color matching a gradient

[fresh]

I have a client who sent me a file. When I sent her back a jpg proof, she says "the color is too dark."

This person is a graphic designer / art director. I literally sent her back the file that she sent me, I just exported as a jpg. I don't know what to do. I asked her for a pantone, but how do you even pantone a gradient?

 

[petepaz]

if there is a color issue she can't go by what she sees on the monitor (is her monitor calibrated correctly?) you need to give her a printed sample. when i have jobs with critical color matching i print a small sample of the job for the customer to approve. as far as matching the gradient if she didn't give you a pms to match you will just have to print samples for her to approve

 

[fresh]

I wish I had that luxury. This has got to go out tomorrow, and she keeps changing things. I will not be able to get her a printed proof.

 

[AF]

A professional designer understands the value of a professional workflow, including supplying correct color information and approving print samples. I would tell her what is required to get this done correctly and decide how to proceed based on her reaction. If she is so pressed for time that she cannot communicate color correctly or accept samples for approval, then she should agree to accept the output you give her. There can be no other way this can go. Or ditch her as a client, but I think you can educate her a little and gain her loyalty.

 

[skyhigh]

A professional designer understands the value of a professional workflow, including supplying correct color information and approving print samples. I would tell her what is required to get this done correctly and decide how to proceed based on her reaction. If she is so pressed for time that she cannot communicate color correctly or accept samples for approval, then she should agree to accept the output you give her. There can be no other way this can go. Or ditch her as a client, but I think you can educate her a little and gain her loyalty.

I couldn't agree more. I would stress the point above (in writing).

Lighten up the color, per her verbal instructions, and go to town. I would make sure she knew that she just disapproved her own artwork.:Big Laugh