An Introduction To The Concept of Maintaining Color Consistency

Here at Ruff Haus, we're passionate about color management. We live in a world full of color and we are faced daily with the challenges of maintaining color consistency on objects such as brochures, business cards, product packaging, tradeshow displays, promotional items and even computer monitors.

As a general rule, we strive to educate our clients on the importance of brand color consistency across all the media we employ in our marketing efforts. These days you can print on virtually anything - plastic, metal, vinyl, fabric. Then there is embroidery, engraving, sublimation, vinyl transfers... The list is becoming endless - this is both a blessing and a curse.

It's not entirely unlikely for our clients to directly purchase promotional items, logo shirts, banners and the like. It's also not entirely unlikely for me to be in their office and see an employee with a logo shirt on or a promotional pen in their hand with compromised brand colors. When I point out the discrepancy, typically the reaction is "You're right, I didn't realize it!" or "We used a new vendor." These seemingly little mistakes can be pretty disappointing for everyone. I usually say "Next time just ask us to send the logo or run the proof by us before you place the final order."

Each process and sometimes even each vendor handles colors in a different way.

Some have a sophisticated color matching ability, others can only offer a limited choice of colors. This is something you have to take into account each time you choose a printing method and a vendor. It's a good idea to find a reliable vendor who understands how important color is to your brand and who will work with you to ensure color consistency across multiple projects.

In addition, hand a copy of the Graphic Standards Manual to every person who may be involved in marketing. Actually, educating ALL your employees on the importance of brand image consistency will help a great deal as well. Or, just call your designer - I bet they will be happy to help!

"Have a Pawsitively Tail Waggin' Good Day!"

P.S. This information was provided by Ruff Haus Design - Your Loyal Marketing Companion. Established in 1997, we are a special breed of full service graphic design company that works with a premier pack of clients. We bring a fresh outlook and tail-wagging enthusiasm to your marketing program.