Pantone or CMYK

I wasn't sure where to ask this, so I hope this is ok...

When you are designing a logo for a contest you can reference the contest holders "Colors to be used" if they have specified, but it doesn't mention whether or not they would prefer to use pantone swatches or the CMYK model.

Even if the CH is leaving the colors to be used up to the designer...
As far as guidelines does it matter what you use?

I wasn't sure where to ask this, so I hope this is ok...

When you are designing a logo for a contest you can reference the contest holders "Colors to be used" if they have specified, but it doesn't mention whether or not they would prefer to use pantone swatches or the CMYK model.

Even if the CH is leaving the colors to be used up to the designer...
As far as guidelines does it matter what you use?

Since most of the design world uses the Pantone standard to go by when talking spot colors the printers, there is a difference in the CMYK equal, or should I actually say unequal.I design large format designs for sport teams and venues, I use PMS colors just to maintain a continuity that is necessary in my work. Take a look at Color Guides. There are times we also use the CMYK process color but depending on the printer and type of ink there can be some variances.I pointed it at the spot vs process color page but please bounce around the site and see other differences as in tints and metallic. I hope this helps a bit.

Thanks Dixieland...

I definitely understand the difference between color equivalents of spot colors and CMYK. However, there is no where (that I've seen) that the contest holder can tell us which they prefer.

Printing spot colors will give you a more consistent color since they are premixed inks, but they cost more than printing a 4-color version. And like we all know there is a difference in color when you convert a Pantone color to CMYK.

I just noticed that the design template for logo submissions mentions PMS. I haven't to date used any PMS swatches, for the reason I mentioned above.

I was just curious if there was a Design Contest standard? or if the Contest Holders are aware of the color models in use when they select a winning design?

Thanks Dixieland, really helpful post !

coated or uncoated lol? j/k. no but i absolutely agree pantone is probably the way to go how ever any advice for clients who might have no idea what that means?

I wasn't sure where to ask this, so I hope this is ok...

When you are designing a logo for a contest you can reference the contest holders "Colors to be used" if they have specified, but it doesn't mention whether or not they would prefer to use pantone swatches or the CMYK model.

Even if the CH is leaving the colors to be used up to the designer...
As far as guidelines does it matter what you use?

I think the logo in color selection ..
- In accordance with the meaning of the logo that we make
- Looks interesting
- Depending on the request of CH (simple or full color)
- If there is a demand from the ch for color adjustments we must make it for him