Color Theory- WEB141

Split Complementary

A split-complementary color scheme uses the colors on either side of the complement.This gives you the same level of contrast as a complementary color scheme but more colors to work with (and potentially more interesting results).

Triadic

A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced, forming a perfect triangle on the wheel.These combinations tend to be pretty striking—especially when they include primary or secondary colors—so be mindful when using them in your work.

Analgous

An analogous color scheme uses colors that are next to each other on the wheel, like reds and oranges or blues and greens.Don't be afraid to play with the palette and create your own unique interpretation. That's what color harmony is all about; the formulas are merely starting points to help guide and inspire you.

Color theory

Artists and designers have followed color theory for centuries, but anyone can learn more about it.It can help you feel confident in many different situations, whether it's choosing colors for a design or putting together the perfect outfit. With a little insight, you'll be looking at color in a whole new way.

Complementary

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the wheel; for instance, blue and orange or the classic red and green.To avoid complementary color schemes that are too simplistic, add some variety by introducing lighter, darker, or desaturated tones.

Hue

Hue is the easiest one; it's basically just another word for color. In the example below, you might describe the hue as coral pink or light red, depending on your interpretation.

Readability

Readability is an important factor in any design. Your colors should be legible and easy on the eyes, especially when working with text. Sometimes that means NOT using color—at least not in every little detail

Color wheel

Remember learning about primary and secondary colors in school? Then you already have some knowledge of color theory.Secondary colors are created by combining two primary colors. Red and yellow make orange; yellow and blue make green; and blue and red make purple.If we mix these colors together, we get even more in-between shades, like red-orange and yellow-green. All together, they form what's called a color wheel.

Saturation

Saturation refers to intensity—in other words, whether the color appears more subtle or more vibrant. Highly saturated colors are brighter or richer. Desaturated colors have less pigment and therefore less oomph.

Color Schemes

So how do we put this all together to create professional-looking color schemes? There are actually tried-and-true formulas based on something called color harmony that can help.Color harmony uses the color wheel to illustrate time-tested color combinations. We'll explore some of the most common types of harmony below.

Tetradic

Tetradic color schemes form a rectangle on the wheel, using not one but two complementary color pairs. This formula works best if you let one color dominate while the others serve as an accent.

Monochromatic

The easiest formula for harmony is monochromatic because it only uses one color or hue. To create a monochromatic color scheme, pick a spot on the color wheel, then use your knowledge of saturation and value to create variations.

Value

Value has to do with how dark or light the color is, ranging from black to white. As you can see below, this gives us many different shades, from a deep reddish brown to a light pastel pink.