Choose colour based on the artwork
CMYK builds a broad range of colours from process inks and suits artwork with photography, gradients or multiple tones. A named Pantone reference is useful when a brand has a specific solid colour that needs to be discussed consistently.
Neither route removes the effect of the chosen card. Uncoated, kraft, recycled and coloured stocks can all change how a colour appears compared with a bright white coated stock.
Prepare colours deliberately
Avoid supplying important brand colour only as an RGB screen value. Make it clear which colours are essential, which are flexible, and whether any colour reference is part of a wider brand guideline.
If the tag includes foil, white ink, a dark stock or a special finish, separate those decisions from ordinary artwork colour and discuss them with the production team.
Review colour in its physical context
A desktop monitor, phone and printed tag do not use colour in the same way. A proof or sample is most useful when the final stock, finish and viewing conditions matter to the decision.
Practical checklist
- Identify essential brand colours in the brief.
- Keep RGB source files separate from the final print-ready artwork.
- State the selected card and finish when asking for a colour check.
- Review any proof against the use case, not only on screen.