Option A is ideal for those with a comprehensive understanding of RGB versus CMYK and a proficient knowledge of how ICC profiles function. 
For those who are new to soft proofing, it’s advisable to consider Option B.
You have selected: Option A.
 
You know how to prepare a print-ready file. 
 
Our graphic designers don’t perform any double-checks in Option A – They expect to get a file that is ready for printing.
 
Please read all the info on this page very carefully before sending your file. Please submit only one photo. 
 

Please make sure that your file meets all the requirements before submitting it – This is very important!!

Let’s start – First, set up a color-managed workflow:
  1. Calibrate your monitor using a colorimeter
  2. Install the Blurb ICC profile
  3. Soft proof and save your final image in the proper color space for your workflow.

Why should you calibrate your monitor?

A calibrated monitor allows you accurately soft proof your images. Soft proofing is a special preview feature in Photoshop and Lightroom that allows you to see on your monitor how your images will print on a particular device. With a color-managed workflow including Blurb’s ICC profile, you’ll be able to predict how your images will look in print. 

Install the Blurb ICC profile

Color management works its digital magic by converting from one color space into another, while trying to preserve the closest possible color match. This requires an accurate description of the source color space and the destination color space. This description is known as an ICC profile.

Below are steps for installing the profile on a Mac or PC. 

Installing the Blurb ICC Profile on Mac OS X

  • Download the Blurb ICC profile 
  • Place it into the following directory: Main HD > Library > ColorSync > Profiles
  • If you are using Adobe CS, you can also place the profile in the Recommended directory for Adobe applications (Main HD > Library > ColorSync > Profiles > Recommended).
  • Placing the profile in the Recommended folder makes it appear near the top of the profiles list inside Adobe applications

Installing the Blurb ICC Profile on Windows

  • Download the Blurb ICC profile
  • Right-click on the profile and select Install Profile. 
  • If you’re using Adobe CS, you can also place the profile in the preferred directory for Adobe applications: C Drive > Program Files > Common > Adobe > Color > Profiles > Recommended.
  • Placing the profile here makes it more convenient because it will appear near the top of the profiles list inside Adobe applications.

Finally, when you have prepared your file ready for printing in CMYK, please double-check that you meet all the requirements:

  • Print requirements: Send 1 photo

    • Longer edge: exactly 4,000 pixels
    • Resolution: 300 DPI (pixels/inch )
    • Color space: CMYK
    • ICC profile: Blurb (select Perceptual as the rendering intent – very important!)
    • Use soft proofing to address any color issues.
    • File format: JPG
    • File name: Your first name _ last name (for example John_Smith)
    • No logos or watermarks, your name will be published with the photo

When you meet all these requirements, please click the button below to submit your file. If your file does not meet these requirements, we can’t print it. That’s why it’s important to double-check before you submit.

🚫 Please do not submit files that don’t meet the exact requirements!!!

Submit your photo here

If you’d like our graphic designers to convert your file from RGB to CMYK and ensure it has the correct ICC profile, and do the soft proofing for you, please Select Option B.

✅ If you have followed the info and double-checked that everything is correct before sending, this is what happens next: Once the print issue is ready, you can find it on our website in the “Buy Magazines” section. There, you’ll see your name, a free digital preview, and a 20% discount of the print issue.

✅ You will not get an update email when the print has been published, simply see our website. Your name will be under the published print issue.

✅ By submitting your file you guarantee that you have double-checked everything and our graphic designers can start printing. 

Warning: If you submit a file that has not been prepared for print, our graphic designers will delete it. Please don’t do this. Our graphic designers are freelancers, and we pay them per submitted photo. Even if your photo is deleted, we still have to pay for it. That’s why it’s important that you double-check everything before you submit your file. We trust you. If you are not 100% sure what you’re doing, please select Option B.