Charlotte has just been given a big project that includes printed pieces and a website. While she is excited about the project, she is concerned about creating colors that match on screen and when printed, especially because the client has asked her to use a dark blue as one of the colors. Charlotte needs to create the colors in the appropriate color models. What should Charlotte consider?

Question

Charlotte has just been given a big project that includes printed pieces and a website. While she is excited about the project, she is concerned about creating colors that match on screen and when printed, especially because the client has asked her to use a dark blue as one of the colors. Charlotte needs to create the colors in the appropriate color models. What should Charlotte consider?

Help Charlotte determine which color models should be used for her project. Explain why you chose each color model. Could you have chosen another color model? Why? What advantages did the color model you chose have over any of the other choices?

Answer 1

Charlotte should consider using both RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color models for her project.

1. RGB: RGB is used for digital design, such as websites and other screen-based projects. This model is based on light and is additive, meaning that colors are created by adding different intensities of red, green, and blue light. Since screens emit light, using RGB will ensure that the colors appear vibrant and true on screen.

2. CMYK: CMYK is used for printed materials, as it is a subtractive color model that is based on the reflection of light. By mixing different amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink, a wide range of colors can be created for printing purposes. Since printed materials cannot emit light like screens, CMYK is the best choice for ensuring accurate color reproduction in print.

While Charlotte could have also considered using the Pantone color model for her project, RGB and CMYK are the most commonly used models in digital and print design, respectively. The advantage of using both RGB and CMYK for this project is that it ensures that the colors are consistent and accurately represented across both screen and printed materials. Pantone colors are primarily used for spot colors or special printing effects, which may not be necessary for this project.

By using RGB for the website design and CMYK for the printed pieces, Charlotte can ensure that the dark blue color chosen by the client will be accurately represented in both mediums.