Photo Retouching - - intro samples + color profiles

ctzn · #1 01-14-2008, 04:29 PM

Hello all,

I am new here, though I am not new to art and design. I work as a graphic artist for a high end fashion jewler, as well as doing freelance artwork.

to start off, here are a couple of samples of my work:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/ctzn610/2b.jpg (before)
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/ctzn610/2a.jpg (after)

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/ctzn610/1b.jpg (before)
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/ctzn610/1a.jpg (after)

personal artwork sample:
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...y_trukasha.jpg

(please forgive the low quality, courtesy of photobucket)

Lately I have been encountering some problems in achieving consistency with printed images. We print ads in numerous magazines and they all seem to look quite different than the files and proofs that I send them. (at least more than usual) I contacted all of the publishers requesting their color profiles to account for different printers and different paper, but they still seem to be off.

If anyone could provide me any insights in regard to keeping my prints consistent I would appreciate it greatly.

-looks like a great community, look forward to contributing

pixelzombie · #2 01-14-2008, 04:53 PM

what kind of file do you send them, and what sort of proofs do you use?....is your proofing system setup to match their press conditions?

ctzn · #3 01-14-2008, 04:57 PM

I send them print ready, hi res pdf files.

I print proofs from our Epson Stylus Pro 3800 - but I manage the colors in Photoshop with icc profiles. I send them this proof and ask them to match.

I have a low quality RIP software that I prefer not to use. Is it pointless to use this printer without a high quality RIP?

pixelzombie · #4 01-14-2008, 05:09 PM

unless you use a hardware RIP, you won't be able to match their press conditions and they will have a hard time matching your proofs...where do you get the profiles that you use?

ctzn · #5 01-14-2008, 05:15 PM

I am beginning to realize this...

I contacted the pre-press managers at some of the publication houses we go through in an attempt to receive their prfiles, most of them were happy to help, others not so much.

I used these in our upcoming ads so we will have to wait and see what kind of a difference it made in accuracy.

I may propose to my employer investing in a high quality RIP to use in conjunction with our printer...

Damo77 · #6 01-14-2008, 05:20 PM

I fail to see what a RIP has got to do with anything. It's a matter of profiles, like you say. If a publisher provides you with an accurate profile, and you use it correctly when making your print PDF, you'll be in the ballpark.

If you are given an inaccurate profile, or none at all, then you have to guess - ie use a SWOP profile or whatever, and hope for the best.

ctzn · #7 01-14-2008, 05:27 PM

I only mention using the RIP as it came with our printer and I was originally requested to use it. I had a guy come out to set up the RIP and calibrate my monitor, but within the month the RIP software began to have big problems.

I was under the impression that having a high quality RIP to manage colors would be the most efficient way to go, given that I can re-create the printers conditions.

I am relatively new to printing ads on a large scale, hence me asking for help here.

I do use US SWOP profiles for my undefined printers...

pixelzombie · #8 01-14-2008, 05:34 PM

the hardware RIP allows you to control your output device to match a specific printing condition..your image may have the proper profile attached, but your proofer still needs to be calibrated as well...

ctzn · #9 01-14-2008, 05:39 PM

I see, I will try to get that accomplished to further gain accuracy on our print ads.

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.

btw, more of my older work can be found here, and here
and I stress older as most of the work there is from years past. I have been too busy lately to update a website with current work...

Damo77 · #10 01-14-2008, 05:39 PM

I yearn for a day when you can send an RGB pdf to any publisher, and trust with complete confidence that they will convert to accurate CMYK with their own profiles for their own presses.

That day is a long way away, I'm afraid ... here in Australia, at least.

Damo77 · #11 01-14-2008, 05:41 PM

You may find some more advice at a dedicated prepress forum such as this one.

ctzn · #12 01-14-2008, 05:43 PM

I understand, I feel like I spend half my time just prepping the final files for print and they still don't come back right.

Thanks much for the link, looks like a great resource

pixelzombie · #13 01-14-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damo77

I yearn for a day when you can send an RGB pdf to any publisher, and trust with complete confidence that they will convert to accurate CMYK with their own profiles for their own presses.

That day is a long way away, I'm afraid ... here in Australia, at least.

i don't know about any publisher, but there are pleny of press/pre-press houses that are fully calibrated and have years of experience...the publishers that try to do everything in house are the ones you shoule be wary of...