Color management and process control are critical but often overlooked factors in wide-format printing. To learn more about how printers can improve efficiency, quality, and profitability through better color workflows, we spoke with Jordan Gorski, Executive Director of Idealliance. As an organization dedicated to developing print standards and best practices, Idealliance provides valuable guidance and training to help wide-format producers master color and streamline prepress.
WFI: As a differentiating factor between wide-format producers in a competitive space, how important is color and prepress mastery?
Gorski: It’s a determining factor for how a lot of companies operate their businesses. In wide-format, there are a lot of different specialties, and producing them to a level of quality that’s color-managed is the critical factor for success. Anybody can produce those things, but to be able to do it with quality and repeatability is important, for higher-end clients, for large brands. Once a print buyer finds a printer that can help them meet their expectations, it keeps the jobs coming back.
WFI: And how does efficiency work into the mix?
Gorski: General production efficiency leads to sustainable profitability, and built-in process control limits pre-prints and reprints, helping meet expectations every time. When you’re looking at efficiency in color, you want to get the best bang for your buck.
WFI: As an organization focused on color standards, which many printers don’t know how to approach, how does Idealliance work to convince printers about the value of adherence to, say, G7?
Gorski: A lot of the work we do benefits printers, but also their customers. Print buyers, creatives, workflow operators and managers, technology providers all have a equal playing field, so everybody feels like they’re bought in. It helps them focus on what is relevant and what is necessary. What Idealliance is doing with PRINTING United Alliance is bringing segments together. We’re working to guide the industry as to what is needed for the best outcomes; drawing lines in the sand to make sure everyone knows what they’re working with. It has helped us stay at the forefront and to bring more folks into the fold.
Read the rest of this feature on Wide-Format Impressions, a publication of PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic partner.
