Scanning and Cleaning tips?

[AlstonA]

Hey guys, I normally digitally sketch; but, I wanted to make my game in a traditional style. The only problem I have is when it comes to scanning and cleaning the artwork in photoshop. I usually clean my scanner and scan; then, I go and adjust the levels, but, it still isn't right. The marking of the sketch still show... any advice?

[Mat Kaminski]

My advice would be:

A) Use Bristol Paper, this type of paper tends to have no real grain when scanned in.
B) Sketch lightly first, then darken the final linework.
C) Erase any and all stray lines that you can find.
D) If you feel comfortable, use inks when going over the final linework.

If I may ask, if you don't like the look of the stray marks and things, why do you plan on using traditional for the final work?

[AlstonA]

My advice would be:

A) Use Bristol Paper, this type of paper tends to have no real grain when scanned in.
B) Sketch lightly first, then darken the final linework.
C) Erase any and all stray lines that you can find.
D) If you feel comfortable, use inks when going over the final linework.

If I may ask, if you don't like the look of the stray marks and things, why do you plan on using traditional for the final work?

I choose to traditionally sketch because I draw better by hand than on a tablet.

[Jemgi]

Look up some basic retouching videos on youtube or even on here.

Tools like the 'spot healing brush' in newer versions of PS, or even just the clonestamp are amazing. On that note however, try boosting the brightness of an image just slightly (4 -5%).

It's probably worth remembering that pencil sketches are always going to look grainy when scanned because that's what they are in real life - if you had a magnifying glass and looked at them they would be dirty and grungy. If you want to avoid that, your only real option is to ink before you scan.

You could always trace pencil sketches in PS with your wacom or the pen tool if you want epic cleanness however.