An improved variable data printing (VDP) method is disclosed. A VDP database contains variable data and form data. The variable data includes a plurality of entries each having a plurality attributes. The form data includes images. Each printed piece of a VDP production includes variable data and form data selected based on the variable data attributes. When the printed pieces include a background image and foreground text to be printed over the background image, and when different pieces in the VDP production have different background image, the method automatically selects a text color to print the foreground text over the background image on each piece to enhance visibility and/or aesthetic appearance. In addition, the foreground text color for each piece may be selected based on additional attributes of the variable data.