Simple scanning / line art question

[Kerrsive]

Just wondering if anybody could give me some insight into scanning, retouching, etc black and white line drawings.

What would be the most efficient way of achieving strong solid black & white line drawings (similar style to Mike Giant)? Whenever I scan a line drawing, i find it impossible to 'fix' in photoshop. I use sharpies, fine liners, etc. 80gsm white paper. I realise scanning at 300dpi may be a problem. I hate resorting to livetrace.

Any suggestions on how to clean this up would be greatly appreicated.

[Ruthless Cow]

There are lots of step-by-step tutorials in these threads and online that go into more detail.

Basically - I scan my linework at 600 dpi (sometimes 800 dpi) and I usually output at 300 dpi. Using Photoshop I adjust the levels and touch up my scans (smudges, flecks of dust, whiteout patches etc.)

If I create vectors from my line drawings I've finished those steps first - then I bring the image into Illustrator and either trace manually, or if it's a very simple image I might use livetrace and play with the settings.

Is that what you're asking?

[Josh Rickun]

there was a good thread on this like 2 days ago.

[Mark McCormick]

sometimes you just gotta put in the photoshop time to clean it up right...

sometimes it's all in the right scan settings....

Scanning Line Art

personally, i NEVER scan at 300 dpi. it's always better to have the art in high res... then you size it down when you print it or send it off for production.

[Kerrsive]

Cheers guys