1. A method for controlling an image output device comprising: generating an image output device multidimensional color profile LUT (look-up-table) characterizing a color profile of the image output device for a plurality of drift states associated with the image output device, each drift state associated with an overall change in the performance of the image output device to render a plurality of colors relative to an initial performance of the image output device associated with an initial characterization of the color profile of the image output device; generating a set of basis vectors representing the image output device multidimensional color profile LUT; storing the set of basis vectors on a controller-usable data carrier; determining a current drift state of the image output device; and generating an image output device active color profile associated with the current drift state of the image output device to convert image color data for display or printing by the image output device, wherein the image output device active color profile is generated from the set of basis vectors and the current drift state of the image output device.