History lessons don’t have to be dull. When it comes to learning about the history of CMYK printing, it may even determine your future success. What began as a groundbreaking discovery in the early 1900s has evolved into the ultimate standard for professional color printing.
But how did we transition to a model that redefined commercial print materials? And are we continuing to evolve beyond CMYK to accommodate modern customer and consumer appetites? To understand what’s coming next and how it can lead to some serious ROI, it’s essential to know your CMYK history.
Color printing has been part of our culture for over two hundred years. The beginning of what would become CMYK started with some heavy-duty experimentation in color during the 1800s. This became the foundation for cyan, magenta and yellow (CMY) inks, which were found to be the best primary colors for printing.
The history of CMYK printing dates back to 1906, when the four-color combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black was first combined. Black is represented with a K since it’s the key ink color. The results of CMYK printing presented a much wider range of color options and tones.
CMYK printing is widely credited to the Eagle Printing Ink Company in 1906. By developing process inks that combine the four-color model, they improved upon the CMY color model. Thomas A. Lenci is regarded as the CMYK inventor and the driving force behind the research for these discoveries.
While it’s likely that other individuals and companies, such as Milton A. McKee or C.B. Cottrell & Sons, were also making progress during this period, the Eagle Printing Ink Company is generally recognized as the first to prove that these colors could be layered over a white substrate to produce a previously unheard-of range of colors.
For every consumer demand or industry pressure, there’s been an equal “eureka” moment in CMYK history to solve it. Here are the three most significant industry milestones in CMYK printing history:
Within these advancements are the foundations of the CMYK colors, which have served as the blueprint for continued innovations across the years.
CMYK printing has been integral to numerous advancements that’ve propelled the industry forward, making it impossible to escape its influence. Separating the influence of CMYK from what we expect as part of today’s daily media consumption isn’t easy.
These experiences we’ve come to accept as “standard” throughout CMYK history are:
While advancements like ECG have built upon the existing foundations of CMYK, the accuracy of designing within the four-color gamut can also ensure that the colors on screen are as similar as possible to the final print output.
How has the history of CMYK endured through so many changes in the world? As any business owner knows, adjusting to the world around you is half the battle. As consumerism grew, so did the materials used to grab their attention. In time, CMYK became the accepted standard.
Those who understand the importance of combining new ideas with modern innovations continue to make history. The CMYK model, which evolved directly in response to consumer demand, is one of the most significant lessons in printing history. The lesson? A business can either move with the times or become a distant memory.
Additionally, with color management software solutions integrated with cloud technology, customers are still benefiting from this evolution without sacrificing color quality.
Speaking of moving with the times, the future of modern printing is already happening with the introduction of Beyond CMYK, also known as CMYK+. The latest evolutionary leap in printing, this technology extends the CMYK color model through special toners that add white, gold, silver and even fluorescent color options.
As modern consumers are dazzled by TikTok and digital media, businesses only have a few seconds to grab their attention. CMYK+ can deliver printed materials with metallic and fluorescent effects, helping customers to stay one step ahead of competitors.
The key benefits of CMYK+ for businesses include:
Not waiting for history to pass you by gives you the chance to embrace innovations. For your customers, that means faster turnaround times and fewer problems. For your business, that means happier customers, increased income and remaining ahead of the competition.
With Fujifilm, you have the innovation and support to make more of your business. We’ve engineered a better way for the world to print. Ready to embrace that future and create your own history? Contact us to learn how.