Not all color is created equal, and not all color is seen equally.
When it comes to book design, color is created in two different ways: by light (on a computer screen) or by ink (on paper). Color created by light is said to be created in RGB (red, green, blue). Color created by ink is in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).
In general, CMYK colors tend to be duller than RGB.
Not all colors can be reproduced in both areas. See the illustration at right. If a color cannot be reproduced it is said to be “out of gamut”.
We’ve all noticed in a store’s television department that there may be ten TVs showing the same channel or movie, yet the colors on the screens vary from one to the other. This is also true with computer screens. What you see on your screen isn’t necessarily what your artist or what Inkwater sees. What gets printed will be different as well.
POD printing is not an accurate color process. One book to the next can have shifts in color—sometimes drastic, sometimes subtle.
My original artwork will be done in iink with watercolor. Is there a paper weight, type, and quality you would recommend?
Since it is okay for rhe artwork to be made smaller what ratios do I need for a 81/2″ by 8″ book?
Thank you.
No particular paper is recommended, however you want to use the same paper throughout the project. Also, paper texture (and any sketch guidelines) will come out in the scans. If you’re wanting the artwork to have the look of a highly textured paper, then use it. Otherwise see if you can find some watercolor paper with a smooth texture.