Topic awaiting preservation: newbie

Hi

I have a logo, designed in illustrator - CMYK
C = 0%
M = 18%
Y = 100%
K = 15%

My printer has asked for the file as spot colors.
I chose the PMS number for this (117 CVC) in illustrator's color swatch window and sent it thru.
The printer's response was that the letterhead was still CMYK.
How do I do this?  How do I specify spot colors?
Thanks

jon

you're close, the PMS color IS the spot color. the spot color is a single ink color that will be printed as opposed to 4 colors laid down in various percentages to make that color, the 117 CVC is the info he's looking for just give him that number and tell him that's the spot color you want to use.

chris


KAIROSinteractive | tangent oriented

(Edited by Fig on 09-16-2004 21:02)

thank you!

this bulletin board rocks!


-jondo

You will also need to double click on the desired swatch an select, "Spot Color" from the "Color Type" drop down dialog. It is most likely when you clicked on the swatch you changed the color picker to spot color, which only changes color picker not the swatch it's self. You can tell if the swatch is defined as a spot color or not, bya little dot located in the lower corner of the swatch.

As Fig suggested you will need to tell the printer what Pantone ink you specified has he will need to mix the ink according to the formula specified by the pantone color guide.

You should also now, that the 'C' in Pantone 117c means coated stock, so you should ask the printer which paper stock/pantone guide you should be spec'ing colors from. But you shouldn't worry too much as there will only be a slight difference in appearance. Pantone 117c would in the worst case look slightly washed out on uncoated stock.

J. Stuart J.

(Edited by jstuartj on 09-17-2004 00:36)

and what he said glad to help.

chris


KAIROSinteractive | tangent oriented

So is using the PANTONE® solid to process guide the only way to get a close match of a CMYK color I like to its PMS equivalent or similar, or can I do this somehow in Photoshop or Illustrator ?

the PMS 117c was provided to me by a designer my firm hired as a freelancer a year a go, and we have no contact with him anymore.


-jondo

I was excited to see a thread entitled 'Newbie,' as it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to field novice level questions about printing. Behold my naievity regarding the process as I sheepishly ask the following:

What is PANTONE? I see this in all sorts of graphical programs, but have no clue as to it's significance or what benefits and detractions come from choosing one kind of PANTONE over another.

Does c/(numberhere) stand for how many colors are being used in a print job? Ex., c/7 = 7 colors?

What is a spot color, and why would one use it over a 4 color process?

And perhaps the most significant question, are there any good books out there to help clueless graphic artists? I've been making art on the computer for a while now, but the destination has generally been the web and not print. However, I'd like to start making pieces that are pre-destined for some kind of poster frame or wallscroll.

Thanks, hope I didn't sound like a total moron just now.