#printing process

[arthistoryanimalia]

#InternationalPrimateDay 🐒🦧🦍:

Ohara Hōson (Koson) (Japan, 1877-1945)

Five Monkeys, c.1931

Watercolor, proof, 2 woodblock prints (peach & yellow variants)

https://www.scholten-japanese-art.com/printsH/3317

[hclib]

NOW ON VIEW IN SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Plans, Elevations, Sections, and Details of the Alhambra

In exploring the Arts Collection for our rare book exhibit, curators Heather and Maya came upon the incredibly detailed and stunning lithographs and engravings in Jules Goury and Owen Jones's Plans, Elevations, Sections, and Details of the Alhambra. Through further research, we learned that this 2-volume set, published in London between 1842 and 1845, was one of the first published books to use the technique of chromolithography, a process that later dominated color reproduction for most of the second half of the 19th century. The set is also an important historical record of the Alhambra, created from drawings done at least twenty years before the first detailed photographic records were made. In 1836, while preparing the original drawings, Jules Goury died of cholera in Granada. This left Owen Jones with the complicated task of finding a printer capable of carrying out the work. He finally resolved to set up his own printing press. The experimental color printing process required up to seven pressings and nearly nine years of trial and error before the work was successfully completed. Jones’s flat colors anticipated the work of William Morris, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Art Nouveau movement.

Due to its monumental size, we couldn't include this bound set in our exhibit, but it's now on view in the Special Collections reading room along with other portfolios of leaves in the exhibit. The exhibit runs through November 29, but the material in the reading room will be available to view through 2023.

[strontiumsun]

How I designed a new cover for my webcomic's Book 1 reprint

The cover. It's the first impression anyone has of your comic book, so it's got to make an impact. Which is why I'm really proud of the new cover of Heroes of Thantopolis Book 1.

Who are these characters? What kinds of fun and colorful adventures do they get up to? That's what I hope people think when they see the book when it debuts at Cartoon Crossroads Columbus.

But the journey to get to this cover was full of trial and error. Today I want to share that journey and what I learned along the way. Let's go!

The original print cover of Book 1

I self-published the original print of HoT Book 1 in 2016. This was before I joined @hiveworks, and I was using an on-demand printer not really known for their comics, so everything - including the InDesign template I placed the pages in - was done from scratch.

Here's what the cover for the original print looked like:

Helene and Cyrus are front and center amidst tapestries depicting the four chapters of the comic. It's not a bad illustration - not in the slightest! And the comic sold very well at TCAF 2017. But I think you can tell it's an amateur effort. I may have completed four chapters of my comic, but I didn't have comparable experience designing books.

Brainstorming for the reprint

I joined Hiveworks in 2018. Hiveworks has a lot of experience independently publishing webcomics. I planned to re-print Book 1 as well as print the first editions of the rest of the comic under their banner.

I had a good idea of the bonus content I wanted to include in the reprint. I had less of an idea of what I wanted the cover to look like. My first sketches were very movie poster-esque:

All of the main characters are here, with the villain ominously looming over everyone. It felt like an upgrade from the original cover. But... it felt generic, too. It didn't capture what was unique about my comic.

I put preparations for the reprint to the side for a while, until...

Inspiration

I love the opening of the Netflix cartoon Hilda. I love the music, the fluid animation and the super cool transitions between her adventures. Hilda goes from riding a dragon to dodging viking warriors, running through the locations and characters she meets during the season. It really captures the vibe of the show!

That's when it occurred to me what was missing from my cover. Readers of Heroes of Thantopolis will know that every chapter has a different color palette, giving them each a unique feel. A unified illustration wouldn't show the diversity of color or feelings. But a cover made of flowing segments, like the Hilda opening...

Now I felt like I was really getting somewhere!

The final cover

Working with my editor Isa (@secondlina), I continued to refine the design of the comic. I wasn't sure what to put in the top left. Isa suggested creating a special version of the logo that flowed along the border created by the Sag segment.

(Isa's sketch in green, on the right)

From there, the final cover began to take shape.

Until we got to the final cover that appears on the actual book!

(Print colors are never as vibrant at RGB, but it still captures that colorful vibe.)

Conclusion

If there's one lesson in my creative life that I've seen play out over and over again, it's that your first idea may not be the best idea. Iteration and reflection improves the end result. I'm not saying you need to waffle over every decision. But rather, tp let your creative juices marinade your idea, rather than immediately put the concept to the fire.

I also couldn't have done this without help from people more knowledgeable than I on book design. Not every webcomic creator has access to print experts, true, but there are communities of webcomic creators out there that pool resources and share advice. We can always learn from other people. And that's why I made this post! I hope you enjoyed a peek into my creative process.

