The recently-launched Pixel Outpost site currently has a consumer focus, but in response to questions from Graphics.com, president Steve Kozel indicated that the service also has value for those in the design field, in part because of the firm’s background. Prior to founding Pixel Outpost, Kozel was CEO of O.N.E. Color, an 89-year-old company specializing in creative retouching and assembly for San Francisco advertising agencies, as well as corporate packaging clients. “Color management was paramount for both sectors but particularly in packaging, where color standards are just catching hold. We were experts at profiling proofing devices and presses, and ensuring color consistency throughout the process.”

This color expertise is apparent in Pixel Outpost's willingness to make standard ICC profiles available for clients that need to more closely match the color on their screen with the firm’s output. Keeping Pixel Outpost’s devices calibrated with their proprietary device-specific profiles ensures that output is consistent for similar images from one session to the next. 

According to Kozel, while the focus is currently on consumers, the firm is prepared to expand its range of services for the graphic arts sector. “We have found that many designers wish to have the traditional sales rep channel, but the ease of use and fast turnaround of our service may be of interest if they can provide flattened TIFF or JPEG files. The 8 MB limit is geared towards the consumer, but if we find that the professional market is responding we will raise the file size limit appropriately.”