Forget-Me-Not
the story of a forgotten color
by amanda janowczyk
Forget-Me-Not
the story of a forgotten color
by amanda janowczyk
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” -George Bernard Shaw
f o e l Tab
s t n e t Con
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earch s e R e Imag
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Story t e l o i Blue-V
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r e Colo r u t a n Sig
s Studie
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es Palett
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es Textur
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ns Patter
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dix Appen
sion Conclu
The subtle
exsistence
of Blue-Violet can be seen throughout the world in reflecting windows, sun-setting skies, cast shadows and atmospheric fogs.
There are so many colors to choose from when designing, but it seems like only a handful are used on a regular basis. What about those colors that go unnoticed? Why aren’t they being used?
Why are they forgotten?
14 | STUDIES
I am underappreciated, rarely seen and in the middle
I think of myself as exciting and vibrate, but people tend to overlook my beauty. They of an identity crisis.
are scared of my power and strength, which prevents them from seeing me for who I really am.
Color Story | 15
this is where
the journey begins... Since I don’t have much of a reputation, I am on a journey to make a name for myself. I want the world to know who I am and what I can do. I set forth with a fresh slate with no previous assumptions and perceptions. Starting from the beginning, I can build my image and gain some respect in the spectrum of colors.
16 | Color Story
STUDIES | 17
Signature Color
Introducing... I have many characteristics that can take designs out of this world! I am a symbol of fun and excitement, power and beauty. I am mystical and enchanting, with a hint of dare and adventure. I am Discovery. I want to help people explore what makes me special and have them recognize what I can do. I will encourage designers to reach for the moon and touch the stars. With me, the sky isn’t the limit anymore!
18 | STUDIES
DISCOVERY PMS 2745 BV-Hue R: 88 G: 79 B: 149 C: 74 M: 73 Y: 0 K: 0 HEX 584F92
STUDIES | 19
Color Harmonies
Monochromatic
Starting with Discovery, the signature color, white and black can be added to create a large range of colors to work with. Each shade and tint has it’s own personality and characteristics. They span from bold to friendly and from love to loyalty.
20 | STUDIES
STUDIES | 21
Color Harmonies
Analogous My life has been difficult competing for attention with primary colors and secondary colors. They are always bullying me around, telling me that they are the favorites. Blue and Violet are my major rivals. They are the first ones to be chosen over me in designs because of their familiarity and dependability. But I think it’s time for someone new to take charge! I have the best characteristics of both my counterparts. I have the mystery of violet and the courage of blue. I am the union of love and truth. I possess authority, passion, honor and reflection. I am enchanted, charmed and thrilling. I can create an oasis between nostalgia and magic.
To the right is a basic range of tints and shades of Blue-Violet and it’s analogous colors, Violet and Blue. Using this harmony has quiet and restful effect.
22 | STUDIES
So Last Year PMS 268 V-Hue
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
Color Hog PMS 3015 B-Hue
STUDIES | 23
Color Harmonies
Analogous + Accent
Above is a sample of Blue-Violet’s analogous colors with an added accent hue. This hue was selected by using Blue-Violet’s complimentary color, yellow-orange.
24 | STUDIES
Color Harmonies
Compliments There is one special color that is my compliment. Yellow-Orange is very dear to me. We are exact opposite, but we can offer so much to each other. When mixed together, we create a neutral gray. Together we are an important aspect of aesthetically pleasing design because we make each other seem brighter.
26 | STUDIES
Sun Rays PMS 137 YO-Hue
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
STUDIES | 27
Color Harmonies
Split Compliments Bright Sun PMS 108 Y-Hue
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
Citric Juice PMS Orange 021 O-Hue
Blue-Violet’s split complimentary colors are yellow and orange. They are known to be more pleasing than complimentary pairs because they lack the intensity of complimentary colors.
STUDIES | 29
Color Harmonies
Double Compliments
Firecracker PMS 1788 RO-Hue
Conversation Starter PMS 3135 BG-Hue
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
Sun Rays PMS 137 YO-Hue
These bright and vibrate color combinations make any composition fun and exciting. Use these split complimentary colors to create a bold statement.
