Our original target date was December 10 (which I had listed on the main page) but a couple of minor production problems put us about a week behind schedule. One of the problems was the color of the disc. The production proof of the template of the disc that I received from the manufacturer did not match any of the colors which my designer Katie Mazzerina-Schwartz had originally selected. She wanted to match the disc's color to the color of a piano silhouette in the insert information booklet.
In order to exactly replicate the color she had in mind, the manufacturer referred us to something called the Pantone Matching System. This is a comprehensive swatch guide of just about every color imaginable, with a color coding formula which ensures accuracy.
I had never heard of the system (it has an unfortunate but amusing abbreviation), but I had heard of Pantone, and they seem to be the worldwide authority on color. (Actually, I think they believe they are the universal authority.) The PMS is an excellent starting source and guidebook for visual designers in all fields. I had originally tried to match the color with a guide I found on the web, but I soon found out that you could not accurately match in that manner because of the differences in color computer monitors. We were able to borrow a Pantone system from the college's Office of Communication, and after carefully looking at the swatches Katie selected the color she desired: PMS 5195 C. And by supplying that code, the manufacturer finally matched the exact color she was looking for.
One might think this was too persnickety a detail to slave over. But consider that the design of a CD is really just as important as the musical content of it. It was really crucial for me to get it right not only for myself but for Katie too. This was her first CD design project, and what a fabulous job she did. I can't say enough about what an impressive talent this young woman possesses in graphic arts. She regularly designs our collegiate jazz program posters and they never fail to amaze. I've already warned Katie that I will be calling on her again for my future CD projects! :)
One side note: Pantone has a sister site called Colorstrology. My friends know that I have a keen interest in astrology (chiefly, how people interact with each other through personality traits that are native to their sun signs). This site matches color to birth dates in a very cool way. Check it out, and make sure to view the Flash introduction.
