How do you communicate with factories about your artwork?
Communicating in color is like learning a new language!
When working with factories overseas to bring your artwork to life, communicating color effectively is crucial. Misinterpretations can lead to undesired outcomes, wasted time, and financial loss. Here are some ways to ensure that your vision is accurately represented:
1. Pantone Matching System (PMS)
The Pantone system is a standardized color reproduction system that assigns a unique code to each color. To use the pantone system you need to specify the code for each color used in your artwork. This is a universally understood method and pretty reliable for matching colors. One draw back is the color books are expensive.
2. CMYK and RGB Codes
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is a color model used in color printing. RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) is a color model used for digital screens. To use this method, you would specify which model you are using and the code that calls out the color in your artwork. These are good for digital works and some printing, but is usually not as accurate as the Pantone colors.
3. Digital Proofs and Swatches
A digital proof is a virtual mock-up of how the colors will look. You can use a program (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva etc.) to make a mock up and share with the factory what you want your artwork to look like on the product. This can be helpful for factories to see a visual of the final product and also help with scale.
4. Physical Swatches
This is a physical sample of the color, usually on the material that will be used. To make sure you are on the same page you can request a physical sample to be sent to you. This will give you an accurate representation of your artwork. Keep in mind samples add up.
Read more about samples here.
5. Technical Specifications Document
This is the mothership, lol. This would be a PDF that details the color specifications along with other technical aspects like scale. You would want to pull out a motif and measure it to make sure the factory completely understands your end goal. You would also include any color modes and codes that are used in the file. This can be very helpful for a technical project and it organizes all your information on one document.
6. Photos and Visual Aids
Sometimes a high-resolution photos can aid in communicating a color or texture. You can send a photo via email or other file sharing platform. Keep in mind, computer display settings can vary and the lighting… This is better when used with another method from above, a double whammy if you will.
7. Video Conferencing
Never underestimate the power of a phone call. In the call you will be able to discuss and share all your expectations for your artwork. This is still subject to display settings, but it can be nice to connect with a real human and get real time feedback!
Want to know what I personally do? For fabric, I submit Pantone colors. For washi tape I have called out individual CMYK and RGB codes. Some of these methods are best used together. Combining codes, mock ups and a physical sample is the perfect trifecta. Ultimately, you will find a method that works for you and then be consistent with it. Always ask how the factory wants to receive artwork and in what color mode. This can save you a ton of time in the beginning!