Chapter 5 Using Color

Goals Explore the concept of a color gamut Get acquainted with color models Learn what color mode to use Apply colors and patterns to strokes and fills Explore the color features and tools in Illustrator Make gradients Learn how to pick colors using color chords

Color Gamuts, Models, and Modes Every device (computer, printer, the human eye) that has the capability to reproduce color has its own color range, which defines its color space or gamut.

Color Model A color model is a system for describing colors and choosing colors in Illustrator. The color models in Illustrator include: Grayscale RGB Web-safe RGB HSB CMYK

Color Mode A color mode determines how artwork is output, either for display onscreen (RGB) or print (CMYK). For an Illustrator document, choose a specific color mode depending on the artwork’s intended purpose.

Applying Color There are several ways to apply colors and patterns on strokes and fills in Illustrator: The Color panel The Color Picker The Swatches panel The Control panel The Eyedropper tool The Live Paint Bucket tool The Gradient tool and Gradient panel

Lessons 1 and 2: Las Vegas Lady Practice applying stroke and fill colors to lines and shapes in this lesson.

Color in Design How do you know what colors look good together? As a starting point to pick colors, think color chords: Monochromatic Analogous Achromatic Dyad Warm hues Cool hues

Summary Color models, color modes, and color gamuts are important concepts to understand when working with color. Colors can be applied in Illustrator with the Color panel, Color Picker, Swatches panel, Control panel, Eyedropper tool, Live Paint Bucket tool, or Gradient panel. Color chords can help you pick more visually appealing color combinations.