GRAPHIC DESIGNERS FROM OUR DESIGN COMMUNITY
 |
home > Graphic Design Articles > 4-COLOR MATCHING PROBLEMS (Color Management and Color Matching in Digital Files)
by Kay Zetkin
Try to avoid the problems that arise when colors are mismatched in files' assigned colors. Color matching is a common problem that arises when printing out digital files. However, If you were to know the problems that could arise from color matching, you would be more likely to solve them. This is why it is important for you to read this informative article about color matching. For example, being aware of the differences between RGB and 4-color CMYK.
|
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
||
We are witnessing rapid advances in the digital technology nowadays. Along with this advancement, new opportunities are dawning each day and the modern trappings of digital technology become more and more accessible to the people.
Photo processing labs have met new opportunities consequential to the digital technology’s advancement. Now, there’s the opportunity of working with the client’s digital job files and outputting them on digital color printers, either for client’s approval or for final production. These job files involve working with colors that you and your clients will be assigning to every graphic design element in your presentation. Text, borders, backgrounds and illustrations are among the aspects in job files considered as graphic design elements. To make them alive, colors are assigned to most or any of these elements.
Now, havoc arises when assigned colors in digital files become mismatched. Color matching is a common problem among those who outputs digital files. Knowing the aspects of the color matching problem may be able to help you eventually in solving it. Be aware of the following:
Desktop color’s confusing language -
Desktop computer systems helps you in creating, transporting and storing job files quickly and easily. But one of the realities that came up when more creative avenues for graphic designers came is that computers, color monitors and digital color printers made the simple task of color matching more difficult than ever.
Be aware and acceptable of the fact that the monitor, 4-color digital printers and 4-color printing presses each have different systems in achieving their color output. Simply put, they communicate colors differently so don’t expect that they will bring out entirely the same results. Color monitors transmit light to the eye through the combination of light-emitting red, green and blue (RGB) phosphors.
Meanwhile, digital color printers and presses output color using methods based on process 4-color printing with the four standard transparent ink pigments, the CMYK or cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
Mismatches in the spot color –
Don’t fall to the trap of specifying accent colors for type, borders and background using “spot” solid-ink color matching systems.
The solid-ink color matching systems correctly bypass the monitor but make the mistake of using a reference tool that does not jibe with the 4-color reproduction. Spot colors are those found in the Pantone Matching System (PMS) and they are indeed very tempting because they can be more vibrant and they have lots of variety. But if you specify these colors for output on 4-color printing devices, whether digital or conventional, you may be in for disastrous results. Don’t ever jeopardize production efficiency and client relationship by falling victim to this kind of color mismatch.
Imperfect color management –
Color is media dependent. Be open to the fact that the same color would always look different if it is conveyed in a different form, reflection or presentation. As such even electronic color management systems and color calibration tools can’t solve readily the assigned color matching problems.
By having enough awareness of these 4-color matching problems, you’d be able to solve any blunders readily. You and your client could also come up with a new standard and procedure and rely on proper reference tools to address the 4-color matching problem and never have to encounter it ever again.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.colorprintingwholesale.com
About Author Kay Zetkin:
For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft. Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading.
About Digital Printing Company Digital Printing Company offers high impact digital printing solutions from prepress scanning and graphics design to customizing documents using Variable Data Imaging technology. They specialize in short run printing of books, manuals, and flyers, as well as large format printing of posters and trade show graphics. For more information, visit their website at www.digitalprintingcompany.com
RECENT ARTICLES from Graphic Design BloG
Business Cards: Ideas and Inspiration, Part II
Today we continue looking at business cards that stand out, and here’s hoping you get some inspiration and ideas! After all, you only get one first impression, so your business card should be something that showcases the best of your design abilities. On Wednesday we looked at the use of interesting shapes, 3D business cards, [...]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Business Cards: Ideas and Inspiration, Part I
As a graphic designer, your business card should do more than let people know how to contact you. If you’re interested in truly making a good first impression, the business card has got to stand out. Whether through color, design, die cutting, unique materials, 3D shapes, or actual samples of your work, a stand-out business [...]
Collaborating and Negotiating: Part II
Today, we’re looking at the collaboration side of negotiation and collaboration in graphic design. Because your work is ultimately for the client, at times you as the designer must be willing to compromise to reach a mutually agreeable goal. Here are some tips to help you collaborate with clients.
Ways to Collaborate
Listen. On page 28 [...]
Collaborating and Negotiating: Part I
It’s there in the design brief: the problem your client wants you to solve. But whether your objective is to create an advertisement, exhibition or public announcement, sometimes you and the client aren’t quite on the same page about what exactly the best design solution is. OC Photographer asked a great question about the collaborating [...]
When Things Go Bad: 5 Tips for Firing Clients
Most graphic designers will be in a similar situation at some point: the client will not pay, the client is never satisfied with your work yet won’t collaborate to fix it, or you simply realize that you and the client are not meshing. Regardless of when and why you need to fire a client, everyone [...]
Tips for Working with Clients: Approaching the Relationship
Whether you’re looking for design classes, design degree programs, internships or first jobs, it’s important to choose an option that will help you learn clear communication, especially when it comes to designer/client relationships. Knowing how to work with clients should always be part of a successful graphic design education. The following tips can help you [...]
Working for Good: Pro Bono Design, Part II
If you’re interested in doing pro bono graphic design work, it’s important to educate yourself about smart ways to do it. Once you’ve got some guidelines, you can approach your pro bono work with creativity; unless your client specifically requests it, you don’t need to limit yourself to a brochure. Consider these ideas for pro [...]
All Graphic Design Resources is a Directory Full of Tools for Graphic Designers
All Graphic Design Portal is a Graphic Design education directory with resources & articles for Graphic Designers & Web Designers including a Design forum, blog, graphics software tips, graphic design jobs, advice for new designers about design schools and education as well as tips for freelance graphic design business owners, and much more.
