Large scan, prints?

[Former_Member]

I'm struggling with figuring out the best *and affordable* way for me to make prints of my artwork.

Original drawings/ paintings are larger than my scanner. (16x20") I know they could be scanned in sections, but I seriously cannot handle computer editing of even the most basic variety.

I'm useless at photography, but have a friend who can easily shoot high quality images, Photoshop any blemishes, and put the files onto a CD.

Any advice or suggestions?
If you sell prints, how do you go about having them made???

Thanks, Etsy Team! :)

[Former_Member]

I found out that I can't afford the upfront costs of giclee prints right now, so I'm selling prints from Shutterfly.com - the prices are super reasonable and the quality is very good. (However, some facility with computerized set-up is needed, for white borders.)

My biggest problem is also good photography. I've done some at home, had some done by professionals - the latter is expensive, but the product is much better. (Go figure...) I'm looking for a source of large scans, to see if the upfront costs would be lower.

[Former_Member]

Uh, Etsy team.... Anyone out there? More advice.....?

[Former_Member]

(and is there a feature to email me when someone replies to a topic / question I wrote?)

[solocosmo]

I do my own giclee prints for anything 13x19 or smaller, but for larger prints, both giclee and lustre I use iprintfromhome.com and I have always been REALLY happy with them. You can request them to leave of the backprinting, a big stamp on the back of anything you plan on selling looks icky...

As far as scanning in large artwork, I invested in an extra large scanner. before that I was taking photos but they never looked nice, so yes I scanned in sections...but being a mostly digital artist it wasn't too hard to piece them together in photoshop. Still a pain.

Close to my house there is a local studio that will take professional photos of artwork for a small fee perhaps there is something like that where you live?

[Former_Member]

You're the 4th person who has recommended iprintfrom home.
Good point about the stamp printing on the back of photos!

I have a girlfriend who takes great photos and has mad computer skills. And she said she'll help me get the artwork onto CD and in the right technical format. (When she has time....sigh.)

[thevicagirl]

I think there are stores that you can go to to have your artwork scanned into. Like a print shop with a big scanner. I may go for that option. The scanner you have doesn't sound extremely big. But the ones they have come lots bigger if you need it. I dare say it is fairly pricey up front, but a good one can be worth it if you plan to make lots of prints.

[Former_Member]

Hi Sarah! I'm Heather, I design, print and sell custom educational art prints. I also work part time with my parents at their printshop. I have some experience scanning and printing art from all types of media. Our scanner is quite large, so if you are interested in possibly shipping your art out and having us scan and print for you, just let me know!

[Zehland]

I also use iprintfromhome.com and am so happy with the quality, the price and the customer service!

I no longer waste time and money trying to make my own prints on my printer, it's so much better to get them done professionally when the cost is so amazingly reasonable!

[Zehland]

I forgot to mention... I used to scan, but no longer scan anything anymore. I use a digital camera, a tripod and I set up a white bounce sheet on one side with a daylight lamp bouncing light off the sheet. The colors seem to come out more accurate when doing this during daylight hours than at night.
It would probably work even better to have two lights, so that's on my to-get list.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, everybody. I think the answer for me is to work on my photography skills!

The sad thing is, I used to have a camera that I could take decent pictures on... Until my hubby dropped it on the floor and killed it! :(

I've been looking at pix from the current camera (that I absolutely h.a.t.e.) vs. the old camera- there's a big difference- and I think hubby might finally agree that it's time to upgrade.... Hmmmmm, maybe I'll drop a few hints for my upcoming birthday, perhaps? :)

[Former_Member]

I had this same exact question two weeks ago!
Someone recommended http://finerworks.com to me -- I've used it and am very happy with the service! The prints come out exactly like your digital file! The thing about this website is that after the first print, the rest are half off -- which means if the first one cost $10, the rest are $5, depending on how you order. Fast shipping, too - priority mail. No complaints..and a 30 day return policy. (Okay, now it sounds like I'm advertising for them). But anyway, that's what's been working for me.

I had my artwork scanned at kinkos and put on a CD as a jpg file. However, i think any camera beyond 10megapixels should provide quality prints for a decent size.

I just checked out iprintfromhome and it looks cheaper, so maybe I'll invest a little and test that out.

Good luck with your prints -- it is SUCH a hassle at first trying to figure everything out..but once they come in, it'll all be fine. :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the ideas, all! I stopped in to give advice, and came away with more than I gave. Gotta love Etsy Success.

[Former_Member]

thanks for sharing everyone..........my art is mainly digital so I will check out iprint from home. Been debating on whether to sell some as prints, instead of just printables. thanks for throwing the question out there WordArt