Scanning for Prints

So as I discussed in the first post, making prints of your original art work is a great way to get more bang for your buck! This way you can not only get the money for your original but also money from the prints, postcards, etc that you make from it. Now one of the best ways to actually make prints from your artwork is to scan it! 

Something to watch for once you've scanned your image is things like the outside lines of the paper / canvas...

This is why programs like photoshop or iPhoto can come in handy! This usually only happens when you have an uneven piece of paper like the one I used for this illustration. 

I also realize that the scanners most people can afford to have in their homes only scan up to standard paper size (8 1/2 X 11in). Other scanning options are to go to places like a library or something like a "Staples" for larger scanners. Otherwise this is why "Copy Work" is usually suggested. Copy work is done by professional photographers that know how to properly document your artwork in such a way that it appears like it does on that canvas but on a computer! Now, I also realize that this can be pricey so a couple options are to make sure you have a lot to photograph at one time and make it really worth it, or look into hiring a photography student who is still in school! I have found a very good link that explains how to photograph it yourself but I must say it does take some work! 

http://www.guildsourcebooks.com/pdf/sourcebook/howto_photograph_artwork.pdf

If when you start out paying to make your larger works into prints is too difficult than try to start small. Paint / create some smaller canvases that you can scan at home. Now-a-days places like Futureshop have great deals on scanner / printers all the time. It is a wise investment if this is what you plan to do for money!

Now I'm sure your next question is going to be "Do I print my prints myself or where do I get them done?"

Well I did some research and read a great discussion from at etsy forum that helped answer this questions!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5134673

Send it out! Unless you have an incredible high quality printer and tons of ink, just send it out! I found some great links to websites that will make prints, card stock, calendars, you name it and then mail them to you at bulk rates. All you have to do is send them the digital file!

Here are some great links:

http://iprintfromhome.com/

http://www.mpix.com/

http://www.winkflash.com/

http://www.zazzle.com/

Next we are going to go over how to watermark your images and why that's so important!

How to take pictures on a budget!

So first of all I’d like to point out that I understand getting a camera and camera equipment can be expensive and out of reach. This is why I’ve made a little tutorial on how to do it on a budget. Today we are going to go over how to photograph small objects like jewelry, findings, small artwork, small knickknacks, and the like. In doing this I remembered a DIY (do it yourself) blog post by a blogger that I follow that shows you how to make your own little photo station with a few things from the dollar store and an iPhone.

Link: http://scathingly-brilliant.blogspot.ca/2012/10/taking-decent-product-photos-with-no.html

You don’t need a perfect house to find a place to photograph things!

I decided to try her little DYI and use an iPhone, an SLR camera, and a really old little digital camera. This is meant to prove that you do not need a fancy expensive camera to photograph your items. I did of course still use a fancy SLR camera just incase you have, or can get ahold of one. Otherwise if you can get ahold of an iPhone / smartphone or even an old digital camera, you are still able to take good quality photos!    

If you have an issue getting a sharp image, try creating a make shift “tri-pod”.

The two set ups I created cost me $1.25 total. I bought a large foam board from the dollar store and cut it in half. I also used a stool, a white pillowcase, and a white wall. Oh! And most importantly: natural light. I photographed a necklace, a brooch, and a little teddy bear. (For the necklace I did purchase a little stand for $4.50 from www.eddies.com) You can also create your own out of the same foam board you purchased for this assignment. 

Another simple and cheap photo set up!

The photos I took with an iPhone:

 Clear close ups are always important!

 Try to make items as sharp as possible! People like to see the details!

Fun poses are always a good idea too! 

Next I used a really old crappy digital camera that you could easily pick up at a thrift shop for $5!

And last but not least, the SLR camera!

And as you can tell, there really is not too much of a difference between any of the cameras. They still portray the items efficiently and appropriately for online!

The most important pointers that I can give when taking photos for your shop are:

-Use a white or pale background

-Make sure there are no distracting things in your image

-Use natural light (do not use indoor, or yellow lighting)

-DO NOT USE FLASH! Make sure you turn your flash off when you are taking these pictures! This is key to taking a professional looking image!

-Make sure all images are sharp and clear

-And don’t forget to do close ups! This is what the macro setting is for on most cameras!