OUGD504 - Design for Print - Swatches and Pantones

Preparing a document for print is essential for making sure the tone and colour prints accurately. During the workshop, I was introduced to techniques for preparing a document for print at an industry standard level.

Made notes that I can refer back to:

Summary 

Anything that is sent to print uses CMYK:

The printer mixes these colours in order to create the desired colour from screen. Each colour has a specific percentage of CMYK:

Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black (K)

The workshop introduced me to how I can select and apply colours quickly in order to save time using the swatch panel:

To introduce a new colour I can easily add a swatch and apply the colour:

Example of CMYK percentages:

















Global

In order to speed up the design process and become more familiar with the industry standard software, making a swatch 'global' means that all of the colours in that colour swatch can be changed at the same time.

Lithography

Lithography creates a printing plate for each individual colour used which means it can be an expensive printing method if the document has a lot of colours. It is very similar to the screen printing process but on an industrial scale.

I visited Pressision Print so that I could see this printing method for myself. I was surprised by the size of the machine and attention to detail that needs to be considered by the designer and printer:

Spot Colours

In order to save money, spot colours can be premixed and put into the printer so that all four CMYK colours don't have to be used. A limited colour palette is most appropriate for spot colours as it can save money. Screen printing is an example of spot colours because the ink is premixed before printing.

Pantone swatches are linked with Illustrator and InDesign's software which allows the colour code from the pantone to be easily transferred onto the document. The printers then use this Pantone colour code when printing so it essential the Pantone is correct.

I found the workshop really useful as it made me think about the use of colours and cost when printing. It also introduced me to helpful techniques for applying and changing colour.

B&Q

I used to work at B&Q and occasionally I was based on the paint mixing desk. If a customer wants a pot of paint mixed, all they need is the colour code from the catalogue or tester cards. The unique code allows the machine to mix the exact colour using a base and tones. Depending on the desired finish of the paint a different base is used. This was the most accurate method of reproducing colours, however there was also a smart eye tool. This tool scans a small area of colour from any material and the machine will mix the colour. The machine will also give the unique code for that colour if the customer needs more. This makes sure the colour is consistent. This process is very similar to the Pantone colours that the printers would need.