I look forward to seeing you at CXC on September 30th and October 1st! If you can't make it to the show, you can read all of Heroes of Thantopolis online, FOR FREE, anytime you want. Book 1 will be sold online soon!

[cow-stealin-gal]

here’s how the card art started

@krsonmar, @draco-the-chaos-dragon

I had the idea of making a card of my Lizardfolk oc Acela.

Using this picture.

Local Superstar, Acela Valani, by JLeon, aka SwanPair. Pixel art, 86 x 86 pixels, Piskel, 2023

But how?

I put the image of Acela with a card border.

Here’s how:

I cropped her image out of the original piece onto a new Piskel canvas

I drew a rectangle around Acela and centered it

I made a random card border by winging it

I cropped out the negative space within the card border by copying the card GIF pasted it within the original piece

I copied the background within the original using the negative space and a tool that highlights any splotch of the same color

I adjusted the mid-ground objects to enter within the card space

Voila, Acela Valani card

EDIT AND RE-EDIT VARIOUS TIMES

Voila, Updated Acela Valani card

But what about the others?

I went to Staples, printed this bad girl out!

Theeennn, I traced over the image.

Then I traced over that image and marked the proportions.

and applied them to Paprika’s picture.

I swear there was One more trace page of Acela’s card but I couldn’t find it at the time I’m writing this...

(7:57 PM).

So here's how Paprika turned out from this process

I largely repeated the process for Paula and Delfina

Here's the card back design

The next steps was to email them to

print.marketing1602@staples.com

Note: I would email a bunch of card backs to official make them cards.

Then I visit a Staples store,

and ask for 4" x "6" print size.

The empty canvas space might have a play in shrinking the cards.

[danielschneider4363]

Exploring the World of Non-Toxic 3D Printing: QIDI Tech's Commitment to Safety

In recent years, the 3D printing industry has experienced tremendous growth, and with it, an increasing focus on safety and environmental impact. One of the most discussed topics is the safety of materials used in 3D printing, particularly PLA (Polylactic Acid), which is often hailed as a non-toxic option. But is this really the reality?

QIDI Tech, a leading brand in the 3D printing market, is at the forefront of promoting safe and non-toxic printing practices. Their dedication to quality and sustainability makes them a standout choice for both hobbyists and professionals alike.

Many users wonder if PLA is indeed non-toxic. The good news is that PLA is derived from renewable resources, such as cornstarch, which makes it a biodegradable option compared to traditional plastics. This aligns perfectly with QIDI Tech's vision of promoting environmentally friendly materials.

However, it's essential to note that while PLA is generally considered safe, the printing process can release small amounts of particles that may not be ideal for prolonged exposure. This is where QIDI Tech’s advanced printer designs come into play, ensuring minimal emissions and a safer printing environment.

In conclusion, the myth that all 3D printing materials are harmful can be dispelled, especially with brands like QIDI Tech leading the charge in non-toxic 3D printing. By choosing the right materials and equipment, users can enjoy the creative possibilities of 3D printing while prioritizing health and safety.

[lukelam7455]

Exploring Dropshipping Success with Inkedjoy

The dropshipping industry is thriving, and I'm excited to share my journey with Inkedjoy as one of my favorite Etsy print on demand partners!

I've been diving into the world of print on demand, and the possibilities are endless. Inkedjoy offers a fantastic selection of customizable products, making it easy for anyone to start their own business without the hassle of inventory.

What I love most about working with Inkedjoy is their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The designs are vibrant, and the printing process is seamless, ensuring that each product is a true work of art.

If you're considering starting your own dropshipping venture, I highly recommend checking out Inkedjoy. Their user-friendly platform and excellent support make it simple to get started. Plus, with their integration on Etsy, reaching customers has never been easier!

Have you tried dropshipping with Inkedjoy or any other print on demand partners? I'd love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for success in this exciting industry!

[pangur-and-grim]

a lot of you probably knows Belphie's story, but I'll summarize just in case.

Devon Rex cats are better for people with allergies (less shed fur + less Fel d1 protein in their saliva), so on February 16, 2024, I went the breeder route and put down a deposit. before Belphie even opened his eyes, he was mine!

every Friday, the breeder sent me a new photo. I had a broken leg, and was basically rotting in bed at that point, so it was the best part of my week. then, at 12 weeks old, I BROUGHT HIM HOME!

at first, he was so alive! like a wind-up monkey that never shut off. he dangled from the wall-hangings, savaged my feet as I walked, and used my elderly cats as jumping poles to do cool acrobatics over. but all this gradually faded.

first, he stopped playing. then he stopped climbing. then he stopped moving much at all. my vet ran tests on him and found multiple pathogens (calcivrius + mycoplasma), but the medication didn't help - he kept declining.

