The problem with over-compressing images is the loss of data. That doesn’t sound like it applies to images but if we look at the closeups of this image, you can see the damaged areas in the top corners. Those damaged pixels are called compression artefact and are the result of  ”aggressive data compression“.

Technically the pixel isn’t really damaged. It’s lost and replaced by the nearest pixel or, in extreme cases, left white.

For the sake of comparison, click on the images below to get  a close look at the pixellation enlarged 125%.

Did you notice the box effect on the photo of the little girl? That’s the data compression doing its pixel doubling magic, making the file size small enough to email by repeating nearby pixels and destroying the integrity of the image in the process.

To me, it is fascinating how much the human brain is willing to fill in. I am sure its a similar mechanism necessary to enjoy Seurat.

Now that little girl is a full grown woman, a mother  in her own right, and the daughter of my friend Lesli. She sent me this image after a visit with her grand-daughter, accompanied by the whiff of nostalgia…

As there are no other copies of this smushed digital image, I decide to attempt to save and print the image. The problem was its relatively small size and lost pixels.

The NSA and MIT could probably pass this image through some highfaluting algorithm but I just have my trusty Photoshop CS3 to work with.

I tried to suss out as much information as I could, using the Filter > Find Edges and Filter > Glowing Edges, then fix some of the glaring box effect with Filter > Surface Blur.

I am afraid it wasn’t enough. To print an 11×17 at 300dpi, I would have to somehow increase the image 350%.

After much deliberation and testing, I was finally satisfied with the result: the picture now has a dreamy yet vibrant watercolor feel.

Printed on 13×19 Velvet Fine art, paper, the final image looks great, id I do say so myself. (Will add pictures later today)

‘hope Lesli likes it.

Do you have an image that needs this kind of Emergency Help?

(some of my favorites have been incorporated into my blog design )

So here is my first attempt. And doesn’t Jake look so cute? The teal brings out his eyes!

It comes in 4 sizes and 1 coordinating back label:

6 per page Vertical layout.
6 per page Horizontal layout.

Final Label size: 3.33″ x 4″
Size is based on Avery labels 5164
For more Information about 6 per page labels, see this post.

8 per page Vertical layout.
8 per page Horizontal layout.

Finished label size: 3.375″ x 2.3125″
Appropriate for Beer or Soda bottle
Sized on Avery labels 5395
Check Online Labels which offers many versions- water resistant or glossy-especially for inkjet printers
If you need smaller amounts you can purchase the label stock from us. If it’s not available at my store, just convo thru etsy or email me.

10 per page Coordinating back label.

Finished label size: 4″ x 2″
Size is based on Avery labels 5163
Both Online Labels andamp; LabelsbytheSheet offer many options.

If for any reason, you can’t find the appropriate size listed on Etsy, just let me know.

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Order this design from my custom pub graphics store on Etsy.

Buy just the personalized graphics and print your own custom label or have me print them for you on semi-gloss label stock with waterproof ink.

This custom label is available in  4 sizes and 1 coordinating back label:

Two 6-per-page layout – horizontal and vertical.

Final Label size: 3.33″ x 4″
Great for both beer or wine bottles  and includes additional space to add an invitation, directions, or a joke
Size is based on Avery labels 5164, 5264, 5524, 5734, 6464, 8164, 8464.
For more resources and tips about 6 per page labels, see this post.

It also comes in  two 8-per-page layouts- vetical and horizontal.

Finished label size: 3.375″ x 2.3125″
Appropriate for Beer or Wine Bottles ; complete the “look” with the coordinating back label.
Size is based on Avery labels 5395
Online Labels offers many versions- water resistant or glossy-especially for inkjet printers
If you need smaller amounts you can purchase the label stock from us. If it’s not available at my store, just convo thru Etsy or email me.

The Coordinating back label (finished label size: 4″ x 2″) gives you more space to add an invitation, poem or directions to the party.
Based on Avery labels 5163
Online Labels offers many versions including  water resistant and  glossy- especially for inkjet printers
LabelsbytheSheet offers a water resistant inkjet label too.

COMING SOON: matching water bottle labels.

If for any reason, you can’t find the appropriate size listed on Etsy, just let me know.

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