SGIA partners with Clemson’s Sonoco Institute on color management certification

The Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University will conduct independent, third-party evaluations of test prints submitted for certification in the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s (SGIA) Digital Color Professional program.

The Digital Color Professional program promotes skill in color management with a two-part certification process. After applicants pass a written test, they must print a test image provided by SGIA. Sonoco Institute staff and graduate-level Graphic Communications students will evaluate those test prints for color quality and consistency using industry agreed-upon specifications. Since the program’s launch in mid-2017, 196 printing professionals have passed the written assessment, and 47 have achieved certification.

“Proper color management is crucial for delivering prints that meet or exceed customer demands,” said Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs, SGIA. “Certification through the Digital Color Professional program demonstrates that a printer knows how to get color right consistently.”

Until this partnership, SGIA staff measured the test prints that were submitted for certification.

“The Sonoco Institute’s participation provides independent verification a world-class certification needs,” Weiss added.

“Clemson is excited to become more involved in the ever-evolving digital printing arena. We are happy to lend our expertise in color management and evaluation to SGIA,” said Bobby Congdon, Assistant Director, Sonoco Institute. Additionally, this opportunity will give graduate students working at the Sonoco Institute more hands-on experience with the top-of-the-line color management devices recently donated by X-Rite and a real-world look at proper color management.

The most efficient route to becoming a Certified SGIA Digital Color Professional starts with SGIA’s Color Management Boot Camps. More information about the Boot Camps and the SGIA Digital Color Professional program is online at SGIA.org.

SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Printing Community
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable. Join the community — SGIA.”