how to edit graphic recording posters
Are you wondering how to edit paper-based graphic recording posters into digital files? You’re not alone. It’s very important that we provide files to our clients in a useful way, like JPG and PDF.
When I teach graphic recording and graphic facilitation, new students always ask one specific question: “So we create these huge posters, live. How do we edit them into smaller files for print and web?”
So, by popular request, and for my very first time doing a video tutorial – here’s how I edit my graphic recording posters afterwards.
I selected one from a recent international meeting in Bangkok (did you know veterinarians are often the first line of defense for public health disease outbreaks? I had no idea!).
How to Edit Graphic Recording Posters – Drawing Change from Sam Bradd on Vimeo.
I use:
- Photoshop
- A relatively new iphone, or, you can use a professional digital camera with no flash, to take pictures
- Natural light
Step 1: bring the images to a place with flat, even natural light and photograph them
Step 2: save a copy of the photo and open it in Photoshop
Step 3: Crop. Then, use Photoshop levels to select chunks of the image, small parts at a time, and colour correct using the Levels tools. Often one side of the image will be brighter than the other.
Step 3: After the images are edited, the final step: I use Photoshop to add a title, the session information, and my contact information to the bottom of the images.
I save files for 11×17 inches for print, and a smaller file size in JPG for web.
Other resources
Scanning and Outsourcing: Do you want to outsource this work to someone else? yes, that’s possible – you can pay a graphic designer, or, find a service that has a giant oversized scanner (like someone who works in GIS mapping or architects). You may want to search the Graphic Facilitation Facebook group (search in the top right) for previous threads. People compare cameras, setups, and other tips.
Deepening your practice: If you’re looking for ideas for how to widen, or deepen your visual practice, we have a new anthology. The first time I read it all the way through I learned so much from these talented colleagues, and hope you do too. visualpracticebook.com