How to Scan your Piece

To generate prints or submit a scan for product photos, you will need a digital file. You can generate a digital file by using a scanner or camera. 

First, scanning your piece is the most accurate way to create a digital file. You can either purchase a scanner like this Epson Scanner or use a public scanner at a library or print shop, like a FedEx Print & Ship center.

If you can control the DPI (dots per inch) on the scan, you should try to scan with a setting of at least 300 DPI. If not, you may need to touch up the scan in Photoshop. DPI is very important if you are printing the digital file on merchandise, the higher the DPI, the larger you can clearly print your file. Here is a great video from Angela Pan on how to use a scanner for your artwork. If your art is too large to fit in the scanner, you can scan it in sections. Here is a video demonstration on how to scan your piece in sections, by Heather Cash.

If you do not have access to a scanner, you can use a camera or phone to photograph the piece. Make sure you photograph the piece in good lighting, and from straight-on. Here is a video, from Ocean Clark, on how to properly photograph your piece for a digital file.

You can use photoshop or free apps like Snapseed to edit your photo to make it look like a high-quality scan. Here is a great video by Pypah on how to create a digital file using only an iPhone and Snapseed.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we would be happy to help!