Colour Theory
Introduction
Colour plays an important part in Graphic Communication Colour can make a graphic look realistic Colour can create a mood or feeling
Primary Colours
The primary colours are Yellow Red Blue These are mixed together to make all possible colours
Secondary Colours
The secondary colours Orange Violet Green Are produced by mixing two Primary Colours in equal quantities
Tertiary Colours ď Ž
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The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal quantities They take their name from the 2 mixed colours
The Colour Wheel ď Ž
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The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing how colours relate to each other The outside ring shows 3 primary, 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colours
Tints and Shades
Tints Add white to make a tint Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness
Shades Add black or grey to make a shade Dark shades make objects appear heavy
Using Colour ď Ž
Designers use combinations of colours to create different effects and evoke a variety of feelings
Harmony ď Ž
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Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outside of the colour wheel are used together The effect is relaxing and sympathetic
Contrast ď Ž
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Contrast is created when colours far apart on the colour wheel are used together Contrasting colours are described as complementary
Warm Colours ď Ž
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Warm colours (reds, yellows and oranges) are known as advancing colours
They appear closer to the viewer than other colours
Cool Colours ď Ž
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Cool colours (blues, greens and violets) are known as receding colours
They appear to be further away from the viewer
A Harmonious Colour Scheme ď Ž
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Any colours within the same third of the colour wheel will work together to create a harmonious colour scheme. eg violet, red, redorange
A Bold Colour Scheme ď Ž
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Any two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and create a bold scheme eg violet and yellow
An Exciting Colour Scheme
Any three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to create an exciting scheme eg yellow, red and blue
Colour and Mood
Different colours create different moods Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere Effects are created by using colour combinations
Colour and Mood Red Warm, exciting, vibrant, passionate, dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive, courageous, festive Orange Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and energy Yellow Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily seen Green Cool, restful, natural, calm, soothing, fresh, quiet, informal Blue Cool, elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal, classy Purple Rich, pompous regal Violet Cool, peaceful, solitary Neutrals Greys; natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified, comfortable Browns; natural, earthy, safe Black and White Dramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting
Colour and Communication
Colour coding
As a symbol
Promote sales
Group identity
Promote name
Instructional