Artists have a number of ways to market and sell their art with social media platforms, portfolio websites, and online marketplaces. Diversifying to new markets (other than selling original pieces in galleries) can generate continuous income. Posting quality images of your art will attract attention while selling prints allows you to reach more customers with a lower price point. Fine artwork scanning allows artists to enter this market by creating high-quality digital images and prints.
Scanning captures incredible detail including brush strokes, textures, shadows, and faint washes. With scanning, artists have the infinite potential to offer archival or giclee prints to their customers. Art scanning is so effective, it is often difficult to see the difference between the original and final print.
What Types of Artwork are Scanning Friendly?
Fine art scanning is compatible with a number of mediums and can go up to very large sizes. Whether you paint, illustrate, draw, or work in mixed mediums; scanning is possible. Here are some types of artwork that you can scan:
- Watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings
- Graphite, charcoal, ink, and pastel drawings
- Collage and mixed media
- Fabrics, textiles, and quilts
- Maps and historical pieces
- Glass plate negatives
- Metallic and other shiny surfaces
How Professional Art Scanning Works
Art scanning is about preserving the original piece. Scanners allow a slight distance between the machine and your art to safely capture the image. Scanning is completed in a reduced-glare environment with top-of-the-line equipment and a cross-polarization process to capture high resolution. Accurate color workflow is maintained with color-matching software and expertly calibrated scanners.
Custom edits can be completed once scanning is complete. For example; you can remove signatures, pencil lines, and other unwanted areas.
Tips for Scanning Artwork
It is easiest to scan artwork with matte or non-glossy finishes. If possible, it is best not to apply glossy varnishes or mediums until after scanning. If your piece has a glossy finish, metallic/shiny materials, or is framed, a custom lighting setup will be required to eliminate glare. Additional charges may apply if multiple scans and additional editing time are needed to produce a high-quality scan.
What Can You Do with a Fine Art Scan?
After scanning, you can use your image however you would like. You will be able to create prints on paper, canvas, metal, wood, fabrics, and more. Artwork scanning isn’t limited by size either, and you can  make items like posters, postcards, and magnets as well. In addition, you can use the scans digitally for art show submissions, social media, web marketing, and more. The possibilities are endless.
Record Nations Offers Fine Artwork Scanning Near You
Record Nations partners with experienced scanning technicians that will expertly capture your artwork. We make every effort to offer affordable scanning services while providing the highest quality scans available. Give us a call at (866) 385-3706 or fill out the form to request free quotes on fine art scanning today. We will connect you with multiple providers in your area in just minutes.
