(1-15-2010) Issue #005

All artwork, images, graphics and article content courtesy of Chet Spiewak (Author/Artist)

Seeing Colors....

One of the most challenging tasks with artwork created on the computer is trying to print the artwork into a hard copy format like a printed book. The problems that can occur in a printed image are image blurring of details, incorrect colors and distortion. This ezine article will cover the issues-- of incorrect colors.

Most of the image quality faults arise from the way the color value is interpreted between computer monitors and paper printers. Computers see colors in RGB format, while printers see colors are CYMK format. Understanding the way computers and printers interpret image data is a great first step in delivering quality printer ready images.

RGB
Computer monitors display colors by mixing red, green and blue (RGB) in various levels. The colors can overlap creating cyan, magenta and yellow and other colors in the light spectrum. RGB colors are called Additive Colors because the all light is refelected back to the eye. Additive Colors are used for lighting television and computer monitors, because both use a light source to emit the color. If all of the RGB colors are combine-- white is the output...

(INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC) RGB Slipknot poster pic-

CYMK
CYMK is used in printing process, whereas C stands for cyan, Y is yellow, M is magenta and K stands for black. We see printed images as reflection of light. The white light absorbs the ink and reflects what is not absorbed back to the human eye. When C, Y, M ,K are combine at equal strength the out put is Black. The process of combining all 4 colors for printing is called the 4-Color Printing Process. 4-Color Printing Process is used printing full color artwork on books, graphic novels, magazines, posters, and product packaging.

(INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC) CYMK Slipknot poster pic-

Printing color

Full color printing is often referred to as the 4-color printing process. In this process the desired image is filtered into 4 color spectrums-- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black(CYMK). The result- 4 different copies of an image, with each copy containing all shades of a certain hue. When the image is printed on paper each color is printed, one over the other creating a full color image.

(INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC) CYMK Vinny the Bug Man, Graphic Novel Page45-

The sample on the right is a print ready page from the Vinny the Bug man Graphic Novel.

The first layer is set on the paper and features all of the yellow hues in the artwork. Then next layer- Black, is added. The image scripting appears and so does the shadow highlights. Next, magenta is laid down and tints of red and purple fill the screen. Finally Cyan is applied and the final version of the graphic novel appears. Printing complete.