How to e-Pic

The process of e-Pic-ing is quite simple and should NOT take too much of your time!  

The procedure below LOOKS complicated but it's really not.  I just have to be complete in my descriptions so please don't be scared off.  The first time is always the toughest!

I'm making the BIG assumption that you'll be using a MS-Windows based computer here...

  1. The first thing you have to do is find an image of an item that's in your declared specialty.  I know this comes quite natural to most of you as I've seen you scouring online auctions and web sites such as eBay and Fireside Antiques.  Simply get the picture in your browser window and find out who owns it.

 

  1. The next task is to ask for permission to capture the image for use on Wing Tips (see our Sample Request Letter for suggested text). Now, if you just purchased the item it certainly wouldn't make sense to ask yourself for permission!

    Remember, we DO NOT want to get in trouble by putting pictures on Wing Tips!

    Email your request to the image owner and wait for their feedback.  

    Here are some guidelines for determining if permission is appropriate...
    bulletIf the image is not on an auction site I always ask for permission.
    bulletIf the image has been enhanced such that it has text or other images that link it to a specific person or web site I always ask for permission.
    bulletIf the image is on an auction site and the auction HAS NOT CONCLUDED I always ask for permission.
    bulletIf the image is on an auction site but the auction HAS CONCLUDED I typically do not ask for permission.
    bulletIf the owner of an image is known to always have Red Wing images on the web you could ask for permission to use any of their future images.  I'll leave this call to you!

     

  2. After you've resolved the permission issue, the next thing is to actually save the image to your computer...
    bulletWith the image in your browser, right-click the image. A menu should appear with an option to "Save Picture As".  Select this option.
    bulletA new window should appear that will allow you to save the image to your computer.  Select a place (specific folder / desktop / etc) on your computer to save the image.
    bulletBEFORE saving the image please change the name to something appropriate; something that accurately describes the item in the picture.  Appropriate names are things like:
    bullet10_Gal_Salt_Glaze_Crock
    bullet606_White_Vase
    bullet5_Gal_Elephant_Ear_Churn
    bulletBob_White_Dinnerplate

     

  3. Here's where a lot of value is added to your effort... Please perform a little research on the item (you may already know this anyway since it's your specialty)!  So what would be good information to accompany your image?  Here are some suggestions:
    bulletYear/Years of production
    bulletDinnerware Line/Pattern name
    bulletArtware Line Name
    bulletArtware Glaze Name
    bulletRed Wing markings on the item
    bulletAdvertising text
    bulletWhether it's one of a kind
    bulletAnything else you think another collector would find interesting about the item

     

  4. Now that you've got your image and a little information to accompany it, it's time to send it to Byron!  You've probably got an email program that allows you include files with the next of your note.  Look for some means of "Attaching" the image to your email and send it to ByronBush@RedWingNet.com .

As if that weren't enough, THAT'S IT!