An ink set is disclosed that comprises a first ink composition containing a first colorant, and a second ink composition containing a second colorant, wherein the first colorant is different from the second colorant; wherein each ink composition, when printed at 100% fill on the same substrate, produces a color having a hue angle, h.degree..sub.n, and a lightness relative to that of the substrate, .DELTA.L*.sub.n, according to: h.degree..sub.n=tan.sup.-1(b*.sub.n/a*.sub.n) .DELTA.L*.sub.n=L*.sub.substrate-L*.sub.n wherein n=1 or 2 for the first and second ink compositions, respectively; h.degree..sub.1 and h.degree..sub.2 differ from each other by no more than 15.degree.; and .DELTA.L*.sub.1>.DELTA.L*.sub.2. An ink jet printing method that employs the ink set is also disclosed, as well as a printed image prepared with the ink set.