What's the difference between RGB and CMYK color?

As an artist designing my own products, I get a lot of requests for tutorials showing my process, and I'm really happy to make them for you! My goal is to continue to elaborate on my processes as I continue to grow. With this in mind, I want to drop some basic graphic design principles that will help lay a foundation for your success as you follow any of my tutorials, or simply skip off into the sunset with your new-found knowledge!

Why should a graphic designer know the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Well, because NOT knowing can lead to a finished product that does not have the same colors as your digital mockup. They are two very different color models with limitations on how to use each.

In a nutshell; RGB is an additive color model, while CMYK is subtractive. RGB uses white as a combination of all primary colors and black as the absence of light. CMYK, on the other hand, uses white as the natural color of the print background and black as a combination of colored inks. (Note above graphic)

RGB (Additive Color Model) is primarily used for digital displays like monitors, television screens, and digital cameras. Colors are created by mixing different intensities of red, green, and blue light. The color white here is created by mixing (adding) all three colors at their maximum intensity.

CMYK (Subtractive Color Model) is primarily used for printing, such as in magazines, brochures, and poster. Colors are created by mixing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. It is subtractive because it takes away the color white (the paper). 

RGB has a wider range, or gamut, of colors compared to CMYK. CMYK prints cannot reproduce all RGB model colors. It is not possible to reproduce all the colors you see on a screen in printed ink, since ink does not emit light.

So why does this matter? Because trying to print a file in RGB will most likely result in a printed product with the wrong colors. You must convert the file to CMYK. (This process will depend on your software program).

Failing to convert your file will mean that the printer will do so automatically. This does not give you the opportunity to see what your print will look like before the printer completes the job. (It may not have the right colors to match your brand!). Avoid this by either converting your color model or designing in CMYK from the start (if your software permits).

Example of RGB vs CMYK

Check out my Cherry Blossom Dragon art below for an example of the different:

So what I'm REALLY trying to say is...

Graphic designers need both RGB and CMYK to create logos and images for the web and print. Neither will work perfectly across both mediums. In addition, neither color model is “perfect,” since neither can reproduce all available colors in the spectrum. However, both models work well enough to trick the human eye into seeing the colors as realistic.

If you plan on designing something that will only exist through digital mediums, such as mobile devices, computers, and television, designing in RGB is enough. If, however, you need to print, you must convert your designs into CMYK. Otherwise, your printed colors won’t look quite right.

Understanding the difference can lead to fewer (often costly) rounds of proofs. Ink is not cheap. Don't learn the hard (expensive) way! I hope this was helpful. Stay tuned for more!