Barbie Pink

In a Barbie world of print and web how do we get just the right shade of Barbie pink?

PMS

Barbie pink is Pantone Matching System (PMS) color 219. The Pantone, Inc. company provides this universal language for accurately communicating and reproducing colors. The system is based on a numbered color-coding scheme, where each color is identified by a unique alphanumeric code. The Pantone system relies on a set of pre-defined ink colors mixed in specific proportions to achieve the desired hue. Pantone colors are often referred to as “spot colors.” This makes Pantone colors more predictable and allows for accurate color matching. Any Barbie packaging or custom printing will print with this solid paste ink color 219 to be exactly the correct shade of Barbie pink.

RGB 215, 31, 133

RGB is an additive color model primarily used in electronic displays such as computer monitors, TVs, digital cameras, and mobile devices. In this model, colors are created by mixing varying intensities of red, green, and blue light. When all three colors are combined at full intensity, they produce white light. Conversely, when all colors are absent, the result is black. Any websites or television commercials, even the movie will work in the RGB format of Barbie pink.

CMYK 1, 92, 1, 0

CMYK is a subtractive color model used in color printing. Unlike RGB, which adds colors of light, CMYK works by subtracting colors from white light to achieve the desired color. In this model, colors are created by mixing varying amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks or toners. Therefore, magazine ads, and other non-custom printing would be done in CMYK format for a slightly different shade of Barbie pink.

Cyan (C): Absorbs red light, reflects green and blue.
Magenta (M): Absorbs green light, reflects red and blue.
Yellow (Y): Absorbs blue light, reflects red and green.
Key/Black (K): Represents the black component in the printing process and is used to improve shadow detail and save ink.

While the Pantone system is excellent for spot color printing, it may not accurately represent the full gamut of colors achievable in digital displays or process printing (CMYK). Converting Pantone colors to RGB or CMYK can result in slight color variations. Many brands will spend the added dollars to use a 5-color process to get their brand color exact. This would be CMYK print process along with a fifth color solid PMS color. Mattel does this on all Barbie packaging.