How do I make sure my skin tones print accurately?

Skin tones are the first thing people notice and the first thing a bad file gets wrong. Most color surprises come from printing an RGB file that was only ever judged on a bright screen, so the fix starts before you upload.

• Convert to CMYK before exporting, since RGB reds and warm tones shift toward orange or muddy on press.
• Calibrate your monitor so what you approve on screen is close to what actually prints.
• Avoid pure single-channel blacks near the face, which can throw a color cast into shadows.
• Order a printed proof when accuracy is critical, so you judge tone on paper instead of a backlit display.
• Keep some highlight headroom so cheeks and foreheads do not blow out to paper white.