RGB & CMYK, WTH?

rgb and cmyk difference

Color is simple, right? Black is black, red is red and white is white. Well, not always.

The idea that color is straightforward may be derived from learning the names and colors associated with each basic primary color before the age of five. This simplification doesn’t account for light sources impacting color, different printing methods or how color appears dissimilar in print, on websites and even from screen-to-screen.

Almost everyone has created a document on a computer, added a touch of color, printed it out and then discovered the color on the hard copy looks nothing like the color on-screen. Sometimes this can be baffling like a brain teaser without a logical answer but here is some insight.

Color modes are essential in the world of design, influencing how we see and interpret visuals. Two common color modes used in graphic design are CMYK and RGB, and understanding the RGB and CMYK difference between these modes is crucial for achieving the desired results in creative projects.

Shining a Light on RGB

RGB is an acronym for red, green and blue and is a color model that represents colors as combinations of red, green and blue which uses light to produce a full spectrum of color. It is the most common color model used in electronic displays, such as computer monitors, mobiles phones and television screens.

In the RGB model, each color channel is represented by an 8-bit value, ranging from 0 to 255, where 0 indicates no intensity and 255 indicates full intensity. By varying the intensity of each channel, about 16 million different colors can be produced. Colors are additive in this model, meaning that combining different intensities of red, green and blue light can create new colors. For example, combining full intensity red, green and blue light creates white light, while combining no light in any channel creates black. This additive nature of RGB makes it ideal for digital displays, where different intensities of light can be produced by individual pixels to create a wide range of colors and shades.

By using varying intensities of red, green and blue light, RGB can reproduce a wide range of colors that closely match what the human eye can perceive. This makes RGB an essential tool for website creation, social media design, digital advertising, photography and video production, where accurate color reproduction is crucial. These examples have real world applications in the San Diego Tourism Marketing District’s (SDTMD) Tourism Matters campaign.

Printing in CMYK

Unlike digital design, CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (AKA black) – is the color model used in printing. CMYK is a subtractive color model, meaning that colors are created by subtracting varying amounts of light from white.  

In CMYK, each of the four colors is applied in overlapping layers to create a wide spectrum of colors. For example, to create green, cyan and yellow are combined, while magenta and yellow create red. The black component, also known as the key color, is used to enhance contrast and depth in the printed image, as well as to create true black tones. Without black, a mix of the other three colors can result in a muddy or dark brown color. 

Graphic designers use CMYK in various ways to create printed materials such as brand identies, annual reports, brochures and packaging. They must be aware of how colors will blend and interact when printed, as the final result may differ from what is seen on a computer screen. Designers often review color swatches and proofs to ensure that the RGB and CMYK difference will appear as intended in the final printed piece. Understanding the CMYK color model is essential for achieving accurate and vibrant colors in printed materials. 

Digital Palettes with Hex Codes

HEX color, short for hexadecimal color, is a six-digit code comprised of letters and number used in graphic design to specify colors for a website or a digital asset. Each digit represents the intensity of red, green and blue light, allowing for a wide range of colors to be accurately reproduced. This format is particularly useful for designers because it provides a standardized way to communicate colors across different platforms and devices. By using HEX codes, designers can ensure that the colors they choose will display consistently across various screens, making it an essential tool for creating visually cohesive and appealing designs.

Pantone for Printing

In print, Pantone (PMS) colors are a standardized color matching system used in graphic design and manufacturing industries. Each Pantone color is assigned a specific code, making it easy to communicate and reproduce exact colors across different materials and processes. Designers often use Pantone colors when creating branding materials, such as logos and packaging, to ensure that the colors remain consistent across various applications. Additionally, Pantone colors are commonly used in fashion design, product design and interior design to maintain color accuracy and consistency throughout the production process.      

Understanding the complexities of color modes is crucial for graphic designers. These color modes allow informed designers to create visually appealing and consistent designs without surprises and bridge the gap between digital and print media seamlessly. The trick is to know the channel where the asset will be used and plan in advance. 

Protecting a Visual Identity

Two people planning their visual identity

Most business leaders understand the value of having a memorable business name and logo, but many don’t realize the importance of a visual identity, what it entails, and why protecting it is paramount.