on September 17th, I woke up to find him swollen like a balloon. we finally had an answer: he had Feline infectious Peritonitis, aka FIP. before 2017, this would've been a death sentence. he would've kept bloating until he drowned in his own fluids. and before 2024, I would've been forced to inject him with black market drugs. but thankfully, South Tower Animal Hospital in Fergus, Ontario was doing a study on the oral medication! we drove two hours, enrolled him, and left with the GS-441524 pills.

and he went from those photos above.....to this:

I thought Belphie would die as a kitten. I'd accepted that he would never grow up. but now he gets to LIVE!

and all for the low cost of $7,553.....ahhhahaha........god.

that + a recent home disaster has wiped out my savings, but I still need to pay for Belphie's medication. to remain in this study, I need to do bloodwork monthly until Feb 2025, and he'll need daily pills until March 2025.

I've put a risograph print + enamel pin set up at greerstothers.shop. I hate asking for help, but if you'd like to support Belphie's continued treatment, please consider checking them out!

[dhruvdymoindia]

Label fast, mail smart and look sharp with DYMO LW Labels

[texasmadedtf]

DTF Printing: Your Path to a Versatile Business

Many garment decoration business owners discover that their present customisation technology encounters difficulties while reviewing their business scope. "How many orders can I handle at once?" "How long will it take to prep before printing?" or "What's the quickest turnaround time that remains profitable?" are typical questions. Businesses must assess existing technologies to determine which equipment addresses these challenges, answers these questions, and offers the most adaptability for success.

Fortunately, digital printing options such as direct-to-film (DTF) printers can provide a solution. DTF printing technique allows for the creation of several detailed, colourful pictures with minimum effort. Furthermore, the convenience of applying transfers shortens the time necessary for shirt manufacture. The printing process's speed enables faster turnaround times for larger assignments. Let's look at the benefits of a flexible DTF printer business.

No Need to Convert Your Images

A notable disadvantage of several technologies is the lengthy preparation necessary prior to printing. For example, screen printing divides an image into various colours, each requiring a separate screen. Embroidery involves capturing and translating a picture into a file format that defines stitches and instructions, which might take hours or even days.

In contrast,��DTF printing enables high-definition, full-color photos without losing quality. There is no need to create colour layers or screens. RIP software facilitates the designing of large-scale print projects and delivers on-demand information. You may begin printing right from the program without any further preparations, making printing simple and accessible. This adaptability allows for the management of complex designs as well as the capture of profitable expansion prospects when taking on new projects.

Reducing Time Spent per Shirt

Another important consideration is the pace with which shirts are produced. Common enquiries include, "How long does it take each technology to produce a single shirt?" "Are there limitations on what I can print?" followed by "How much physical labour does each technology require?" Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, for example, requires pre-treating blank shirts, particularly dark clothing, with white ink, which might take time.

Screen printing also needs a lot of manual labour and time, as each coat of colour must be applied and allowed to dry. This method can slow down manufacturing, particularly for big print runs.

DTF printing, on the other hand, can create hundreds of transfers at once by printing directly onto a specialised film that is subsequently heat-pressed onto clothing. This efficiency means that manufacturing isn't restricted to one garment at a time, and the pressing process is speedy, taking only 15 seconds for each shirt. This simplicity enables organisations to take on larger tasks with greater flexibility and convenience, cutting time per shirt and creating new opportunities.

Flexibility is Key

So, what is the key to operating a flexible DTF printer business? Flexibility. DTF provides the best opportunities with the least amount of sacrifice at each barrier. Importing picture files does not require any specific preparations or adjustments, making DTF a perfect choice for high-resolution transfers with elaborate artwork.

With less preparatory time, DTF can satisfy the needs of print jobs with shorter deadlines. Need 500 t-shirts in under 36 hours? If blanks, supplies, and design files are readily accessible, a direct-to-film printer can begin production quickly and achieve the deadline. If the client has their own heat press, it is even easier to produce and sell individual transfers.

DTF printing exceeds competing technologies, such as DTG, in terms of quality and consistency throughout large print runs. Unlike screen printing, which takes extensive preparation time and is best suited to big quantities, DTF can handle both small and large orders effectively. This mobility enables organisations to expand and achieve by confidently accepting new possibilities and larger print orders.

Conclusion

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers provide a game-changing alternative for garment decorating companies dealing with the problems of current customisation requirements. DTF technology enables businesses to easily manage a wide range of orders, from small batches to large-scale projects, by eliminating significant preparation, saving manufacturing time per shirt, and providing unrivalled flexibility. This flexibility not only improves operational efficiency but also creates new opportunities for development and profitability, ensuring that firms stay competitive and capable of satisfying their consumers' shifting expectations.

