G7® Training ...
G7* is a revolutionary new calibration method that delivers consistent gray scale appearance on virtually any type of color imaging process. By defining neutral density, neutral contrast and gray balance unambiguously, G7 helps define the whole color space and makes 'printing by numbers’ more effective in virtually any imaging process.
Proficiency in G7 has become a requirement by brands, publishers, ad agencies and print buyers who want consistent, high-quality color from diversified suppliers and media. Print providers in turn achieve more consistent and efficient color printing through G7.
As the inventor of G7, HutchColor, LLC offers the most thorough and up-to-date G7 training possible through private consulting contracts and public G7 Expert/Professional courses hosted by IDEAlliance.
G7 users who have been trained by an IDEAlliance-certified "G7 Expert" can choose to be listed as G7 Masters at www.idealliance.org, where they can be found easily by print buyers who see G7 as a reliable indicator of color quality.
* G7, IDEAlliance, GRACoL, and SWOP are trademarks of IDEAlliance - International Digital Enterprise Alliance
Choose from the following G7 training modules, or get several in one integrated package.
G7 For Creatives & Print Buyers
What is G7 and what's in it for creatives and print buyers?
What can you do to help your G7 print provider give you the "look" you want?
How do you know a G7 print provider is giving you what you asked for?
Why retouching is best in RGB, even if your image will be printed in CMYK.
What are reasonable expectations and tolerances for different types of printing?
G7 Proofing
How to calibrate a proofing system by the G7 method.
Using color management to match a G7-calibrated proofing system to the latest GRACoL* or SWOP* appearance specifications.
How to determine if client-supplied proofs are G7-compliant.
Helping suppliers and clients move to G7-based proofing.
How to work with those who aren't yet using G7.
G7 Proof Verification
Not sure if your proofs (or those you're receiving) are G7-compliant? We can test them for you, or show you how to do your own testing.
Individual proof verification requires printing the 2007 IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip on EVERY proof, measuring the strip with an automated spectrophotometer, and comparing the measurements to a "reference" set of CIELab values in suitable software.
G7 in the Pressroom
How to calibrate a press or proofing system using the G7 methodology.
Using the new G7 Press Bar with hand-held and automated devices.
Printing "to the numbers" using G7 press control.
Understanding the difference between make-ready and run control.
Establishing reasonable tolerances between press and proof.
Features and benefits of G7 press control - selling the G7 concept to your staff and clients.
G7 Pre-press Workflows
Making CMYK files optimized for G7 proofing and printing.
Using "standard" ICC profiles for SWOP and GRACoL vs. custom in-house profiles.
GCR - how much is enough? Are there any negative side-effects?
Maximum black ink value, 95, 98, 100%?
How to determine if supplied CMYK files are G7-ready.
What to do if they are not.
G7 Process Control
Standardized G7 calibration, proofing and printing are wonderful, and relatively easy, but how do you know they are working consistently in daily production?
Inconsistent or unstable processes waste money and lose clients.
G7 Process Control explains the theory and practice of maximizing process stability and consistency throughout your entire workflow.
Amongst other things you'll learn how to:• Check lighting and viewing conditions
• Check monitor calibration and profiles
• Check individual proof quality (internal and supplied)
• Check incoming ink and media batches
• Check supplied files meet standard requirements
• Determine in-house tolerances and compare them to industry norms
• Establish special tolerances for custom client or job needsTraining is tailored to your specific needs without forcing you to learn about stuff you won't use.
Private training courses are typically 2 to 5 days, depending on content and existing skill levels. Contact Don Hutcheson for a detailed analysis of your company's needs.
Services at a management or planning level include..
ROI of color management
Benefits and limitations - how much can you save - how much should you spend?
Site audits
What you need to improve - or confirmation that you're doing it right already
Software and hardware
Unbiased recommendations with no strings or obligations
Workflow
Planning new workflows and optimizing existing ones
Technical support
Hourly, daily and annual tech support contracts available
Unlike some color management companies, we do NOT offer profiling services. Instead we train you to make your own profiles from scratch using your own software and equipment (a much better use of your training dollars). Then we teach you how to use your profiles most effectively in your actual workflow, and what to do if something changes (which you can pretty much count on). All training is customized to your specific needs, so you don't pay for what you don't need.
General ICC training
Principles and theory of ICC color management
How to make state-of-the-art ICC profiles (what the manual didn't tell you)
How to test and edit ICC profiles
Soft proofing - how to make it REALLY work and save big bucks too
Communicating color safely between departments or companiesPhotography and design training
Color management on a limited budget (harvesting the food-chain)
How to make the most of color management in digital photography
How and when to custom-profile a camera, (and when it's better NOT to)
Hassle-free color management for designers and artists
Sending files - how to make sure the color on press is the color you wantedPre-press and publishing training
Benefits and requirements of an RGB workflow
Why scanning in RGB beats the pants off scanning direct to CMYK
Drum vs. flat bed scanners - is there a difference? What should you buy?
How and when to use RGB techniques when the output is CMYK
How to retouch in RGB for faster, more realistic image corrections
How to process files from unknown sources
How to calibrate and profile a digital proofing system to industry standards
How to maintain and control a proofing system for consistent results
Opportunity assessment
You wrote the killer ap - but will it sell?Product development and testing
If we can't break it it's probably goodAlgorithm development
Combining color science and practical experience of previous color software projects
Unlike most consultants, we neither sell nor accept finders' fees on software or hardware. All our recommendations are based solely on merit. You can buy software or hardware from many sources, including the vendors listed on our Reviews page.