Building a successful brand takes time, resources, and strategy. Typically, the brand’s foundation is in its mission statement, value proposition, and unique voice which are then expressed through the company name, logo mark, print and digital marketing materials and website. Those graphical components comprise the visual identity, or face of the business, at inception.

However, over time, a business’s actions and reputation become intertwined in the visual image establishing the business’s brand, which, done well, can become one of the business’s most valuable intellectual assets.

When starting a business, trademarking and copyrighting a logo helps to ensure a company will be the only one of its type selling a similar service or goods using the same business name. A visual identity that consists of an icon or wordmark can also be trademarked.

Purchasing a domain name that reflects the business name is another important avenue to stake claim to the business’s brand name online. Creating social profiles that secure the business name across all major social networks should be done as well, even if there is not an immediate plan to activate a social media program.

Brand Guidelines are a Must-Have for Your Visual Identity

A company’s visual messaging effectively expands as it grows if it is implemented with consistency and a long-term strategy in place. Consistency is needed in the color palette, fonts, graphical style and tone to make it recognizable at a glance thus building the brand’s equity. This consistency put into a formalized document with a set of rules to control proper logo usage, font hierarchy, iconography and tone in any public-facing visual communication is essentially the basics of a brand guide.

An example of a brand that has withstood the test of time by making intentional choices and following a brand guide in its implementation of the visual identity is Absolut Vodka. Their bottle has reached iconic status because it hasn’t changed and was used for 25 years in their marketing campaigns. The main star of the visual creative was their bottle and their product name in the same bold font with a simple headline and playful imagery. A brand guide is essential in ensuring deliberate decision making regarding graphic design.

With growth and increased engagement, a brand’s story and personality further develop. The brand personality is tied consciously and unconsciously to the consistent use of a branded visual identity and adherence to brand guidelines. Apple has mastered this practice. As a result, the company is now synonymous with simple design and innovation.

As a company successfully delivers on its value proposition as it matures, it builds trust and brand recognition in the public eye. Its visual identity is no longer simply recognized: it’s preferred. When a brand is trusted, it’s able to expand and raise prices because people are willing to pay more for products or services from a company they trust.

Protecting Your Creativity is Essential

Throughout a brand’s growth, if the visual identity isn’t protected by registering for a trademark, purchasing a website domain with the company’s name, securing branded social channels and possibly consulting with an attorney to protect intellectual property, the business risks eroding its brand equity. Worse, a copycat company with a lower quality product could use a similar logo design, social media strategy or online presence and not only dilute the work that has gone in to developing the brand but also tarnish the company’s reputation.

Another risk is that a new market entrant develops a strategic brand with a strong visual identity and is able to grow its reputation, build the customer’s trust and take market share. Even in commodity industries like insurance or consumer products like toilet paper, brands and visual identities help brands stand out and stand for something, like the GEICO gecko or the Charmin bear. One stands for 15 minutes that could save you 15% and the other stands for strength and softness.

Protecting a visual identity from the start is the best way to ensure a company’s resources aren’t wasted and safeguard its future success. The process is actually relatively simple compared with what’s at stake.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia Watson is Director of Creative Services at (W)right On Communications. With a proven track record of success and more than 20 years of design and marketing experience, Felicia approaches each project with a commitment to create an impactful design that achieves results. Responsible for leading the agency’s creative services that integrate print and digital graphic design, online programming, videography, editing and photography, Felicia also oversees agency services including animation, motion graphics, and emerging technologies including augmented/virtual reality and holography as they may be integrated in strategic communication programs.

An Introduction to Design Thinking

“Design thinking is a process for creative problem solving.”

– Coe Leta Stafford, Managing Director IDEO U

This presentation on Design Thinking was originally developed for an internal agency workshop by Graphic Designer, KeAsha Rogers. It spawned such great discussion among our team at (W)right On that we thought we’d share it on our blog as a resource for our clients and friends. Design Thinking is defined as a method for the practical, creative resolution of problems using the strategies designers use during the process of designing – but it is an approach that can be applied to just about any business challenge.

