Excerpt from HMP 7 Chapter 2
Artwork Origination & Mastering
The first step in producing a holographic image is designing and preparing suitable artwork. This is a crucial step, as the type and quality of the subject matter recorded in the hologram will determine how the final image will look. This chapter discusses the different kinds of subject matter that can be supplied to the holographer and explains how each type is incorporated into the production process.
In addition, there is an overview of "dot-matrix" technology and an article about the "recombining" process. Both subjects are relevant to users of embossed holograms, as these production techniques are being used more and more frequently in the hologram origination process.
Artwork Origination
In the early years of holography, specially designed works of art or sculptures were commonly used as subject matter for holograms. These items are still used today. However, it is now possible for computer-graphic artists using readily accessible hardware and software programs to electronically generate "camera-ready" artwork that holographers can assemble into images that display dimension, depth, projection and motion. Holographers are substituting this digitally originated artwork in place of the time-consuming drawings, hard-to-record physical objects and expensive cinematic shoots that they traditionally utilized. They are using the computer to increase flexibility and versatility in the design and production processes, as well as to cut production costs. This merger between electronic imaging systems and optical-based ones is resulting in new and profitable opportunities for all those involved, especially the artists and designers that are able to best utilize both media to achieve their client’s goals.
In most instances, the "camera ready" artwork prepared by the design team is output as a series of computer graphics files which is sent to a hologram origination facility. These computer files correspond to various graphic elements of the holographic image being produced. In brief, the holographer uses these graphics files to generate a "master" hologram which is recorded on a high resolution photosensitive material using a laser and specialized optics. The master hologram can then be mass-replicated in a manner suitable for commercial applications.
In this chapter, we will discuss how artwork for your hologram can be produced and explain how it is integrated into the manufacturing process.
Common Methods of Making a Master
There are several different methods that can be used to make your master hologram in the production studio. A clear understanding of these methods will go a long way toward helping you understand the manufacturing process and helping you plan your project. In this chapter, we will list the four most common methods of making a master hologram and discuss each method.
1. 3-D Artwork – A physical object (or person) is used as the subject to be recorded in the studio.
2. 2-D/3-D Artwork – A computer image (such as a Photoshop or illustrator file) is created, output to film or paper and used in the studio shot. You can use several images to create the feeling of depth if you wish.
3. LCD Artwork and HOPs – The computer image in method 2 can be made and, instead of outputting to film, the image can be illuminated on a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. The LCD image becomes the object you make a hologram of. In the advanced form of this method you can create a series of images (a cinema) which is mechanically exposed in sequence onto your master hologram creating a mini cinema for the viewer. This method is very popular and the machinery used to expose these optical images is called a Holographic Optical Printer (HOP).
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN HOLOGRAPHY MARKETPLACE 7th EDITION. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!4. Dot Matrix Machines – Another recent method is to skip the LCD altogether and simply burn the image you want directly into the photosensitive emulsion. These machines are referred to as Dot Matrix holo...