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THE TYPE OF IMAGE REQUIRED FOR DIGITAL PRINTING
As with all image printing, the quality of the original is a major factor in the quality of the reproduction.
Digital image printing is dependent on a number of additional factors:
The quality of the scan or digital photograph used as the basis of the file sent to the printer.
The type of file that the digital image is saved to.
Digital images should typically be as close to the size of the reproduction as is possible. In the case of enlargements to 'large format prints', it is obviously not possible to have an original the size of the target output.
To ensure that a large format print will be of sufficient quality for excellent output, be sure to:
Base your scan on an excellent quality photograph or the original of the artwork or artifact to be the basis of the print.
Use a high quality, professional scanner that is capable of resolution up to 1200 dpi.
Ensure that the scan is balanced for color, brightness and contrast.
Set the scan to scale as close to the size of the large format reproduction as is practical (although RIP software will scale images there can be resolution diffusion if stretching the image too much).
Scan at a minimum of 300 dpi and save the image in one of the following formats: .tif, .bmp, or .pdf.
Files can be saved on Zip disks or burned on CD-Rom and sent to us for printing.
Originals can also be provided to us and we will do the scanning and preparation for large format printing. There is a charge for this labor intensive, skilled work.
In the case of large original artworks, have a skilled photographer take a properly lighted photograph of the piece and have an 8 X 10 color transparency made. This can cost as much as $150.00 per original. Considering that this will be the basis of multiple prints, the cost should be viewed as being spread across many later sales.
If you are a 'digital artist' and paint with the computer using a program like Fractal Design Painter or Adobe Illustrator, supply us with a digital image in both PDF format and TIF format.
In all cases where the original is not provided, please send us an 8 X 10 copy where the color most closely matches the original. We use this copy to match the color with the printer output.
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