Colour Theory for Graphic Designers - Tips and Inspiration

Colour theory is one of the most important elements in graphic design. We look at how colours can be used to create feelings and moods.

What is Colour Theory?

Colour exists all around us, but have you ever thought to yourself "Why is that apple red?" It is because physical objects, when hit by light, will absorb and reflect light to your eyes. When white light hits the apple, all the wavelengths of the light are absorbed apart from red, which is reflected to your eyes and so the apple appears to be red. The study of absorption and reflection of light is called spectroscopy, and the link explains more about the science if you wish to read more.

How to Use Colour Theory

The colour wheel is attributed to Isaac Newton around 1666. Below is a diagram of the colour wheel that illustrates several important concepts. The colour wheel is a visual tool to help comprehend the rules of colour theory.

The colour wheel specifies the three primary colours - red, blue and yellow. It also specifies three secondary colours - orange, green and purple, which are created by mixing two primary colours. Finally, it specifies 6 tertiary colours - made by mixing a secondary colour and a primary colour. The colour wheel is used to create colour schemes by identifying colours that go well together or complement each other.

Complimentary colours are any two colours that are directly opposite each other, for example, red and green. They are also called contrasting colours. This is a key concept to understand how contrasting colours are used in a design.

Think of a lifebuoy, emergency dingy or even a lifeboat. They are predominantly orange in colour. Looking across the colour wheel, the opposite colour or contrasting colour is blue, the colour of the sea. The contract between the two makes the orange life raft stand out as much as possible against the blue of the sea.

Analogous colours are the safest bet when considering graphic design. Typically pick a starting colour and work with the colours immediately surrounding it. These colours will go together very well. For example, using a base colour of yellow, the analogous colours would be the oranges and greens.

Triad colours are any three colours that are equidistant on the colour wheel.

Colour Theory - Tints and Shades

When you add white to a colour, you make it lighter. These are called tints. When you add black to a colour, you make it darker. These are called shades. Tints and shades are used everywhere when working with designs. Shades are often stronger, bolder colours, while tints are lighter and more washed out. The diagram below shows various colours with tints and shades.

The Link Between Colours and Emotions

Colour is an important tool for non-verbal communication. When we see a colour we naturally assign feelings and emotions to it. For example, warm colours have feelings of energy, power, passion and cheerfulness. Cool colours are seen as more refreshing, reliable and trustworthy. Because of this colour plays a significant role in brand perception. Plutchik's wheel of emotions is shown below and this graphically shows the range and strength of emotions attributed to a given colour. This can be particularly useful for logo and web design, as the choice of colour can dictate the level of trust or help convey a brand message.