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.

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 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 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. 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 located in Sonoma, CA 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.

Artists may choose to deliver / pick-up the work themselves from Proteus Workshop or may use a courier service such as Federal Express. Please contact us to facilitate street address delivery instructions. Our facility is easily accessible, but remains confidential except to qualified customers.