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suspend
06-03-2005, 01:38 PM
im looking for the easiest way to scan black pen art that is ...well extremely detailed...the strokes kind of look like they follow the texture of the paper...now how do i optimize my scanning experience adn clean it up without being extremely grainy when taking out the white. ?

ps its getting printed onto a guitar so is there a great way of printing onto wood?
lokki
06-03-2005, 03:20 PM
hmm... there are a handful of techniques you can try. Without seeing the actual image, it's really hard to give more detail, though.

If your paper is really textured, like a stressed vellum or parchment, you are going to have a really tough time of it. But you may want to keep some of the shading from the texture.

I'd start by making a full-color scan at the highest reasonable resolution, then repeat with a 'line art' setting if available. In PS, go to your channels and see what grey image gives you the best overall look. If there isn't one, try to pick out parts of each channel that look like a good start. You may have to get something from all 3 channels.

The idea is to do channel operations on duplicates of each channel (alpha channels) to isolate the best parts, then use those as a mask to build up your image from pieces. Consider using levels, then dodge/burn with a soft, low-exposure brush. It will be an iterative process in that you'll probably have to go back and forth a few times between the two tools.

Once you have a section you like, wipe out the other stuff on the alpha channel that doesn't look good. Repeat for the other sections/channels. Remember, you can make multiple alpha channels from a single color channel if you need to do different techniques on other sections.

Back in your layers, create a new transparent layer and make a selection from one of the alphas, fill, and repeat the process for other selections. Merging this might get you what you want.

Standard layer techniques include making color/range selections, levels, and median or noise filtering. You may find it easier to use a marquee or lasso tool to make broad selections that can be wiped out or isolated to keep down the distractions.

There are lots of other things you can do, too... but this should get you started pretty nicely.

Good luck, and be sure to post your results, regardless of the methods you use ;)
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06-03-2005, 03:20 PM
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