
Our services include:
- Fine Art Printing - Producing exceptional fine art prints using state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure the best possible results.
- Photographic Printing - Delivering high-quality photographic prints that capture every detail and color of your images.
- Print Store Fulfillment (Drop Ship) - Offering convenient print-on-demand solutions and drop shipping services to help you streamline your business operations.
- Print Mounting - Providing professional mounting services to enhance the presentation and longevity of your prints.
- Custom Framing - Crafting bespoke frames tailored to your specifications, ensuring your artwork is displayed in the best possible light.
- High Resolution Film Scanning - Digitizing your film negatives and slides with our high-resolution scanning services, preserving your precious memories in a digital format.
- Artwork Capture - Employing advanced technology to accurately reproduce your original artwork, ensuring faithful representation and preservation of your creative vision.
- Paper Stock Supply - Offering a wide range of premium paper stocks to suit various printing requirements and artistic preferences.
- Exhibition & Event Space - Providing a versatile venue to showcase your work, host events, and engage with the artistic community.
At Skar Image Lab, we are committed to supporting your creative endeavors by providing exceptional services that exceed your expectations.