The Art of Scanning
Making high quality scans is both science and art. Although Proteus Workshop uses high-end professional equipment for producing superior scans, a more important aspect of our success is understanding the technical requirements that are dependent upon our clients’ intended use of their scans.

Producing professional caliber scans requires an understanding of different resolution, gamma characteristics, sizing, file formatting, output modes and correction procedures. By applying correction techniques appropriate for the clients intended use, Proteus WorkShop is able to produce scans that will best achieve the desired emotional and aesthetic impact when used by the client in final production stages.

Why make high quality scans?
Artists, web and print designers, publishers and others invest heavily in creating work that creates a specific emotional impact in their audiences. As most designers have evolved toward digital production techniques using scans for conveying digital impressions of works created in other media, the art of scanning has similarly evolved into complex relationships between competing purposes. In the final analysis, creating scans with a full understanding of the intended final viewing media results in the closest possible duplication of the artists’ original aesthetic considerations.

1. Resolution: Scans made at the correct size and resolution for the intended display media are easier to work with and result in the best possible final output. Over or undersized scans slow the production process, create rework and may result in unsatisfactory final images.
2. Color Correction: By understanding the intended final use of client scans, color corrections can be made which will most closely match the biases and interpretive compromises inherent in different display media. Colors originally intended for CMYK reproduction are inappropriate for web-based display. Similarly, RGB color characteristics frequently are compressed when repurposed for print media. By communicating with our clients we are able to suggest the best choices and correction techniques for selected final output options.
3. Shadow Detail and Image Gamma: Among the subtle but very important aspects of the art of scanning, is the capture and rendering of shadow detail appropriate for the final display media. Proteus Workshop uses precision drum scanning techniques which result in shadow detail and image gamma range not possible with lower end equipment. Our investment in the latest industry standard equipment assures our clients of excellent results.
4. Professional Equipment: We use the latest professional grade drum scanning equipment to produce superior scans. Because our equipment is state - of - the art, we DO NOT apply oils or other solvents to transparent originals, unlike many scanning services using older drum scanning technologies. Your originals will be handled by professionals who understand the effort you put into producing your work. Original artwork will be handled with care throughout the entire scan production process.
5. Availability: Sonoma County is home to a tremendous number of professional working in the arts. Unfortunately, not all of the digital services routinely needed by these artists are available locally. Proteus Workshop is headquartered in Sonoma and attuned to the needs of the local artistic community. Our fast turnaround time, passion for excellence and professional caliber production standards assure our clients of quality scans, without the logistics hassles of working with digital scan makers in distant cities. TOP

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PROTEUS WORKSHOP SCANNING SERVICES PRICING

ORIGNAL ART WORK SIZE
Proteus Workshop can directly scan reflective originals up to A3 size (13" X 19"). For reflective artwork size larger than A3, see our Giclee Services page.

Transparent originals (slides, color or black and white negatives, or film based line art) of most popular sizes can be scanned. Most professionally produced transparent originals are in these sizes: 35mm, 2-1/4" X 2-1/4", 2-1/4" X 2-3/4", and 4" X 5". We are also able to handle transparent originals in 6 cm X 17 cm. Custom sized scanning may be available by request, with additional production time necessary. Please contact Proteus Workshop for details.

PRICING
Proteus WorkShop scanning services pricing is based on the final file size and the degree of correction necessary to achieve client satisfaction. In the absence of unusual circumstances (extensive image correction or clean-up, damaged originals, custom image sizes, etc.) pricing is as follows:

SCANS FOR WEB OR DESKTOP PUBLISHING APPLICATIONS (>150 dpi)
These scans are for desktop publishing or web-display purposes. Reasonable corrections and image clean up are included in the prices below. Additional time at $75 per half hour is charged for damaged originals or those images requiring extensive correction to achieve client expectations:

HIGH RESOLUTION SCANS (151 dpi or above)
These scans are for most commercial applications, including professional reproduction, Giclee printmaking and other uses not requiring specific ICC based color matching. Reasonable image correction and clean-up are included in the prices below. Additional time at $75 per half hour is charged for damaged originals or those images requiring extensive correction to achieve client expectations:

IMPORTANT NOTE: All Scanning Services clients will be asked to specify the intended final usage of the scans and may need to provide additional data from other service providers in order to ensure that Proteus WorkShop provides scans with appropriate technical criteria for satisfactory final output. We are easy to work with and promise to communicate with a minimum of technical jargon and mystery-inducing nonsense! TOP

TURNAROUND TIME
Most scans can be produced in three days or less. For orders containing more than 7 originals, additional time may be necessary. Occasionally we can work on a RUSH basis, however this usually results in higher costs than those quoted above. In extraordinary circumstances, we may be able to produce scans overnight or even more occasionally, on a same-day basis. We try to be flexible to meet client needs, so please ask about anything not already answered in the material found here.

DIGITAL MEDIA
Scans are typically burned to CD for client delivery. Unlike other Scan houses, we do not make an additional charge for this service. Scans can also be delivered on ZIP disk, however we do charge $25.00 to cover media cost for ZIP disk delivery. Please contact Proteus Workshop if you require scans to be delivered on media other than CD or ZIP disk. Small scans (> 2MB) can be delivered via the Internet.

DISCOUNTS FOR HIGH VOLUME SCANNING
Discounts are available on a quote basis for high volume scanning of similar originals. Generally speaking, discounts are applied to individual scan orders in excess of 20 originals.

ARTWORK / SCAN DELIVERY
Artists in the Sonoma / Napa area may choose to deliver / pick-up the work themselves from Proteus Workshop. Artists outside Sonoma / Napa counties may use the transportation carrier of their choice. Careful packaging and insurance is always appropriate when moving artwork. We recommend the services of Federal Express and maintain a close working relationship with this carrier. Please contact Proteus Workshop to facilitate street address delivery instructions. Our facility is easily accessible, but remains confidential except to qualified customers. TOP