artisan printing, scanning, and retouching
'South of France' by Erin Goldberger, a winner in the 2010 Portfolio Project
Note: The following instructions assume the availability of Photoshop. If you work in a different program, the same functions are likely available. A basic search through your favored program's help guide should yield information on how to achieve the following.
Calibrate monitor
It is important that your monitor be calibrated in order to receive accurate prints. Over time, the color of your computer-screen will shift. Calibration measures how much the color has shifted and corrects it, so that we at DuckRabbit will be seeing the same color/tone that you do on your home computer.
If you are unable to calibrate your monitor, you might want to consider ordering a proof before ordering your print. This is a small 8.5x11" print that is made prior to the final print and sent to you to approve. If you want to make any changes, we will send you a new proof at no additional cost. This way, you can be sure your print is perfect even without monitor calibration.
Size your Image
Your image should be no larger than 360 pixels per inch, and no smaller than 300 pixels per inch. You can change this in Photoshop by going to File->Image size-resolution. While there, also adjust the size (in inches) to reflect the size that you want printed. There will always be a border around your prints--we can print up to 24" wide paper, meaning you can size your images up to 23 inches on the shortest side. The length can be as long as you want.
Change your image to Greyscale
Even if your image looks black-and-white, you need to make sure that you are saving it in a greyscale mode. To do this in Photoshop, go to image, mode, greyscale. We also recommend saving the file as an 8-bit image, an option that is available from the same menu.
Flatten your image
If you have added any layers to your image, it is important to flatten it. Failing to do so will result in gargantuan files that won't upload properly. To flatten an image, go to layer, flatten image.
Change/Confirm Color Settings
Go to edit, color settings. Under working spaces, choose sRGB IEC61966-2.1, Gray Gamma 2.2, and dot gain 20%.
Save your image properly
Save your image as a TIFF or a PSD file. Anything else will mean a loss of visual information. Make sure to click on the button that embeds the color profile into your image-file.