A method implemented in a color image reproduction system that includes a data processing apparatus having a non-transitory memory for storing a computer software program and a processor for executing the software program, wherein the program includes a program code configured to cause the data processing apparatus to execute a process for optimizing color image reproduction, which process includes the steps of finding preferred hue angles for a memory color, for each preferred hue angle determining a maximum chroma value of its hue slice, selecting two chroma points at a pre-determined percentage of the maximum chroma value, integrating a lightness function of chroma over a range between the two chroma points to calculate an area under a curve of the function, and selecting a preferred hue angle to be used as a gamut mapping target for the memory color based on the result of the area calculation.