I need to buy a scanner and printer for art work. Can anyone suggest the best? Thanks!
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
This reply was deleted.
I need to buy a scanner and printer for art work. Can anyone suggest the best? Thanks!
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
Replies
I really like my Plustek OpticPro A320, large format (12 x 17) flatbed scanner. I used to have a very pricey Epson large format scanner and when it became obsolete due to software changes I found the Plustek. I was skeptical at first - don't remember why, maybe because it was so much less expensive than what I'd used before.
I use this in my Solarplate etching printmaking process and have been very pleased for a number of years now. My work is not large so I also use it to scan my finished work for digital application process which have worked out very well. I think Amazon might have this for under $500.
I use the Epson Stylus Photo R2880 large format printer, but only for artwork related jobs -the ink is too pricey and gets used up too quickly to use it for general purposes. I have a small Canon iP4920 for everyday use.
Technology changes so quickly that anything you buy will be old by the time you unpack it. The ink costs and speed keeps getting more favorable. I know people that have two-year-old equipment that choose to purchase from a service because it is less expensive and better quality than printing at home, due to the continuing improvements.
Thanks for your comments all. I will be using a print service at this time. Good advice!
On the lower end printers this is true.
On the high end not as much.
Also if it is a photographer, keeping to the letter of the rules, with some of the art shows, the photographer prints it himself. I also feel my quality is above what I've experienced with "services".
However, if the artist is not a photographer , selling as their own original, fine art, then using services is likely the best approach.
As far as the scanners, there is a limit as too the resolution that would be scanned at for many reasons, as it would be used for copies of paintings.
Some technology becomes outdated quickly. Mostly consumer grade. Higher end not so often. A lot has to do with the marketing, inefficient and inappropriate use.
I have what was considered to be the best desktop flat art scanner. It's the Epson 10000 XL from about 12 years ago. It can scan up to 14x17 inches. I think the latest version is the 12000 XL.
For a printer, it depends on the largest size you intend to print. I'm not up on printers because I use third party services when I need prints.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thank you! I will take a look at the Epson 12000 XL.
It depends on what type of artwork you are scanning / trying to make copies of and what type of copies you are trying to create.
If it is thick, oil or acrylic paintings... you may want to show the depth and shadows. Most flatbed scanners wont do that.
If the copies are for sale, you want a high end Epson.
Then you need to determine the size of the prints & how archival you want them.
If the prints are just to show your work, such as in a portfolio, You can go much lower end.
If it is just for the portfolio or occasional work, don't buy the equipment. Instead pay someone to do it for you. The costs incurred in having to keep up your own equipment is not worth it unless you are selling your own copies, high quality for good money.
My art work is mostly watercolor, colored pencil and pen and ink. I may take your advice about having my art work printed elsewhere. I have been researching printers and scanners, and the cost of really good ones are out of my reach. Thank you for your reply.
With a good printer you can easily spend $1,000 just for your ink.
Then if you don't use it often the heads get clogged. Just a lot of money, work and maintenance if it is not used well.
However if done properly the results are great.
Will definitely look into outsourcing! Thanks.