by Kate Dardine
Every day I field questions from prospective
customers. The number one question from artists is: Can you print from my
digital file? The answer to that
question is a definitive…maybe. Sometimes the artist will say, “It looks great
on my monitor, so I’m sure it’ll print ok.”
The problem is, even though the image looks good viewed on your computer
screen, doesn’t mean it will print well.
Why? Because your monitor
displays images at 72 ppi (pixels per inch) while printing resolution is 300
ppi. So if you have a file that is say, 15 x 30 at 72 ppi, once it is converted
to printing resolution, 300 ppi, it becomes a 3.6 x 7.2. Not exactly a large print!
If you use the best materials to
create your artwork, and you are going to invest in getting prints of your
work, why wouldn’t you want to start with the very best scan possible? Yes, it
is an added expense. But unless you are an experienced photographer with good
equipment, you will save money in the long run and gain peace of mind AND a
high quality digital file that can be used for creating beautiful prints that
do your painting justice.
If you don’t want to send your
artwork, I recommend you find a local professional photographer who is
knowledgeable about the art of art copy. At the very least, the photographer
should have a studio set up with daylight balanced lights, a tripod and a DSLR
camera. At Fine Print Imaging we use a Betterlight® Super 6K2 digital scan-back
with a Calumet 4x5 view camera, equipped with a Rodenstock 240mm lens to take
ultra-high resolution Direct Digital capture of your art work.
This camera, lens and scan-back
system is set up under daylight balanced studio lighting (we use the North
Light HID copy light system) and literally scans the art, capturing all the
nuances of your original; the highlights, shadow details, brush strokes and
even the texture of the canvas or paper is captured in stunning detail. A scan
can take up to 15 minutes and produces up to a 300mb file.
If you are still sure you want to do
it yourself, and your artwork is small, this You Tube video will
give you tips on the best way to capture your artwork. Bear in mind that the
resulting file will most likely need adjustment in a photo editing program such
as Photoshop or Picasa to more accurately represent your original. Also, keep
in mind that unless you have a newer, calibrated monitor, chances are what
looks “correct” on your screen may look much different on our calibrated
monitors. And, two last caveats: 1.) if you are shooting your own artwork, and
it is larger than 11x14, you will most likely not be able to make quality
prints at the original size and 2.) if your camera is an older digital point
and shoot, the lens and sensor may not be of a high enough quality to create a sharp image.
Compare prices. In many cases, Fine
Print’s art copy costs are less than what your local photographer charges – and for a significantly better file.
And, with our premier art copy scans, you get a color-corrected proof on your
choice of substrates to use for your portfolio or as a guide for future prints.
Give us a call and let us know what you need. We can probably get you set up
for much less than you’ve imagined.
Want more info on our art copy
services? Visit our website,
email us or give us a call (800.777.1141). We’re always happy to help!
Kate
Dardine has been helping photographers and artists market their prints
for over 26 years. She is currently the newsletter editor and new customer liaison at Fine Print
Imaging, as well as a professional artist selling original paintings and
prints.Her website is www.katedardine.com
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