I've customized my own over the years to match vinyls etc...
Typical of our workflow, we've got 3 palettes open in coreldraw. A translucent, a cast and a calendared palette that we've developed to match the vinyls we use.
This has worked well for us in offering more accurate proofs to the customer. Then too, as the jobs are archived, there is less confusion on reorders of what vinyl product was used because the names of the vinyl color are stored in the file's color palette (side note: color names are also written on the proof page for duplicity.)
Another benefit of the vinyl matched palette is that we often mix prints with solid color vinyl. As such, we can reasonably match the colors of the prints to vinyl on the same signs with out it looking off color.
For strictly print designing, I typically use the Coated Pantone palette --- That's more habit for me, than any other explanation. Over the years, I've designed for different applications and the usual question I've gotten from outsource vendors is, "do ya have PMS colors ta match?" Answering that question with "yes" has been the quick and easy route for me... and usually doesn't involve any further explanations or rants from the vendor.
I also prefer working with these spot colors because I can change them fairly quick as I'm working --- if something doesn't look right, or the customer asks for it, I select the spot color and change it across the board.
I've got both the Pantone Solid color and Solid Color to CYMK Guides in my desk drawer for easy color reference. And, I've also printed out the Versaworks PMS color chart for reference, too. --- If I remember, that chart is on the installation CD of Versaworks with a CYMK chart.
....My wife hates me, though. We'll watch a sunset slowly melt into the sea and I'll comment, "oooooooo, look at how bright that 021 is, and with the whisps of 1235--- that really brings out drama of the 321 in the ocean." But. I'm a romantic that way........
