Computers & Collage

N5LXI Collage Technique
Starting Collage
Design
Paint
Copy Machines
Photography
Computers

N5LXI Links
Collage Supplies
Collage Artists
Organizations

Computers in Collage

A computer coupled with a digital camera, a flatbed scanner, and printer is the best tool a collage artist can have. Need art 3" high to complete your design? You can acquire an image and print it to size!

To acquire images you can use a digital camera, flatbed scanner or download public domain art. A flatbed scanner is used to scan reflected art, such as an original drawing or Dover clip art. Some flatbed scanners can also scan film negatives and slides. Most scanners use a USB 2.0 interface, a few have Firewire or IEEE 1394. You can also scan 3-D objects, just place them on the glass and scan! Many scanners include a great software bundle, such as Photoshop Elements.

Adobe Photoshop is the professional software standard for editing bit-map images. The less expensive alternative Photoshop Elements, is a good choice too. You might also consider a Wacom graphics table, for about $100 you can get a small tablet with Photoshop Elements and other software included! The advantage of Photoshop versions is the wealth of support in books and on the internet. They are complex though.

The choice of computer platform and operating system does not much matter. I used Apple and operating systems from Mac OS version 6 to OS X. I recently switched back to PC's and the Microsoft XP opererating sytem. Photoshop runs great on either platform.

You have two main options in graphics printers: ink jet and laser. Ink jet printers output in color. You need to look for water resistant, archival pigmented ink printers. These are available from Epson and HP. Epson calls it UltraChrome K3 ink, printers start at about $400. I use an older Epson 2200 with pigment ink. Dry prints can be covered front and back with acrylic medium with no problems. Make sure the print is completely dry! Ink jet printers interface with USB or an Ethernet connection.

While you can get color laser printers, black and white laser printers are more versatile for collage. The toner is pure carbon and very archival, especially when printed on rag art paper. You can then glaze color of your choice over the prints. A good letter size office printer (8.5" x 11") costs as little as $200.

Computers in Collage

External links