How to use copic markers tutorial 18 | using digital stamps for copic coloring

by | Copic Markers

by Michelle Houghton

Digital Stamp by Michelle Perkett

If you are here I know you like to color with Copic markers — or have an interest in coloring with them.

So where do you get your images for coloring?

When I started using Copic markers I was not a stamper or card maker.  I truly only scrapbooked and occasionally made a card from scraps for a very close friend or special occasion.  Since picking up the habit of Copic coloring I have increased my need for images to color!  I still enjoy a rubber stamp and ink pad but I have found I also LOVE the versatility of digital stamps.

Digital Stamp by Christy Croll

What is a digital stamp?

Digital stamps are original images that can be downloaded to a computer and printed out for coloring.  You can change their size, rotate, and even flip them before printing. They are usually offered as PNG or JPG files. They offer new opportunities for stampers and crafters alike, because of they can be resized. What’s more, they cut down on the space taken up by rubber stamps and acrylic blocks.

The reasons I love digital stamps:

  • The variety is awesome!  The number of digital artists out there is staggering.
  • I can vary the size to suit my project, whether it is a card or layout.
  • Digital stamps take up a lot less space than rubber or acrylic stamps.
  • Digital stamps are inexpensive.

Digital Stamp by Tammy Siemers Thompson

How to use digital stamps

1. Open the file with your digital stamp in Photoshop.
2. Create a “New” document that is 8 1/2″ x 11″.
3. Go to the document with your stamp (and make sure you’ve targeted the layer containing it in the Layers Palette).
4. Use the Marquee tool to select an area that includes all of the image.
4. Click and drag your selection over to the the new blank canvas you just created. (Sometimes with png files, you might need to drag the layer from the Layers Palette over to your new document.)
5. Use the Selection tool and target the layer with your image. Hold down the SHIFT key and click on the image–then drag from one of the corners to resize. It’s important that you hold the SHIFT key to maintain proportions.
6. To make a copy of the image on this same canvas, target the layer holding the image in your Layer Palette, then press CTRL + J to duplicate the layer. Use the selection tool to select the new copy. Drag it to another spot on the canvas and size. You can make several copies of the image on one page in a variety of sizes and orientations or you can fill your page with several different images before printing.

Digital Stamp by Christy Croll

A few tips on printing out your digital stamps

Printing out digital stamps can sometimes lead to an image that will blur if your printer ink is not compatible with Copic markers.  Here are a few solutions to this problem:

  • Make sure to let the ink set.  Just like an ink pad, the ink from your printer needs time to dry.
  • If time does not solve the issue, take your printed image to a copy shop and have it copied onto your cardstock.  The laser copy at a copy shop works very well with Copics.
  • It may be a good idea to go to the copy shop with a variety of images and/or sizes to make your trip worth while.

Digital Stamp by Michelle Perkett

My favorite digital stamp artists

The images included in this article are from three wonderful digital stamp artists that you will definitely want to check out!

 

 

Digital Stamp by Tammy Siemers Thompson

 

Got questions? Post them here and I’ll reply. [mhoughton]