The Language of Color
In a world already full of acronyms and codes, who would have thought that something as simple as color could join in the confusion? Knowing the different color models and how they are used is not only helpful in getting the visual results you want it is critical to staying on budget.Of the many color models available, there are really only three in which you need any fluency: CMYK, PMS and RGB. CMYK ColorThis acronym stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. CMYK is also known as process color, full color, 4 color, and 4c. The colors are versions of the primary colors, blue, red, yellow and black. They create full color images like you would see in a magazine.
Choose CMYK when you need life-like, realistic color, more than two colors, have a large press run, or are printing only on your office printer.What you need to know:
- If you are printing your project on a desktop color printer, look at the ink cartridge. If yours is CMYK, save your files and photos in that format for best output.
- Full color commercial printing is typically more expensive than one or two color. Typically, a press run of 1000 or more is needed to make this format economical.
It contains hundreds of colors, light to dark, bright to pastel; each designated by a number. PMS colors are typically used in one and two color printing and are also called spot color or flat color. The PMS model delivers reliable color whenever you print it. It is an excellent choice for giving the impact of color to low budget jobs, and maintaining consistent use of corporate colors.What you need to know:
- Inkjet and color laser printers are not able to produce PMS colors accurately, however some colors work better than others.
- There is no accurate proofing system for PMS color. The closest match can be shown on a high quality digital proofing system, available from your printer.
When choosing PMS colors, have your designer show you a swatch from a PMS book to approve the color choice.
- PMS colors can be "screened," printed as a lighter value of the color, in effect creating many colors from a single ink with no extra cost.
What you need to know:
- RGB produces vivid colors that look fabulous on-screen, but are difficult to reproduce in other color models. When converted to CMYK, many RGB colors look muddy and dull, and many have no Pantone equivalent at all. If your project will ever be used offline, be sure to select colors in the printing method it will be used in the most.
- Forget about this. Nothing ever matches exactly.
The PMS or process color swatch book is the closest representation of the color you will get on press.
- Learn to think of your proofs as an approximation, and clearly explain to your designer what you are looking for. Trust your creative team to get the best match possible.
- If you must see exactly what a color will look like "final" you'll need to display it on the monitor it will be shown, print to the desktop printer you will use, or order a sample printing of the PMS color you want. For process printing, you should be present during printing to approve the final output.
Iris Creative specializes in providing marketing and strategic communication services to clients in service industries and small businesses.
For more information contact Beth at bsb@iriscreative.com or 610-567-2799.
Comb-a-Color Beauty Accessory Makes Quick Work of Hair Color Applications.
St. Louis, Missouri (ContentDesk) August 8, 2005 -- It's a new product that makes coloring your hair as easy as combing it. The Comb-a-Color is a unique, quick color applicator that thoroughly and effectively parts and colors hair in one easy step saving considerable time for consumers who color their own hair. For the first time, users can now apply their favorite single process hair color by themselves in less than five minutes without missing a spot."Women told us they were tired of the hassle of taking up to 30 minutes just applying their color," says Ronald Kuczer, Maverick Ventures President. "With Comb-a-Color we have achieved a state-of-the-art design that combines parting and coloring application into one quick step.
It also offers a new level of control that provides consumers the peace of mind to confidently color their own hair. Just add you favorite coloring, squeeze and comb a color." The patented Comb-a-Color was invented by New York model/actress Fiorenza Bertieri...
Comb-a-Color Beauty Accessory Makes Quick Work of Hair Color Applications.
Color printers > Comb-a-Color Beauty Accessory Makes Quick Work of Hair Color Applications.
Choosing Label Printers For Business Needs
Many people today are opting to go with the services of a
label
printing house to handle their shipping and handling business requirements.
These label printers will offer services to handle all of your direct mailing
needs. Label printers are a great way to save money and time, and with the
technology that they offer, you can eliminate much of the hassle of your
shipping and handling needs and use the time increasing your profits.
