Task: Produce a Color-Accurate, High-Resolution, Digital File for Art Magazine Feature Story
Every artist knows a feature story about their work is an invaluable opportunity for exposure and recognition. To seize the opportunity, you must provide the magazine—usually at a moment’s notice—with high-resolution digital files.
This painting, titled Triple Decker, is by Boston artist Anne McGhee.
Production Process
On a regular basis, McGhee enlists my services to photograph and catalog digital files of her paintings. So when the editor from Martha’s Vineyard Arts & Ideas magazine called to do a four-page feature story, we were prepared. I had at the ready, high-resolution, color-corrected files. The “Before” image in the slider above is the file submitted to the magazine. (So, it’s not “before” retouching, but rather, the color-corrected file before publication.)
Print vs Web
The technical requirements for print publications differs greatly from files that can be used for websites and online galleries. A much higher resolution is needed (300 ppi vs 72 ppi). Magazines will provide their submission guidelines and technical specifications. If you can’t provide files that meet the specifications, the opportunity could be lost.
Landing a Feature Story—Advice to Artists
- Keep your inventory of photographs up-to-date
- Have your best pieces photographed professionally
- Keep the files organized
- Have both low-res and high-res files readily available
- Respond in a timely manner when a magazine calls
An Insider Tip: Graphic Designers Want to Give You a Full-Page Spread
Let me conclude with an insider’s tip that I saw repeatedly as a former art production director. Graphic designers love to design full-page and double-page spreads. But, images can’t be used large if the files provided to the magazine are small. For vertical paintings, provide a file no smaller than the height of the magazine, at 300 ppi. For double-page spreads, only horizontal paintings will be considered. Provide files equal to the width of two pages of the magazine, at 300 ppi.
Bottom line: The larger the file, the more possibilities you give the design team. And nothing makes designers happier than having the opportunity to create a stunning layout with beautiful artwork. They want to give you a full-page spread!
Complimentary Review
Do you want to be certain the files you’re submitting to magazines, online galleries, or competitions are technically suitable? I can work with you to review image files for resolution and color fidelity. There is no charge for the first three files. Schedule a time to chat or reach out by email.
Client: Anne McGhee Paintings
McGhee is a member of the Fenway Studios Artist Cooperative, Boston, MA
Pictured: Triple Decker; Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 24”
Copyright Belongs to the Respective Image Owners
I’m extraordinarily fortunate to have Martha photograph my paintings.
She’s sensitive to the subtlety of color and clarity of form. Her color expertise shines through in her ability to nail that special green of Fenway Park. That green is in every one of my Fenway Park paintings—so getting it right is very important to me!
—Anne McGhee, Artist; Fenway Studios, Boston, MA
