Subject: AbsoluteProof
Dear Hugo,
Enclosed in this package you will find catalogs which have been produced for two of my clients, the Advertising Photographers of America and David Hockney.
These were produced using Absolute Proof as the color proofing software for the matchprints for each of the jobs. The response to each of them was extraordinary. Naturally I have you and Jerry Huffman of Pre & Press Consultants to thank for bringing this expertise to me so that I could introduce it to my clients as a solution to the nagging problem in the art world of catalogs and posters not matching the artwork on gallery walls.
Not only is this an invaluable tool for us to have at the studio end, but also it provides assurance for the press-man on the printing end that the files will be in the color space of the printer and the matchprint removes all guesswork regarding the press sheet because we have controlled the production of the matchprint in the studio with the original painting on the wall. Having the ability to produce certified matchprints allows me to make color corrections based on test prints in ways impossible to achieve on press. I can adjust individual leaves on trees, the sky, the color and tone of specific areas etc to come as close as the press profile will allow. Because I have an object in the real world that I am matching it is important to have it rendered as accurately as possible in print and fine tuning at this level is not available on press.
For one catalog the printer was in London, the designer in Scotland and the production here in Los Angeles. No one was on press doing a "press check" when the book and posters were printed. For the APA catalog each of the exhibited photographers submitted master RGB files and their own master prints. Matchprints were created and shipped to the printer - again out of town and not available for a press check. I have every confidence that there is no going back - this is how fine art reproduction will be done.
Additionally, I am using the wider gamut Extrachrome inks to produce master prints for archiving that we printed actual size - 36in. x 48in. These are uncanny in their exactitude and they allow a presentation of works that otherwise would not be possible.
Also it is important to mention my gratitude for the always immediate and thorough technical support from New Zealand and Los Angeles, often at the same time!
Best regards,
Erik Arnesen
Aegir Productions, Inc.
Venice, California
Interview with Erik Arnesen, Hugo Kristinson, & host Scott Sheppard...
To listen to the interview go to their website: www.insidedigitaldesign.com
