Ken Allen provides digital imaging solutions for workflow, color management, system design, and automation. In working with large archives of artworks, our goal is to find the right solutions for a collection’s particular needs and budget. There are a variety of options for imaging, including setting up an on-site imaging center in the institution that is operated by our trained personnel or outsourcing the project to our Williamsburg facility. We are flexible and our recommendation would consider the types of objects to be digitized and the scope of the project.

While we can also help you set up your own imaging center, there are advantages to outsourcing your digitization projects:

• Cost containment and limited risk: the institution pays for deliverables (usually a set price per image) which facilitates project planning and budgeting.
• Costs are typically lower than in-house figures.
• Ken Allen’s experience in handling large volumes with high throughput.
• We carry the costs of training and technology obsolescence. There are a broad range of options and services available, including imaging, metadata creation, enhancements, processing, encoding, derivative creation, printing, storing, and backup.

Image: Patrick Allen

When collections are properly digitized, high-quality digital files are created. Derivatives of these files can be modified for use in fine art printing or general media publications, and to set up online collection databases. Art institutions, historical societies, university libraries, and numerous other institutions have already begun the digitization of their artworks and artifacts; this is not only an aid to scholars and curators, but gives access and information to a larger public about your institution and its collections.
(See Services: Consultation)