Curse

Messy · Apr 14, 2007, 02:48 PM // 14:48

Hi guys,

I have requested a few commissions, and one of the artists asked me about resolutions. Now I'm not really sure how to do this, and I'm hoping you guys can help. The reason for this is I am looking for the best possible resolution, because I want to PRINT and FRAME these pictures and have a guild wars gallery in my room.

I'm guessing that if its a digital image you set up the resolution under the format menu before you start drawing, and if its a non digital image you set up the resolution when you scan the picture.

Thanks in advance!!!

Lisa

eightyfour-onesevenfive · Apr 14, 2007, 03:44 PM // 15:44

Generally, the resolution should be as high as possible, if you want to print an image. But if you scan something you should use the native resolution of the scanner. Modern scanners usually have something like 1200x1200 dpi, but most of them can interpolate insanely high resolutions like 6400 dpi or more. By doing that, the image will be artificially enlarged and you won't gain any image quality (in fact, you may actually lose some, depending on the quality of the scanner).

lyra_song · Apr 14, 2007, 08:36 PM // 20:36

300 should be the minimum DPI if you plan to print anything. Most printshops use 300 dpi.

DPI is in direct relation to the size of an image.

However, you should never take an image and increase its DPI without decreasing its image size because increasing DPI normally increase image size and that involves upsampling and wont be an increase in quality.

Ive actually jumped resolutions while working on a painting. Jump up to 600, while working on a detail, then jump back to 300. But thats because i work natively at 300.

Nian · Apr 14, 2007, 08:47 PM // 20:47

I always use 300dpi when scanning my images but when drawing for print to something A4:ish in size I use 400-600dpi resolution and an image size from 4000 or 6000 pixels width or height. Really it's all about what your computer can handle because these settings take a lot of resources. Especially if you're going to digitally paint then the larger the image the slower the brush moves.

So if you're scanning you scan with the wanted dpi and when drawing straight on comp you set the resolution beforehand.

Noanoa · Apr 14, 2007, 08:51 PM // 20:51

I second what was said above, but I'd also like to point out that you can upscale an image quite a bit if you're planning on making a large poster (say, A3 or A2). The image will become blurrier of course, but then again you're not supposed to stare close at the tone dots, since posters (or framed prints) are usually viewed from a distance so the dots don't show at all. Huge movie posters are usually not very densely printed, and the resolution can even be smaller than 100dpi.

The 300 to 600 dpi usually applies to magazines and art prints, which I assume are what you're after. But don't worry if the image you get isn't that large, it can still look fabulous when printed.

Messy · Apr 14, 2007, 11:42 PM // 23:42

Thanks everybody for your replies, I'm getting an idea now, and I hope the artist that's drawing my commission does as well.

I'm not trying to enlarge it to poster size, just an 8X10 or double that, whatever those are in A# terms. I want a GW wall of fame!!

I really want to share with you guys, that I love this section. Really cool people, giving each other support , positive critique and feedback, and some really amazing talent!!

lyra_song · Apr 14, 2007, 11:47 PM // 23:47

Theres always the method upsampling to a HUGE resolution, then running filters to clean it up so you can downsample back to the resolution you want with actual usability