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If your organization or team would like to learn more about applying the Design Thinking methodology to your business challenges, let us know at info@wrightoncomm.com. We can host a session at our office or bring a brown bag lunch presentation to your location. If you’ve had experience with Design Thinking in your workplace, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Hiring a PR Firm

Hiring a PR Firm

Take it from the team at (W)right On Communications, people often think about hiring a PR firm for the wrong reasons. But how can you gauge whether you’re doing it for the right ones?

If you recognize yourself in any of these five reasons for not hiring a PR firm, that’s a sign you need to take a step back and reconsider whether (W)right On Communications, or any good PR firm, is right for you. Now, that said, if you’ve reviewed the aforementioned list and feel that you’re ready to get serious about strategy, storytelling, scope and budgets–and an integrated strategic communications partner sounds like just the ticket; let’s get down to business.

Want to Talk?

We’re communicators, so we love to listen as much as we love to talk. Get in touch so we can feel each other out.

We want to know what your business objectives are so we can share with you how we’ll help meet them. Knowing what your time frame and budget are for reaching them gives us everything we need to turn around a proposal for you. Email us at info@wrightoncomm.com or call (213) 633-7575 to start the ball rolling.

Not Convinced? Check Out Our Client Testimonials

We’ve compiled a few recent client testimonials on our website, plus over 20 case studies on our award-winning programs.

The 411 on Social Media Best Practices in 2016

By Kara DeMent, Communications Coordinator

With more than two billion active social media users today, having a presence on social media is a must for brands that want to get noticed. With “best practices” and social media platforms evolving and ever-changing, it can be tough navigating the social media landscape to create effective campaigns.  If you want to be a savvy social media communicator in 2016, here are five ways you can stay on top of the game.

1. Inspiring Visuals

Use strong visuals that leave a lasting impression. Content paired with a great picture creates 650% more engagement according to recent studies. Recently, WOC helped hospitality client partner, Delaware North, secure the win for Best Use of Visuals from PR Daily – a great example of how creating captivating visuals can help your social media presence stand out.

2. Consistency is Key

Content says everything about your brand. And if you’re not consistent with creating and producing your own content, your brand will feel it. Continuously producing good original content gives you a better chance of being seen by your audience. The more you produce, the more love you’ll receive from your audience – although this depends on what your brands/clients’ needs are, you don’t want to over produce or under produce, so always keep this in mind.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Whether it’s a fun visual, new product launch or exciting announcement; share, like and comment on content that other brands and influencers of interest to your audience produce. This exposes you to others who in return, may also share your content and help increase your followers and help your engagement. Give and you shall receive.

4. Engage Your Audience

Those of us who are social media pros don’t post content for the fun of it. We post for the opportunity to help our clients raise awareness, drive interest and build relationships. In order to make that opportunity a reality, that means we engage with our target audience by answering questions, commenting, sharing and liking content. The more you engage on social media, the closer you’re to achieving your client’s business goals.

5. Measuring Success

Measuring your social media results only helps you better your social media strategy. It shows you what’s working and what isn’t working. It gives you the leisure to experiment with what works for your brand. If you’re not sure how best to measure your results, the “Big 4” from Buffer is a great guide to follow.

If you’re still stuck on breaking through social media, our team at WOC can get you on the right track. Give us a call or find out more about our capabilities here.

Top 10 Gifs That Sum Up The Life of a Graphic Designer

By Keely Smith, Design and Multimedia Specialist

Top 10 gifs that sum up the life of a graphic designer:

  1. When a friend offers you an opportunity to “build your portfolio”

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2. When you finally identify an obscure font

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3. When you inherit someone else’s art files

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4. When your software crashes and you didn’t save your files

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5. When you start noticing bad design all around you

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6. When your Photoshop layers are a mess but you’re too busy to care

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7. When a client loves EVERYTHING you do

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8. When you haven’t had coffee

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9. When your colleague tells you “nice, but it needs more pop”

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10. When people think being a graphic designer is “easy”

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Graphic Designer extraordinaire Keely Smith has dealt with all these issues and more, but always with a smile and unfailingly with incredible results, because that’s just the way she rolls. The (W)right On team can’t imagine life without her, so try to keep her coffee mug topped up and restrict their asks for making something “pop” more. Check out Keely’s awesome web design and branding work on our Case Studies page.