Using a professional label printer offers many benefits. As your company grows
and your mailing demands increase, you will discover that quality label printers
are able to assist you in improving the effectiveness of your company.
They
ensure that your mailings will be sent out efficiently and accurately.
You should choose a company that will devote quality customer service...
Color printers > Choosing Label Printers For Business Needs
Can Laser Printers Be Barcode Printers?
Occasionally, one will want to attempt to decrease their expenses by trying
to make their personal laser printer pull "double-duty" as a
barcode printer. We all know that there
are hundreds of types of dedicated barcode printers built specifically to
produce labels, but is it possible to "get by" using a regular printer for the
job?
There are some potential advantages to skipping the purchase of a dedicated
barcode printer. One can avoid comparison shopping between the many possible
barcode printers available. They can also save some money by avoiding the
purchase. There is also time saved on installation.
However, the downside to using laser printers as barcode printers outweighs
those minor advantages.
First, barcode printers can conveniently print a single
label, whereas your laser printer may force you to print a full sheet of...
Color printers > Can Laser Printers Be Barcode Printers?
Choosing Your ID Card Printers
The major components in any ID Card System, ID Card Printers are many and varied. An ID card printer can perform many functions while printing an ID Card, and this is what makes them so useful. For example, while printing an image, an ID Card Printer could encode a magnetic stripe, a proximity card, or a smart card.
The printer comes with software that manages the data that is printed or encoded on each card.
The software handles all the functions and provides the printer with the necessary tools to perform all its functions at once.
Before deciding which printer is right for your needs, consider what capabilities you want the printer to perform.
You have to think about both the physical and technological properties of the printer and decide accordingly. As a rule, heavier ID card printers with a larger footprint have more abilities and are more durable. Lighter printers are usually better for less-intensive uses, and may have fewer...
Choosing Your ID Card Printers
Color printers > Choosing Your ID Card Printers
Color Voodoo for Your Closet -- The Real Science of Making Color Work Like Magic
Honolulu, HI (ContentDesk) May 18, 2006 -- Acclaimed color guru and author Jill Morton announces the latest in her series of eBooks: COLOR VOODOO FOR YOUR CLOSET -- How wearing the right colors can help you get what you want.
After the unprecedented success of the Color Voodoo series of eBooks including Color Voodoo for the Office and Color Voodoo for Web Site Design, Professor Morton is branching out to help men and women do more than just dress for success&- What is the best color to wear on a first date?- What is worst color to wear to break up with someone?- What color screams success on a job interview?- Which two colors can give a competitive edge in any sport?- What color should be worn to get noticed & or be ignored?- What colors work best for a day in court? Color Voodoo For Your Closet will be available for purchase online at http://www.colorvoodoo.com/ beginning May 22, 2006.Professor Jill Morton is...
Color printers > Color Voodoo for Your Closet -- The Real Science of Making Color Work Like Magic
Color Voodoo for Your Closet -- The Real Science of Making Color Work Like Magic
Honolulu, HI (ContentDesk) May 18, 2006 -- Acclaimed color guru and author Jill Morton announces the latest in her series of eBooks: COLOR VOODOO FOR YOUR CLOSET -- How wearing the right colors can help you get what you want.
After the unprecedented success of the Color Voodoo series of eBooks including Color Voodoo for the Office and Color Voodoo for Web Site Design, Professor Morton is branching out to help men and women do more than just dress for success&- What is the best color to wear on a first date?- What is worst color to wear to break up with someone?- What color screams success on a job interview?- Which two colors can give a competitive edge in any sport?- What color should be worn to get noticed & or be ignored?- What colors work best for a day in court? Color Voodoo For Your Closet will be available for purchase online at http://www.colorvoodoo.com/ beginning May 22, 2006.Professor Jill Morton is...
Color printers > Color Voodoo for Your Closet -- The Real Science of Making Color Work Like Magic