STUDIES | 31
Color Harmonies
Mixing Compliments
Compliment Mixing Study Two harmonious neutrals are created with paint when Blue-Violet and it’s compliment, Yellow-Orange, are mixed together. Five tints for each are also developed to further explore their characteristics.
32 | STUDIES
Morning Burst PMS 2745 BV-T3
New Day PMS 135 YO-T2
Midnight Sky PMS 532 B-S2
Journey Starter PMS 7506 YO-LP
Picking three to four values in this scale can create a brilliant neutral palette. Above is an example of this.
STUDIES | 33
This neutral color palette can then be applied to symbols and logos. This symbol above represents Blue-Violet as a color who is lacking a voice among other colors. His empty and quiet quote bubble is surrounded by a yellow-orange. To the left is a study that shows the same palette applied in different ways, which can change the focus, meaning and perception.
34 | STUDIES
STUDIES | 35
Other Studies
Color Contrasts
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Contrast of Hues: This contrast is formed by different hues. The farther the hues are from each other on the color wheel, the more contrast that is created. Contrast of Warm and Cool: this contrast is made by the juxtaposition of warm and cool hues. Blue-Violet is considered a cool hue. Red and Orange make the Blue-Violet seem cooler than it already is and visa versa. Contrast of Saturation: The light and dark saturations give this image its contrast. The most contrast is created when a saturated Blue-Violet is next to a unsaturated gray.
Other Studies
Transparency
Transparency can be used to create a third color within a color palette. The third color is the absolute middle in terms of hue, value, and intensity. This effect can be used to compose space illusions because it creates depth by overlapping forms.
38 | STUDIES
Color Palettes
Flower Sensation Color palettes can be based on photos by analyzing the image for its color proportions. Smaller proportions make great accents.
Special Delight PMS 2705 BV-T5
Courageous Green PMS 369 YG-S1
Sunny Spirit PMS 3955 Yc-EX
40 | PALETTES
Mood Changer PMS 2725 BV-T2
Color Palettes
Blooming Voice I am a challenge to find in nature, but I can be spotted in gardens. As the name suggests, I am the color of the flower Blue-Violet, a symbol of faithfulness and love. I am also the color of Cornflowers and Irises, symbolizing wisdom, friendship and hope. Ironically, my essence is on the pedals of Forget-Me-Nots, another reminder of love and trust.
Creative Strength PMS 1245 YO-S1
New Beginnings PMS 367 YG-P1-1
Young Love PMS 2705 BV-T5
Lazy Day PMS 463 YO-P4-1
Open Mind PMS 659 B-P1-2
Palettes | 43
Color Palettes
Pastel Elegance
Memory Starter PMS 2705
Truthful Reflection PMS 467 YO-P4-3
Mystic Sunset PMS 7450 B-P1-3
Timid Light PMS 726 O-LP
This pastel sunset color scheme brings together nature and elegance. The color combinations are made up of simple and pleasant light tints of Blue-Violet, Blue, Yellow-Orange and Orange.
44 | Palettes
Color Palettes
Summer Punch I can also make things more exciting. I represent change and all things new. I add life and energy. I can make spaces active and animated, unlike Blue and Violet, who recede and fade into the background. I have attitude.
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
Bright Pop PMS 1787 R-T1
Growing Confidence PMS 359 YGc-T1
Healthly Nature PMS 336 G-S2
Palettes | 47
Color Palettes
Mountain Aura Less Beaten Path PMS 5783 YG-P3-2
This airy mountain feeling can be created by using cool pastels in a modified analogous scheme. An accent of green can also add some interest to the palette.
Shy Intensions PMS 679 RV-P1-3
Calm Air PMS 2708
Deep Breath PMS 2706
48 | Palettes
Color Palettes
Tahoe Sunset Energy Glow PMS 1205 Yw-T3
Happy Promises PMS 7432 M-P1-1
Here is a darker palette that reflects Blue-Violet’s power and strength. The onset of nighttime adds to the mystery of this hue’s beauty. A pop of a yellow accent attracts the eye’s attention.
