How does an artwork's colors change the holographic effect in a print?

If you are choosing to print your artwork using our holographic paper instead of white paper, it's worthwhile to know how how elements of color in your illustration will affect the appearance of the holo effect. 

The ink used in our printing is transparent. This means that the holographic effect will indeed reflect its pattern differently under that transparent ink color. Typically it will reflect the holo pattern under that color, as opposed to displaying its own color-changing effect.

Solid black and darker colors typically have more ink laid onto the holographic material and thus is the least transparent. Areas of white within an illustration will use no ink, and thus reflect the full color changing spectrum of the holographic paper. Here is one example of both transparent ink, areas of white, and solid black ink on a holographic print:

https://x.com/Narath_FGC/status/1828365042095415660

Another example shows how the effect appears when the material is shifted from side to side (click the link to see the video example):

https://x.com/Patches23X/status/1829260992532164834

Differences Between White Cardstock and Holographic Print

Both materials have their strengths. White cardstock is our tried and true paper material, producing vibrant colors with a textured semigloss. It's 95% brightness brings out the best color fidelity because it has a white backing.

Holographic paper has a striking metallic finish. By itself, its color changing properties are quite eye-catching. This is even more evident when a pattern is used. However, because the material does not have a white backing, the illustration's areas of white will instead show the metallic sheen. This can lead to a slightly duller appearance compared to cardstock. These comparison photos may help to illustrate. Please note that while the colors can appear more muted on holograph paper, the reflective nature of the material as well as its color properties will vary depending on the angle the illustration is seen and the material's pattern. Not every print will exactly resemble the below example.

White cardstock	Holographic paper