ICC Compliant Color Management Services
Dodge Color has added a new color service for our clients
We now offer color managed files to our list of client services. This change in color services augments our usual high quality work, and permits us to support clients who are already using a color management system, and those who are interested in adopting a color managed work flow. We can support clients who prefer this workflow, and still give other clients the CMYK scan they have been getting.
Files that used to be scanned for a particular output device or process are now open to a variety of output devices. The file is scanned and saved in RGB via a profiled scanner, regardless of the destination color space, and is edited in RGB for color on a calibrated, profiled monitor. The proof is made on a calibrated, profiled proofer or printer. Once color is approved, this RGB master file can be output to any color managed output device, resulting in much more consistency of color intention than was possible before.
Before color management, we scanned to a particular color space and output device. This was fine, until the client wanted to go to another output device. Or when the client wanted to see an Encad (CMYK) and a LightJet (RGB) print of the image before deciding what to do. This meant a rescan or additional edits to the file, resulting in more time, expense, and reduced quality. Others clients may not yet know which printer will be printing their work, so the separation information isn't available. RGB file format preserves color information until the separation data is known. As a result, we can repurpose the RGB master file to any output device and get pleasing results without necessarily requiring additional editing for color.
ICC LAB space contains all visible colors
Output Color
What's different? A color profile. This tiny file data is added to the header of the image file, and tells the color managed applications where the color of the file came from, that is, the source of the color information. Then, when we go to output, the color managed application looks at the chosen destination profile and determines how to change the file data from source to destination to get the same apparent color in another output device. Color managed applications include Photoshop, QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Illustrator, Freehand, Corel, and the new Adobe InDesign. Color tagged file formats include TIFF, Photoshop EPS, and JPEG.
Where does this profile come from? We use Kodak's ColorFlow to make our profiles, although this is not the only profiling package. ColorFlow tools permit us to measure our monitors, scanners, and printers to determine their color range. This information, called a profile, along with the Kodak color management module, serves to translate color through a universal color space called ICC LAB, which is an abstract color space containing all colors. Basically each device has a color range identity located in ICC LAB. To reproduce the color meaning of the file, the profile is called and invokes the translation through ICC LAB to the destination device's color range. This preserves color intention or color meaning, within the limits of the output device's abilities. Files archived with the color tags are much more portable with respect to color.
What else? Our output and working space color profiles are available to clients for download from this web site. Clients should use our profiles when doing business with us, assuring more accurate communication of color intentions. Instructions for profile location and use are included. Also, we include the profile on CMYK jobs along with a "read me" document, explaining their use. RGB profile inclusion is not necessary, as the color profile we use is included with Photoshop and with the file. Additionally, color edited supplied files can be saved with these color tags, preserving color intention for the client when the files are repurposed to some other output device in some other job.
Our color workflows
Interactive illustration of working spaces
Resources
