color difference when sending for print

[DrDre1313]

When I do artwork on my computer and send the files to get printed by my print company, the prints are always a different color than it looks like the file im sending them. Slightly lighter/brighter.  When I print these colors myself at home they come out slightly darker from what I'm seeing on my screen. What is the best way to get the most accurate color of my artwork on my computer screen to come out the same in print? 

[Monika Gause]

Is your system calibrated?

That would be step one.

Then color management.

A decent print service that also runs certified color management.

If you don't have that, then you can't even tell whether your results are correct, or theirs.

[DrDre1313]

Ok, I don't know exactly how to tell if the system is calibrated or not. I just thought illustrator was always calibrated..Unless you are talking about calibrated in means of if its CMYK or RGB

[Monika Gause]

I'm talking about securing that your system shows the correct colors. The monitor needs to be calibrated and your printer needs to be profiled for that. 

Do you at least have a certified printed color chart to compare the color numbers to?

[DrDre1313]

I apologize for the late reply. I have a color chart printed on the fabric
that I typically use as well as a Pantone booklet to compare the fabric
printed colors to. My printer has always typically printed darker though
from what is on my screen. I’m a rookie though at being able to calibrate
the colors correctly and pretty computer/illustrator illiterate. Trying to
watch YouTube as much as I can.


DeAndrae Douglas
Andahoodie
www.andahoodie.com