Use a Scanner When Possible
For flat, small-to-medium works on paper such as watercolors, drawings or collages, we recommend using a flatbed scanner to achieve bright, crisp and color-accurate images.
- Scan at 300 dpi or higher to ensure clarity and sharpness.
- Save the file as a high-quality JPEG or PNG.
- Crop if you need to, but avoid filters or heavy edits—images should remain true to the original work.
Photographing Your Artwork
If scanning isn’t an option for larger pieces or dimensional works, follow these tips:
Lighting:
- Use natural daylight whenever possible. Bright, indirect sunlight (e.g., near a north-facing window) works best.
- Avoid harsh shadows or glare from overhead lights or flash.
- If needed, diffuse sunlight using a white sheet or curtain.
Background:
- Use a plain white background to keep focus on the artwork.
- For framed or mounted pieces, lean or hang the artwork on a clean wall.
- For sculptures or 3D works, shoot on a neutral surface such as a larger sheet of white paper.
Angles:
First, shoot the artwork straight on (not at an angle); this should be your main listing photo. Add views as follows:
- Close-up details (texture, brushwork, signature)
- Side views for 3D works
- In-situ or lifestyle image (optional, but helpful for scale/context)
Tips for Mobile Users:
- Use your phone’s highest resolution setting.
- Wipe the lens clean before shooting.
- Use the grid feature to help center the artwork and align it straight.
Saving and Uploading your Images
File Format:
- Save as JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png).
- Avoid low-resolution formats or overly compressed files.
File Size:
- Each image should be at least 1500 pixels on the longest side.
- Keep files under 20MB each for smooth uploads.