Colour theoryColour is an interesting element of graphic design because it can be applied to any other element, changing it dramatically. It can be used to make an image stand out, to show linked text on a website, and to evoke emotion.
Graphic designers should combine their experience with color with an understanding of color theory. 
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Basic Color Terminology
An extremely important aspect of Graphic Design is color. In the world of art, color is of monumental importance. Believe it or not, some people make their entire careers around color. There are actually professionals called ‘color specialists,’ that are hired to come in and consult around the concept of color for certain projects.
Having said this, you will all be getting a pretty brief introduction to some basic terminology and concepts. The purpose and the importance of this information is in the way that we speak about our work, as well as how to combine colors in a deliberate and concise manner. For example, when you are speaking about your designs, you should be able to describe your color choices as ‘less saturated, or darker values,’ rather than just lighter or darker.
In reference to combining colors, we should all be completely aware of how colors interact with each other, rather than what you just think ‘looks cool together.’ Below we have terminology paired with a graphic illustration. These resources are instrumental in your coming projects, so you need to be very familiar with it.
Basic of the color wheel
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HueColour and hue are synonymous and can be used interchangeably.
Red, yellow and blue are the primary colours. Green, orange and violet are the secondary colours. Tertiary colours are a mixture of two secondary colours. VALUEThe lightness or darkness of a colour is called its value.
Lightened values are tints, darkened values are shades and medium value colours are described as midtones. The perception of a colour is affected greatly by its value or saturation; in planning a colour combination, value and saturation are as important as the hue. For example, in the red family, a darkened value of burgundy gives more power than a lighter value of rose pink. A vividly saturated turquoise is more exciting than a pale grayed aqua. SATURATIONThe intensity of a colour is described as saturation. Saturation is determined by how little or how much gray a colour contains.
In its purest form, a hue is at maximum saturation; these are colours that are not “grayed.” They are described as: clear, pure, brilliant, bright, rich, bold, vivid and/or true. The grayer or more neutral a colour is, the less its saturation. Less saturated colours are described as soft, muted, subtle, toned-down, misty, dull or dusty. |
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MONOCHROMATICS
One colour = HUE
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COMPLIMENTARY
The colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel.
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ANALOGOUS
Hues that are next to one another on the colour wheel
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Activity
1. Read the page
2. Look at the pdf 'Power of Colour' at the top of the page.
3. Watch the video
List 10 Brand Logos (show the image of them)
*** This is NOT 5 each *** Work together, 2 heads are better then 1 to come up with the thoughts for this.
OR - If you can not find a partner then complete this for 5 logos.
For each logo answer the following:
a. who do you think the target market is?
b. what colours are in these logos?
c. what do you think that colour means and use on the logo?
(use the pdf Power of Colour for this)
d. Do you think those colours are effective? or Do you think they should have used other colours? OR possibly different tone values (contrast / saturation etc.)
You will be receiving marks of completion for this and presentation of two logos.
1. Read the page
2. Look at the pdf 'Power of Colour' at the top of the page.
3. Watch the video
List 10 Brand Logos (show the image of them)
*** This is NOT 5 each *** Work together, 2 heads are better then 1 to come up with the thoughts for this.
OR - If you can not find a partner then complete this for 5 logos.
For each logo answer the following:
a. who do you think the target market is?
b. what colours are in these logos?
c. what do you think that colour means and use on the logo?
(use the pdf Power of Colour for this)
d. Do you think those colours are effective? or Do you think they should have used other colours? OR possibly different tone values (contrast / saturation etc.)
You will be receiving marks of completion for this and presentation of two logos.
| For more info on colour, view PDF |
