Create Canvas Module Takes Out Guesswork

by Doak Walker

2008-01-09 00:00:00

Advanced technology features on CanvasPress.com let you control every step of the process in customizing your canvas art.

The "Create a Canvas" module is a simple and easy tool that has been designed to assist you in creating a canvas print from your digital images. In five simple steps, you can be on your way to filling your walls with lovely canvas creations. Module Overview:

The create a canvas module is broken out into five easy progressing steps.

• Step 1: Upload Image
• Step 2: Product Type & Sizing
• Step 3: Digital Enhancements
• Step 4: Text Overlay
• Step 5: Comments & Saving

Step 1: Upload Image

Uploading your image can be difficult if you're not familiar with computers and file structures. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions searching for your image. The first part of uploading your image is to browse for the image you want to have printed on canvas. The upload tool will only work with "JPG" image types. Most every camera today will produce a JPG, so refer to your camera's owner manual for questions regarding the file type setting on your camera. You will also want to ensure that the image is unaltered and is the highest quality possible.

To upload your file click the "Browse" button and select the image you would like to use. First you must click the copyright agreement check box, which states that you own the image or have permission from the copyright owner to have the image reproduced. Most photographers will issue a print release if requested.

Once you've selected the image you desire, the "Upload" button will appear below the image file summary. Click the upload button and be patient while your image uploads. Upload times will vary on your internet connection and the size of your image file. Once the image is uploaded the server will generate a preview of your image. Depending on the size of the image file, this may take a few seconds. After the preview of your image is shown, you will have the opportunity to rotate or flip your image. This step is optional, so click the "continue" button to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Product Type & Sizing

Step 2 consists of three main sections. Canvas Type, Canvas Size, and the Crop tool. First, select the Canvas type that you desire. There are four main types as described below.

Gallery Wrap - Image Border: This is the most popular type as it has a very clean look and feel to it. The image is wrapped around the sides and is stapled into the back, ready to hang when you receive. The profile is 1-1/2" thick.
Gallery Wrap - Color Border: The image stays on the front of the canvas and the sides are a specific color of your choosing. This selection is ideal if your image cannot be cropped easily. It is ready to hang when you receive. The side is 1-1/2" thick.
Standard Stretched: If you wish to place your canvas into a traditional decorative frame, then the standard stretched is what you want. The frame is only 7/16" thick and fits most all frames. Standard sizes are easier to find a pre-made frame for.
Non-Stretched: For the hobbyist or if you are looking to cut down on shipping costs, non-stretched is always an option. The image is printed on the canvas, with an additional 2" border of plain canvas on all sides for stretching. It is then rolled up and shipped.

Next, select the size you would like your canvas. There can be several factors that affect sizing, including price and crop. You can use the preset standard sizes or select a custom size by individually selecting the width and height.

As you select a canvas type and/or size the cropping tool and prices automatically update to reflect the type/size selected. The cropping tool is a very useful tool in that it gives you a preview of how your image will be cropped based on the size selected and most importantly how the image will wrap when selecting the gallery wrap - image border type. Working with the cropping tool is not difficult. The image is automatically centered and you can simply zoom in and out by clicking either of the two buttons below the tool. You can click on the image and move it around to position your crop more desirably. When you have selected a gallery wrap - image border, the crop tool will show four shaded sides on your image. The sides represent the part of your image that will wrap on the sides, while the part of the image in the center is what will be on the front of the canvas. Sometimes a close-up shot will wrap undesirably so selecting the gallery wrap - color border can help keep the image on the front, giving color that you select on the sides. This can also be a great way to add color to match other design elements in your home or office.

The last item on step 2 is the print quality indicator. This indicator is there to give you an idea of how large you can print your image before recognizing much image degradation. Images below 50 DPI may experience minor to major degradation at large sizes; however, there are many factors that can affect the quality of the image and this is just a guideline as some smaller images that are taken by a professional photographer can be enlarged beyond the guarantee. If you have any questions regarding the quality of your image, just call Canvas Press.

Step 3: Digital Enhancements

On Step 3 you have the ability to request Canvas Press to digitally enhance your image. These options are broken down into three sections.

• Color Type
• Enhancement Options
• OilWorks Options

The Color Type option allows you to change your full color image to either Black & White or Sepia. When you select either Convert to B&W or Convert to Sepia the preview image will update appropriately to reflect the selection. We cannot colorize black and white images. If you have already made changes to your image and are uploading a file that is black & white or sepia then simply select "full color - no change" to keep them as you have prepared.

The enhancement options give you the ability to have Canvas Press resolve some of the more common issues with photographs. Those options are:

Red Eye Removal: This option removes red eyes from your picture. This is a very common occurrence and as images are enlarged the red eyes are made more prominent.
Color Correction: Some photographs may appear to have a color cast or be too bright/ dark. When you select color correction we will correct the coloring to reflect a more natural look.
Minor Retouching: Minor retouching is great if you want to remove a date, scratches, remove a blemish on a face or other minor issues that detract from the overall image. When you select minor retouching, be sure to write a comment on Step 5 as to what you want Canvas Press to retouch.

OilWorks is our exclusive digital paint technique that we offer to our customers. If you have ever wanted to transform your photograph into a real masterpiece, now you can. There are two options for OilWorks: True Artist and Master Artist. All OilWorks paintings are done by professional artists.

True Artist: Your photograph will be digitally repainted and signed by a professional artist.
Master Artist: When selecting the Master option, you will receive a 15 minute consultation with the artist to learn more about the image and discuss your desires for the finished painting. The artist will also make personal improvisations to enhance the painting. Once the painting is printed and stretched we will then add real brush stroke texture to the finished canvas to give it even better protection and to make it feel and look like a real oil painting.

Expect an OilWorks option to increase the production time of your canvas by about 5 to 10 business days.

Step 4: Text Overlay

Step 4 gives you the opportunity to add text to your canvas. This is a great option if you want to place a year of the event or the location of where the image was taken. This is also a nice option for artists or photographers to include a digital signature on the canvas. To add text simply select the font, size, and color you would like the text to be, and enter the text you would like to see on the canvas in the input box labeled "Text". You will instantly see the text appear on the preview image.

You will now be able to adjust the placement of the text on the image. Simply click one of the eight text placement boxes to automatically place the text in one of those locations or click on the text on the image to drag it freely around the canvas. This ability gives you complete control on where to place the text.

Not happy with the font type or size? As you change the font and size, the text on the image will automatically update.

Step 5: Save and Finish

Once you get to Step 5 you are nearly finished. If you selected any digital enhancements or minor retouching, please be sure to leave a comment in the "special instructions" field. This will help Canvas Press better understand what you are wanting to do with your image. If you are ready to check out, click the "add canvas to my cart" button and proceed to the cart. Once you add your canvas to your cart you can continue to upload another image and order multiple canvases at one time.

If you wish to order later, simply click "save canvas in my library". This will save the image and canvas creation to your library for future viewing and purchasing. On any canvas that is ordered, the image is automatically saved to your library. If you are unfamiliar with "My Library", click on "log in" at the top right of the page to create an account or to log in if you are a returning customer.