A Peek Behind-the-Scenes: Patent Print Design
Have you ever wondered how I turn patents into artwork? Is it easy? Is it hard? Well, let me give you a quick glimpse behind the scenes of my design process.
The tractor patent featured in this example is from all the way back in 1927. Digging through old patents always turns up fascinating inventions — and deciding which ones would make great artwork is the first step and often the hardest part. That decision is a combination of the topic I'm looking for and just looking through many, many patents to find graphics that will look interesting and visually appealing once they make it to your wall.
Once I find one with strong potential, I download the PDF and begin restoring it. The original files are often in pretty rough shape because they were digitally scanned from paper copies—sometimes very old paper scanned with old technology!
This 1927 tractor is a good example of what the original downloads often look like.
Next, using a combination of Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, I clean up the file, digitally restore and vectorize it so it prints clearly at all the sizes I offer, and reimagine the aesthetics of the piece.
I try to maintain as much of the original charm and integrity of the invention as possible while making sure the artwork looks beautiful on your wall. Much of the cleanup, restoration and vectorizing is done by hand, because I feel that creates the best final result.
Here’s the same 1927 tractor after cleanup, restoration and vectorizing.
From there, I add backgrounds for print versions, digital downloads, or sometimes both depending on how the design will be offered.
Here is the 1927 tractor with a vintage-style background.
This particular design has become quite popular and is available as a single print, digital download, and in several sets. Check out the final version → 1927 Tractor Print
Thanks for taking a minute to learn a little bit about my process.
I invite you to come explore all my patent prints, sets and digital downloads.