Basic Information
Title: Annie Leibovitz: Women: 2025 Edition
Publisher: Phaidon Press
Author: Annie Leibovitz, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Susan Sontag, Gloria Steinem
ISBN: 9781837291144
Printer: Artron Print
PRODUCTION NOTES
Eliminating "Metamerism" – Perfecting Neutral Grey
The Challenge
This photography monograph features high-contrast black and white portraits. The client demanded an "absolute neutral grey" for the slipcase to match the book's aesthetic.
However, the slipcase design uses two different paper stocks: 157gsm Coated Art Paper for the outer wrap and 115gsm Munken Paper for the inner lining. Printing consistent grey tones across these two distinct substrates (one glossy/coated, one uncoated/absorbent) using standard CMYK is virtually impossible and prone to metamerism (color shifting under different light sources).
Our Solution
Multi-Spot Grey Strategy: We abandoned standard process blacks. Instead, we formulated a custom ink recipe: "HUV Spot Grey 1B + Spot Grey 2", with a precise 5% Yellow addition to warm the tone.
Substrate-Specific Curve Management: We applied distinct color management curves for each material. The outer coated paper used AC2018-Fusion-AM210L-Fogra51, while the inner uncoated lining used AC2020-Fusion-AM210-Fogra52. This digital calibration ensured that the physical grey ink appeared visually identical on both surfaces.
The "Touch Shield" – Anti-Scratch Engineering
The Challenge
The slipcase serves as the book's primary protection and features large areas of dark, solid printing.
For a global distribution project, standard matte lamination is too fragile. The friction from shipping and the repetitive action of sliding the book in and out would quickly leave unsightly white scuff marks on a standard matte surface, degrading the product's perceived value before it even reaches the customer.
Our Solution
Anti-Scratch Scuff-Free Lamination: The instruction sheet specified the use of "Anti-Scratch Matte Lamination" (Scuff-free). This specialized film has a hardened surface tension that resists abrasion.
Durability Testing: By applying this industrial-grade finish, we ensured the slipcase could withstand rigorous logistics and handling while maintaining a velvety, premium tactile feel.
Cross-Component Color Consistency
The Challenge
A slipcase and a hardcover book are produced on different timelines and often on different machines.
The client explicitly required: "The hardcover endpaper and the slipcase inner lining must match in spot color."
Maintaining this consistency across a high-volume run is difficult, especially when the inner lining is printed on uncoated paper which typically absorbs ink and dulls the color.
Our Solution
HUV Hybrid Varnish Protection: For the uncoated Munken lining, we used HUV Printing with Full PMS 4010/401U ink, immediately sealed with a HUV Hybrid Varnish (Gloss/Matte 1:1 mix). This varnish lock-in technique prevented the ink from sinking into the fibers (dry-back), keeping the color saturated and stable.
Real-Time Dry Matching: Leveraging HUV's instant-curing capability, press operators could perform immediate color matching against the signed "Ok-sheet" without waiting for ink to dry, eliminating the guesswork usually associated with uncoated paper printing.
