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Adapting images for print

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Benson Coleman:
So recently a company reached out to me and said they wanted to feature some of my artwork in their upcoming publication (yay!) and asked if I could send them some images of my work. In order for it to be printed they said the requirements are: 1) They need to be JPEG or TIFF format 2) Maximum of 250mm in width 3) and minimum of 300 DPI.

I've tried sending my images to them three separate times and each time they say that they're too pixelated and need to be rescanned. So, my question is do any of you guys have any recommendations on how best to turn your physical pieces of artwork into digital images that don't go all fuzzy?

I've been taking photos of my work with my Canon DSLR camera and touching them up in a program called Pixelmator. The first couple of tries I was taking the photos in JPEG format on my camera but with this last attempt I realized I should probably be taking them in RAW format (I'm still waiting to hear back from them on whether that round of images worked out). If it comes back negative (and since now time is of the essence with deadlines and such) I'm taking my work of to FedEx Office to have them professionally scanned to meet the requirements.

But for future knowledge, is there a better way I can go about it at home? I'm thinking upgrading from Pixelmator to Photoshop would be a solid step one...

Thans for the advice,

Benosn

Jamie:
In my opinion you should really get a scanner for at home, if you can Taking a picture of your work with a dslr is never going to be as good because it’s hard to get a straight parallel shot and unless you’re using a good tripod, your going to get hand-shake too, which will introduce blurriness.

JohnK:
I agree with the suggestion to get a scanner.  I have been using an Epson V600 scanner for about a year now, and it is easy to use and produces great quality scans.  It might even be more economical than the photoshop solution in the long run.  And I keep finding unexpected uses for it; it is a very versatile and useful machine.

Just a thought....

Bianca M:
Yes, definitely a scanner, and I also recommend the Epson V series - I use the Epson Perfection V800 for all of my calligraphy and paintwork. 

Also check to see if your email isn't shrinking down the files when you send them.  If they look to spec on your end, but are arriving to your recipient in lo-res, it could be your email automatically reducing the size(if you have dropbox, try sending a link to the file).  Either way, a scanner will make your life easier if you plan to create more digital files of your work going forward.

KristinT:
I agree with everything Bianca mentioned, including checking on whether your email service is cutting your quality due to size limitations.  I can't speak to Epson scanners, but I've always had pretty good results with HP models (currently the HP Deskjet F4480).  The included software these days is rubbish, but it sounds like you have solutions for that.  Adobe had Photoshop CS2 available for free several years back, and it's honestly the only artwork or calligraphy digital editing tool I've used in ages, though I'm sure there are other good ones out there.

Let us know how things turn out!

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