How to Scan Your Artwork for Digital Preservation

Scanning your artwork is a great way to digitally preserve your physical artwork. Here are some steps you can follow to scan your artwork: 

1.Choose a scanner: You can use a flatbed scanner or a handheld scanner. Flatbed scanners are best for larger artwork, while handheld scanners are great for smaller pieces.

 2.Clean your artwork: Before scanning, make sure your artwork is clean and free from any dust or debris that might appear in the scan. 

3.Set the scanner resolution: Choose a resolution that is appropriate for your artwork. Higher resolutions produce larger file sizes but also capture more detail. 

4.Choose the file format: Save your scan in a high-quality file format, such as TIFF or JPEG. 

5.Position the artwork: Place the artwork face down on the scanner bed and adjust the positioning to make sure the artwork is centered and straight. 

6.Preview the scan: Preview the scan to make sure the artwork is properly positioned and adjust the scanner settings if necessary. 

7.Scan the artwork: Once you are satisfied with the preview, scan the artwork. 

8.Edit the scan: If necessary, you can edit the scan using photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, color balance, or other aspects of the digital image. 

9.Save the digital file: Save the digital file to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, to ensure its preservation. 

10.Label and organize: Be sure to label and organize your digital files so that they are easily searchable and accessible in the future.