What are colourways?
Colourways are different colour combinations for the same design. Have you ever loved the design of something but hated the colour? By creating a few colour options you will appeal to a larger amount of customers.
Research on trend forecasting and target market should be carried out before making decisions on colour. Different combinations of colour can change the whole look of a design. The reason a customer chooses your product over a competitors could be due to you choosing a better colour range for your products.
What to include in a colourways spec?
A colourways spec sheet is the part of a tech pack that explains all the different colour options for your product. In order to communicate your colourways, there are a few items you should include in your spec sheet.
- A trade drawing of your design (front and back) clearly showing each colourway. If you have chosen three colourways, then three trade drawings are required. These drawings should include everything right down to a thread or trim colour.
- A description next to each trade drawing detailing which element is which colour.
- Swatches next to each trade drawing.
- A unique name for each colour (It is easy for manufacturers to confuse colours, especially if there are different shades of the same colour)
- A clear visual of where your artwork is going to be placed on your product and what colours are being used. A detailed description of the position can include measurement locations. (if necessary)
- A close up of your pattern in each colourway. (if necessary)
If your colourways are quite complex you may need to add extra information or imagery to properly communicate your designs to your manufacturer or supplier.
Do I need colourways in my tech pack?
Colourways are optional, especially for smaller businesses. If you are producing small amounts of products then colourways may not be necessary. Changing your designs and colours seasonally may be enough.
Even if you only require one color combination per design it is still important to include a simplified version of this document. Similar things such as artwork placement, pattern design, trade drawing, swatches and color details still need to be covered but just for the individual design.
Check out out article on creating a tech pack to learn more and start designing today.
