 Color Theory How to use Color in Design

The Color Wheel TThere are twelve segments of color in the color wheel TThe twelve segments consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary hues and their specific tints and shades TThe three primary colors ( red, yellow, and blue) form an equilateral triangle within the circle  The three secondary colors ( orange, violet, and green) are located between each primary colors and form another triangle TThe six tertiary colors ( red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue- green, blue-violet, and red-violet) are a result from the combination of a primary and a secondary

Breaking Down the Color Wheel

The Process

Aspects of Color  The aspects or qualities for color refer to colors and color combinations that evoke certain emotional responses  Hot  Cold  Warm  Cool  Light  Dark  Pale  Bright

Hot! Hot refers to red in full saturation Hot colors can attract attention Hot colors are strong, and aggressive and seem to vibrate within their own space Hot colors can increase blood pressure and stimulate the nervous system

Cold Cold refers to fully saturated blue Cold colors remind people of ice and snow Cold slows the metabolism and increases people’s sense of calm

Warm All hues that contain red are warm It is the addition of yellow to red that makes warm colors substantially different from hot Warm colors are comforting, spontaneous, and welcoming

Cool Cool colors are based in blue They differ from cold colors because of the combination of green Cool colors, such as blue and green are seen in nature Cool colors make us think of spring and give us a sense of renewal, soothing, and calm

Light Light colors are pale pastels Light colors are almost transparent Light colors open up the surroundings and suggest airiness, rest and liquidity

Dark Dark colors are hues that contain black in their composition Dark colors close up space and make it seem smaller Dark colors are concentrated and serious in their effect They suggest autumn and winter Combining lights and darks together is a common and dramatic way to represent the opposites in nature such as night and day

Pale Pale colors, like ivory, light blue, and pink, suggest gentleness Because they are calming colors, pale hues are frequently used in interior spaces Pale hues are the softest pastels They contain at least 65% white in their composition Pale is used to create a soft or romantic feel

Bright The amount of pure color within a hue determines its brightness Bright colors are vivid and attract attention Bright colors never go unnoticed They are exhilarating and cheerful, bright colors are perfect for packaging, fashion and advertising

Basic Color Schemes