Behind the Vinyl: An Interview with Shan, Color Specialist at Precision Record Pressing
By Julia Girdharry
At Precision Record Pressing, creating stunning, one-of-a-kind color effects is an art form of its own. We spoke with Shantelle, PRP’s color specialist, about her creative process and what drives her to innovate.
Ever wondered what goes into those stunning, one-of-a-kind records? Shantelle, PRP’s color wizard, blends her fine art skills with years of vinyl experience to create truly unique color effects. From working as a press operator to QA, Shantelle is a certified color specialist. Scroll down to dive into her vibrant world and discover what makes her approach so special!
Q: Could you introduce yourself?
A: I’m Shantelle, and I work at Precision Record Pressing in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Q: What do you do at PRP?
A: I design and handle all the color effects and samples we create here. I also consult with our sales representatives and work with both major and indie labels on their projects to help bring their vision to life.
Q: What aspects of being an artist help with your color work?
A: There are a lot of similarities between the way colors blend in painting and how they interact during the vinyl pressing process. With my own art, I focus on how colors react to one another, but working with vinyl compounds introduced a new color theory. It’s been years of experimentation, but it’s been such a rewarding journey.
Q: Why is innovation in color and effects important for vinyl pressing?
A: Vinyl records have evolved into more than just black or white discs; they’ve become an extension of the artist’s identity. The physical vinyl should reflect the personality and creativity of the music itself. With the endless possibilities in colors and effects, it’s my job to explore those options and ensure that the final product truly represents the artist’s vision.
Q: What’s your favorite color to work with and why?
A: I love working with black ice. For a dark color, it’s incredibly versatile and works beautifully with various effects like A-side/B-side, galaxy, and marbles. When mixed with an opaque color, it creates depth and really makes the surrounding colors pop.
Q: What’s your favorite effect?
A: Marble, for sure. They offer a huge range of possibilities. You can create something soft and muted, or bold and striking. I work with them the most, and they never fail to deliver amazing results.
Q: Is there competition among color experts in the vinyl industry?
A: Absolutely. There are so many talented creators out there making spectacular vinyl. Each of us works with different machines and components, so sometimes I see something and wish we could do that with our setup. But we do amazing work with what we have, especially when it comes to mass production, and there’s always room for creativity and innovation.
Q: What do you love most about being a creator in the vinyl industry?
A: The best part is seeing the client’s reaction when they first see their vinyl. It’s the same feeling I get when someone connects with one of my paintings. That shared moment of excitement and appreciation never gets old—it’s what makes this job so rewarding.
Shantelle’s passion for color innovation brings an exciting edge to vinyl record production, transforming each piece into a unique work of art. Her artistic background and dedication to pushing the limits of what’s possible have made her an essential part of the PRP team. For Shantelle, vinyl is more than just a medium for music—it’s a canvas for creativity.
To see more of Shantelle’s incredible work, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @precisionpressing. For weekly color drops and exclusive insights, check out @PRPeffects on Instagram.