This is me!
A few days ago, I posted a fluffy fun piece on a fictional new product, Pantone underpants, which I predicted would be a hit with my graphic designer buddies at work. I mentioned it at work the next day and I was right – they loved the idea of Pantone underpants (I mean, what’s not to love?). One of them loved the idea so much that she is even holding me to my promise to buy them for her for Christmas (assuming that someone actually makes them by then).
Talking about Pantone panties led to an awesome bonus: a great lunchtime explanation from my designer buddy on Pantone, RBG, and CMYK.
Turns out, Pantone is always the same color no matter whether it’s used in print, online, or apparently on underwear and everyone who’s not a nub would use it all the time everywhere for spot color and solids if it wasn’t so danged expensive.
RGB is used mostly for web and digital press, so the rendered color can vary depending on screen and printer settings. CMYK is used for on-press printed pieces and therefore has more consistency than RGB. Both are better suited for mixed colors, such as those found in gradients and photographs. Fascinating stuff, yo!
Being Strong in the Bridge
Our lunch chat also led to one of my new favorites phrases, “being strong in the bridge,” which led to this post’s philosophical “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey“-ness.
Being strong in the bridge (as explained to me) is essentially a color that stays true no matter whether it’s produced using RGB or CMYK. The rule of thumb is to always choose a color that’s strong in the bridge for brand identity (logos and such) so that logos are always rendered consistently.
There’s something deep about being strong in the bridge when it comes to reflecting identity. Choose a color that’s truly you and render your identity the same way no matter where you are or whether you’re online or off.
So many people have different lives and personalities online than they do offline. Some hide behind the anonymity of the internet to do and say things they wouldn’t ordinarily do. Others try to make themselves look more interesting, more sophisticated, happier, or more something online. Some connect and network easily online but are isolated and disconnected offline, or vice versa.
So, here’s to being strong in the bridge! Stay true to yourself and be the same genuine person no matter where you are.
PS: I’m Pantone 368 C. I love green: it evokes a sense of growth, nature, and the renewal of spring. It’s cheerful without being in your face, yet has a mellow feel without being a bummer.
What’s your color? Post a code in the comments below and let us know why it’s you.
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