Power Storm PMS 2748 B-S2
Discovery PMS 2745 BV-Hue
50 | Palettes
52 | STUDIES
Color Palettes
Soft Cool Daze Fresh and soft are two words to describe this color scheme. This analogous combination can create a romantic and mystical feeling based on these tinted values.
Loyal Love PMS 2945 B-S1
Romantic Dream PMS 2563 RV-T4
Day Dreamer PMS 666
Morning Burst PMS 2745 BV-T3
Thought Bubble PMS 290 B-LT
STUDIES | 53
Textures
Monochromatic I can be seen in very limited amounts of fashion and make-up. I have a small collection of paint in home improvement stores. I can be found in crayon boxes, but never in marker sets. I am in the shadows and undertones of the world around us.
Textures provide a range of shades and tints from the colors they posses. To the right is a collection of Blue-Violet textures found in and around the house. They range from soft and comforting, to smooth plastic. They can also be chalky, powdery, reflective or waxy.
54 | Textures
Textures
Analogous + Split Compliments
On the next page is an array of Blue-Violet’s split compliments, Yellow and Orange, and analogous, Violet and Blue, textures. Some provide smooth and light surfaces, shiny, bright, soft and coarse textures and depth. They can represent leather, powder, fuzzy, comfy, bumpy, rubbery and spongy.
56 | Textures
Patterns
Double Compliments 1
What would be the point of Blue-Violet’s existence if it’s not used? Here are a few examples of how Blue-VIolet’s color schemes can be applied in patterns and on objects. For an exciting and thrilling vibe, hit the slopes and get some air with a double complimentary palette on snowboards.
58 | PATTErNS
Patterns
Analogous
In the Spring time, with this analogous pattern, a hiking backpack can look fresh and fun. Taking this on your next trip can brighten your day and lift your spirits. Don’t give up! You can hike all the way to the top!
PATTErNS | 61
Patterns
Double Compliments 2
Ahoy! Here is another example of using double compliments, only this time with a more organic pattern. This shows how Blue-Violet can even be used out at sea. Mimicking the waves of the ocean, this pattern can make any trip on the water a smooth and memorable one.
62 | PATTErNS
I understand that my scarcity allows me to be more unique and distinctive, but I am tired of being pushed around. I want to be the star. I crave to be in the spotlight. I want to be heard! It is my turn to prove that I am just as
It’s about time I step out of the darkness and show everyone what I’m about!
important as the other colors.
You now understand my beauty, where to find it and how to use it. Go out into the world and use what you have learned here to spread my message. Unveil how excited you are about life and design. Prove that you are daring, willing to discover unique things and start new trends. Show your peers that you are fun, friendly and the life of the party. Expose who I am!
I am Blu and I’m g rock you
ue-Violet going to ur world!
Appendix
Blue-Violet
Cheat Sheet
Shades
Tints
Tones
Compliments BV + YO
PMS 2745 BV-Hue R: 88 G: 79 B: 149 C: 74 M: 73 Y: 0 K: 0 HEX 584F92
Split Compliments O + BV + Y
Analogous B + BV + V
Double Compliments YO + BV + BG + RO
Triad YG + BV + RO
Complementary Neutral
Photo
Credits
page 17 photo taken by David Hallock www.flickr.com/photos/oruwu
72 | APPENDIX
page 18 photo taken by Larry Tanner www.rv-103.com/?p=928
page 57 photo taken by Jonathan Buckley profiles.google.com/anyjdoe3713
page 61 photo taken by Merika
static.panoramio.com/photos/original
APpendix | 73
You better not forget about me again.
et Vio l lue- d of B I am ’m tire in d . I beh t and f e gl b e in r f ul owe et p , l, y f un I am beautifu to and le tend p pe o me . d o v a i to how n r a Le ter my d mas ance an gh u eleg ty thro based s u e a i b e r s tu d e of o l g o n c a r y ic s . on macterist se ch a r e c au b y rock read Get oing to I’m g world. r you 76 | STUDIES