March 13 Illustrator Saturday Review: Scanning/Preparation of Originals to Digital Files, with Lois Bradley

During this event Lois Bradley brought in her laptop and Epson scanner and explained the procedure for scanning your original artwork into digital files - ready for online submission, CD submissions and printing. Using Adobe Photoshop, Lois reviewed a step-by-step process for image corrections after scanning. Please Note: These instructions are based on Lois' experience and her own scanning process and should not be construed as the only means of scanning originals to digital file formats or correcting images. Submittal of the following are intended as guidelines onlu. Each iillustrator's scans and correction outcomes are the sole responsibility of the illustrator.

       Using Epson Scanner and its software, click on these parameters before scanning

• Document Type = Reflective
• Format = Ideal to scan as a TIFF, but be mindful that TIFFs are a much larger MB sized file and often range in size from 25 MB to 50 MB each, depending on the final scanned size.
• Source = Table/Photo
• Image Type = 24 bit color or 16 bit grayscale, or highest numbers
• Resolution = 300 dpi minimum; can always reduce dpi as needed for online use or other printing requirement
• Place artwork piece onto scanning bed, click on Preview, and verify scanning window; check size of scan, i.e. 100% or larger (should scan artwork no smaller than 100% - can always reduce later), click on Scan, select location for digital file (suggest a folder on desktop) and create name of file, then click OK!

       Using Adobe Photoshop, open scanned image file and follow these suggestions

• Rotate and/or crop images to desired orientation and size.
• Adjustments = Image/Brightness & Contrast
• Adjustments = Image/Curves, are profiles of grays
• Save files as TIFFs or PSDs from scanned image. Do Not save as a JPEG, as this file format looses file data. Be aware that TIFF files are much larger, as they contain all the file's information. Make sure your computer has the space for it! Always archive your corrected original scans as TIFFs.
• When saving your digital files, choose a file name that is simple, using NO special characters, and consistent, i.e. series or by book project, to be easily recognizable.

Hands-on assistance is available for a fee. You can email our Illustrator Coordinator, Laurette Luff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a list of contacts.

February 20 Illustrator Saturday Review: Portfolio Do's & Don'ts with Mary Sundstrom and Lois Bradley.

Ten "aspiring to be published" illustrators attended this info backed session given by two of SCBWI-NM published illustrators, Mary Sundstrom, The Little Cow in Valle Grande and Lois Bradley, Blind Tom.

Here are some of their Guidelines to Building Your Portfolio":

• Do not include original work, only reproductions. A minimum of 10 pieces, no more than 25, was recommended. A combination of one image or a cluster of related images per page was suggested for variety.
• The size of your portfolio is up to your discretion. NOTE: SCBWI-NM Handsprings Conference Portfolio Display limits the size to 9" x 12", because of display space restrictions.
• Start your portfolio with your BEST "explosive" image. This is your introduction by the viewer and must have a strong impact. Include your next strongest images in the middle and at the end of the portfolio. Flow in the remaining images to support your stronger ones and be compatible.
• You may include from 3-4 artistic styles, keeping in mind their strength.
• Location of images should be a transistion of styles from tight to loose.
• Character development is most important in children's book illustrating, so include 2-3 poses of one character. The poses should evoke action and emotion, keeping with the integrity of the character.
• Color schemes should be compatible and flow from one scheme to the other, if more than one.
• Avoid having to turn the portfolio to view your pieces. Select all vertical or all horizontal orientation of pages. Keep in mind the visual flow and minimize any interruption.
• Black & white images are acceptable since most middle school and young adult books are usually printed in black & white. Color images for this age group are also encouraged, as they could lead to book jacket work.
• If you have been published, include 1-2 pieces. Showing the final published piece is up to you.
• DON'T PUT IN WORK YOU DON'T LIKE TO DO.

Important: Don't forget to provide give-aways. These could be business cards, and/or postcards with one specific image or a composite of different artistic styles or subject matter. Include your contact information and website addresses to view your portfolio online.

January 9 Illustrator Saturday Review:  Fine Art Printing with Patrick Carr, Carr Imaging.

Eleven illustrators and artists attended this presentation given by Patrick Carr. He walked us through the process of creating fine art giclée prints. We started in his photography studio loaded with heavy-duty wires, mega lighting and state-of-the-art scanning equipment to create a digital image of an artist's original artwork. We then moved to his computer and he demonstrated his color profiling software to create the richest representation of the artwork's colors, which he then prints onto the artist's choice of surface to present it to the artist for review and discussion. At this point we were led into his printing area, housing three hugh printers with black & white and color capabilities, and offering a wide variety of papers and canvas. His capabilities are endless and he loves a challenge!

Patrick introduced us to his unique photo media artwork, which he shows at a gallery in Santa Fe. He explained his creative process using a combination of acrylic painted grounds and photographic images unified into a dynamic medium.

For more info about Carr Imaging, visit www.carrimage.net, email Patrick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 880-8124. They are located at 1401-A University NE, S of Indian School.