Check out our Facebook Page and Community Group for offers and more updates

[mediamime]

Been working on this on and off a few days…. Cas my beloved…

Edit: Available as a print now 🐸

And for a multimedia experience (because I’m annoying):

[linktoo-doodles]

tangible in my arms

gif process!

[salamispots]

something something giant isopod sharing is caring pass the detritus

inprnt

[xitsensunmoon]

My first ever comic con! And first cosplay too. Of course it's gonna be my boy :] Ramblings about the process are under the cut(Let me know if?? You would want me to elaborate with process images for any of the steps?)

The costume took me forever to make, as I've never done any machine sewing, sculpting, fabric dying or spray painting before but learning all of these was so fucking fun!! I never realised just how many different skills go into making a cosplay but it was so worth it!!!

Almost all of the clothes(except the hat) were purchased first as bases, but all of the detailing was added by me. All of the fabric used was originally just scraps that I was given for free so I needed to learn how to dye and dye all of the stars, they were originally white.

The sewing machine was its own beast that brought me tons of frustration from the lack of skill and knowledge (it was devastating to find out that 95% of fuck ups were my fault and not the machine's lmao). But as a result, a hat sewn from scratch, all of the fur trims, embroidery on the corset, stars and the collar(which is very hard to see on the pictures unfortunately) was all added manually. The stars and the stripes(on the back of the cape) were attached using heat-and-bond adhesive (I WISH I knew about such thing just when I started working on this. It would save me so much time and nerves.)

Then I found out about polymorph(mouldable plastic) and it has become the next thing I wanted to learn, to sculpt the claws and the fangs(yes, they're handmade jfksjs). The claws I then primed and painted in trillion coats because I wasn't satisfied with the colour of the spray paint. The fangs I moulded to my own teeth and then stained with tea to match the colour of my teeth :)c

As for makeup, I used Mehron Paradise water activated paints. At first I wanted to try to save money and bought myself Snazaroo instead, which unfortunately turned out to be a waste. Snazaroo didn't hold on my face for longer than 2 hours, cracking and peeling awfully. Mehron on the other hand survived 11 hours of me smiling, talking, emoting and such and didn't even crease at the smile lines(I'm actually shocked about that). It obviously works like any other makeup which means your skin texture and wrinkles won't go anywhere but Mehron's elasticity pleasantly surprised me. It did obviously smear from sweat and saliva(if you're eating and licking your lips) but if you don't touch the skin it just dries again, self setting. But if it's dry it's fully smear-proof. Highly recommend!

And last but not least, I've decided against painting my hands as it was very risky that I will stain everything I touch at the smallest hint of sweat. So instead I got myself gloves-tights(? Not sure how they're called but it's made from the same fabric as tights) and painted them with normal acrylic paint(did you know you could dye fabric with acrylic paint? I personally didn't), then heat set with an iron and voilà, they're reusable, my hands are not stained after an exhausting day and I don't stain everything I touch. It worked wonderfully which honestly was a surprise as I was really sceptical that acrylic paint will somehow stay in place.

I think this whole thing took me minimum of 6 months with big-big breaks for my school and life in general. But I'm really proud! This project taught me so many new skills and I couldn't have been happier about learning new knowledge, even if it sucked to fail in the meantime.

Everyone at the con was really nice and gave me a large confidence boost even tho it was my first time and I had no idea what I was doing. Taking photos with other people was really awkward/new for me as I hate cameras so I really had no idea how to pose/behave in front of one. But that's okay I think. This whole experience definitely made me want to do this again, so I think that will come with experience. Thank you for reading this far, hope you enjoyed this little summary :)

[obsob]

days are getting warmer but i am always warm when im with you ! !

[kelogsloops]

Cloud Ladder to the Moon watercolour & mixed media on paper

Excited to share that I’ve been part of 3dtotal's latest book project: Hokusai: An Artist’s Tribute! Fourteen artists (including me!) were invited to reimagine masterpieces of Katsushika Hokusai. You might not recognize his name, but you definitely know his iconic work, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (yes, THAT wave painting).

We each documented a 15-step process showcasing how we created our pieces from start to finish. Each of us shared insights into our inspiration and artistic choices throughout the process. In my chapter, you’ll see how I recreated Hokusai’s original ink drawing, ‘Daoist Master Zhou Sheng Ascends a Cloud-Ladder to the Moon' to this very painting here

More info about the book & prints here: https://bit.ly/40jLdWL

#brbchasingdreams

prints | tutorials

[dhruvdymoindia]

Label fast, mail smart and look sharp with DYMO LW Labels