Frequently Asked Technical Questions for Open Studios

I use a MAC, how do I format a CD for a PC? 

You don't need to do any special formatting of your CD.  A PC will read the images from the MAC CD. It is always a good idea to check them out on a PC. Go to the Library, Kinko's, or find a PC friend.

Why do I have to save my catalog image as a  CYMK .tif  file? 

This is the format that is preferred by our catalog printer.  Be sure to view the file after saving in CYMK; colors can change a bit.

Why are the other 10 images .jpgs at 72 dpi? 

The monitor projects at 72 dpi, and the file size for these images (6" maximum in any direction) allows for quick file loading and viewing.

Why can't I submit the images on a floppy?

Most floppy disks hold only 1.2 MB of data. Your catalog image alone will likely be too large to fit on a floppy. We'd like to keep all your files together on one disk.

Don't I lose data / file definition saving in .jpg format?

While saving in a jpg format is considered a "lossy" method, (its algorithms compress the data), a one time save as a jpg doesn't affect the clarity and detail of the image.  If you alter the file and save repeatedly using the same filename, after 6 - 7 repeated saves, you will visually start to notice degradation in the image. It is recommended that you work in your native file format uncompressed, and when the image is finalized, save as a .jpg.

Aren't there visual differences when viewing the same image on a MAC versus a PC?

Yes. Typically the same image viewed on a MAC will appear

substantially lighter than when viewed on a PC.  It's always a good idea to preview your images on a PC before submitting your work.

I'm having problems fitting my images into the boxes provided on the template sheet. Any suggestions?

The purpose of the template sheet is to help us to perform our initial application package review when you submit your application. It is a visual aid.  If you can't easily use the template, make up your own, however, make sure you have your 10 image/thumbnails on one page, along with the required information for each image. You may also include 3 images of your studio on the same page.

Is it okay to digitally enhance my images?

Your images should reflect the artwork you have created. It is okay to work on your images digitally...i.e., crop them to remove framing, matt board, clutter not in the image itself. If you perform any image sharpening, color modification, etc., the results should appear identical to your original art.

Important

All the same criteria for slides applies to your digital images, so be sure to read the guidelines, additional on-line help or flyers about image selection for your application.

If you have questions beyond those presented above, please contact the Cultural Council at: email: events@ccscc.org and put "Digital Questions" in the subject line. Or call: (831) 475-9600  x17