Tedious but priceless
Scanning my sketchbook is slow.
Each of its 124 pages takes up to two minutes to scan at 1200 dpi.1 But it ends up being more like 5 minutes per page as you position the sketchbook, generate a preview, and select the scanning area. Scanning an entire sketchbook takes four to ten hours (!).
A tedious task that requires patience and I recommend tackling as your sketchbook fills, not once it's full, which makes it more approachable and serves as a digital backup of your drawings if you were to lose your sketchbook.2
Browsing through my drawings anywhere I am—on my phone or laptop—is priceless. It makes it a breeze to select, edit, and publish.
Scanning my sketches equals peace of mind.
I scan with the Canon CanoScan LiDE 220 (and the 400) at 1200 dpi. Even though it can go up to 4800 dpi, you mostly get larger file sizes, and the resolution difference isn't noticeable. I want to try the equivalent Epson Perfection V39II at some point. All these are A4 scanners, which limits the sketchbook size I carry with me. I use 22.9 x 15.2 cm sketchbooks because they are easier to scan. ↩
Disclaimer: I've never lost a sketchbook, probably because I'm always scared and alert that I might. If you aren't worried, you should worry. If you are worried, you don't need to worry. ↩
