A method for selecting the level of color inconstancy of an output image produced on a digital color printer having a neutral ink and a plurality of color inks is disclosed. The method includes analyzing the distribution of input colors present in the input digital image to determine a color distribution metric related to the importance of producing output images having a reduced color inconstancy when the output image is viewed under a variety of image illumination spectra; selecting a color transform from a set of available color transforms designed to produce output images having different color inconstancy characteristics in response to the color distribution metric; processing the input digital image using the selected color transform to produce a transformed image having a selected level of color inconstancy; and printing the transformed image on the digital color printer to produce an output image having the selected level of color inconstancy.