Barry M. Robinson
Photography
Color Management
A basic understanding of color management is necessary if you create or approve any type of publication, either print or electronic media. The sites in this list should be of interest to graphic designers and ad agency people. The colour resources listed here range all the way from novice level to professional level. For a simple introduction to colour see "A Simple Guide to Colour" by Barry M. Robinson. Note: I use the Canadian/British spelling "colour" interchangeably with the American spelling "color" to ensure proper indexing of this resource.
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The International Color Consortium (ICC)
Established in 1993 for the purpose of creating, promoting and encouraging the standardization and evolution
of an open, vendor-neutral, cross-platform color management system architecture and components. Members of the
ICC include more than 70 manufacturers and software developers.
Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines (UPDIG)
UPDIG is a group composed of various trade associations and manufacturers that have developed standards for the
commercial application of digital imaging. These standards include the use of embedded colour profiles, calibrating
the monitor properly, colour proofing, using appropriate file formats and the delivery of the final image.
The standards will continue to evolve as digital imaging technology matures. The UPDIG website has a downloadable
copy of the latest set of guidelines.
Munsell Color Science Laboratory
Created in 1983 through a gift from the Munsell Foundation (founded 1942 to promote color science) and based at
the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. Provides undergraduate and graduate education in
color science as well as courses for the imaging and printing industries.
ColorSync - The Standard for Communicating Color
An industry-standard color management technology to provide more accurate color in your print and electronic
media. ColorSync is Apple's implementation of the ICC's specifications (see previous entry ICC) fully
integrated into the Mac OS X (Apple's Mac Operating System).
SWOP - Specifications Web Offset Publications
SWOP was formed in 1975 to improve the quality and workflow on web offset presses. The organization publishes
specifications for all forms of magazine advertising and editorial input whether digital or analog. Many printers
use SWOP specifications as a default. If you create ads for magazines you should see this site.
General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography (GRACoL)
An industry sponsored initiative to develop guidelines for quality color printing. The GRACoL Committee continues to
refine and develop these guidelines.
European Color Initiative (ECI)
A group of experts, founded in 1996, and dedicated to advancing standards in media-neutral colour data-processing
in digital publishing systems. In many respects, the ECI is working toward the same goals as GRACoL, SWOP and UPDIG.
A Standard Default Color Space
for the Internet - sRGB
An article about the standard web colorspace sRGB. This article is long
and technical but should be of interest to web designers and others who have an interest in color rendering
of website images. Presented by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Adobe Creative Suite 2: Color Workflows
Color workflows in Adobe Creative Suite 2, a "how-to" for printers, graphic designers and photographers
establishing color workflows in Adobe Creative Suite 2. Good reference material.
Setting up a color-managed print workflow
Set up a color-managed print workflow; step-by-step directions from Adobe Support Knowledgebase.
Again, good reference material from Adobe.
Pantone Color Matching
Pantone originally used colour swatch books with matching colour markers so designers and printers could
match colours from the design stage to the final print. Pantone still produces colour swatch books and markers
along with other colour matching products for graphic designers, printers, interior designers and more.
Color Matters
A website about color and color psychology started by Professor J.L. Morton (she is located in Hawaii). Really nice site,
lots of info for marketing and advertising professionals. Professor Morton works as a color consultant for
corporations like Eastman Kodak and Tylenol.
Colour Lovers
Colour palettes! See different colour palettes, browse the forums, upload your own palette. Great place for colour
ideas. Created by Darius A Monsef IV, a creative consultant and web developer.
Color Marketing Group
Although not really a colour management site, the Color Marketing Group (CMG) is a group of color and
design professionals involved in the use of color as it applies to the design and marketing of goods and
services. The CMG tries to identify upcoming color and design trends.