The human eye can see seven million colors,
which is daunting to think about. How do we
manage color so effectively?
The basic color wheel is made up of three
primary colors. When two of those colors are
combined, they create secondary colors. Then
when two of those colors blend, they create
tertiary colors.
However, color types only address the hue,
the unmodified form of the color.
Don’t get overwhelmed yet: it’s pretty
easy to understand the other variables. Add
black to your color to change the shade. Add
white to your color to change the tint. And
add grey to your color to change the tone.
Three easy ways to change the mood of your
color palette.
Now you’re asking, how do you pick colors
that look good together? Thankfully, it’s
not a guessing game, people have created color
harmonies help guide you through color selection.
The simplest solution is a monochromatic color
scheme, featuring a variety of shades, tints,
and tones, but they all stem from the same
hue.
An analogous color scheme is fairly simple
as well, made up of at least two colors directly
beside each other on the color wheel. There’s
no limit on how many hues you can use.
Complementary color schemes are probably the
most commonly used: it features two hues positioned
on opposite sides of the color wheel, allowing
high contrast while still complementing each
other.
Anyways, then there’s the triadic color
scheme. This one is more complex: it’s made
up of three different hues, all equal distance
from each other. