S

Subtractive colors

extend. Reflective colors
Subtractive color is the process in color theory whereby color is seen as the result of light reflecting from a printed surface. Cyan, Magenta and Yellow inks are subtractive colors, as are any printed or 'solid' colors - as opposed to additive colors such as those produced by RGB computer monitors.

Cyan, Magenta and Yellow are known as subtractive colors because the more of each ink that is added the darker, or less reflective, the resultant shade. In theory, the application of a 100% mixture of Cyan Magenta and Yellow inks will produce a solid black. In practice, in the printing process, black ink nearly always has to be added due to impurities in commercial printing inks.

See also: RGB, Additive colors

Signage

In the context of graphic design, signage is the term referring to any number of display formats that has been designed to convey information to an audience.

Signs and signage could range from road and street signs or fire exit signs, to neon displays in shopping centres and high street malls.