Why Colour Management Matters
- Screens are backlit (RGB).
- Prints are reflective (CMYK + substrate).
- Every paper has its own white point and surface behaviour.
- Every file carries embedded (or missing) colour profiles.
Our Colour Workflow
Calibrated & Profiled Devices
We operate fully calibrated monitors and production printers, with custom ICC profiles built for each:
- Printer
- Ink set
- Paper type
- Resolution setting
This ensures what we see on screen aligns with what the printer is capable of producing — not what we hope it will produce.
Paper-Specific ICC Profiles
Each fine art paper behaves differently.
A matte cotton rag will absorb and soften colour differently to a smooth baryta-style paper.
We create and maintain paper-specific profiles for brands such as:
- Hahnemühle
- Canson Infinity
- Fine art cotton rag stocks
This allows accurate soft-proofing and realistic expectations before printing.
What you receive
Proofing
Soft Proofing
If you are working in Photoshop or Lightroom, we can provide the correct ICC profile so you can:
- Enable soft proofing
- Simulate paper white
- Preview gamut clipping
- Adjust selectively before print
This prevents:
- Over-saturated reds
- Blocked shadow detail
- Unexpected colour shifts
Process
Hard Copy Test Proofs
Hard Copy Test Proofs
For critical work — exhibitions, editions, commercial launches — a physical proof is the only definitive reference.
We offer:
- A4 / A3 test strips
- Full-size scaled proofs
- Targeted crop proofs (face, shadow area, saturated section)
You approve the proof.
We match the production run to that proof.
No surprises.
FAQ
What we get asked most!
We log the exact printer, ink set, ICC profile, resolution, paper batch and settings used for the approved proof. Future prints are matched to that approved reference, not to a screen.
Yes. Paper white, surface texture and coating affect saturation, contrast and perceived warmth. A cotton rag matte will render differently to a baryta-style gloss, even with identical files.
You accept the risk of colour variance. Without a soft proof or hard copy approval, there is no fixed reference standard. For exhibition or edition work, skipping proofing is false economy.
Supply your file in RGB with an embedded profile (Adobe RGB or sRGB). Do not strip the profile. If none is embedded, we must assume one — which introduces risk.
Sometimes. We can visually match, but without their profile and process, it cannot be technically identical.
For close-viewed fine art work, yes. For larger viewing distances, effective resolution matters more than raw DPI.
No. Supply high-quality RGB with embedded profile unless specifically advised otherwise.
No. We guarantee colour matches an approved proof and a properly managed workflow. Screens vary. Prints do not emit light.
Collection may be possible by appointment. Please contact us in advance to arrange this.
Yes. Proofs are produced using the same inks and papers as final prints, making them the best reference for colour and detail.
Yes. Adjustments can be made after reviewing a proof before proceeding with the final print run.
Proofs may be produced at reduced size or as test strips. Full-size proofs are available on request.
When should I order a proof print?
Yes. Proof prints are strongly recommended, particularly for first orders, exhibitions, or limited editions.