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!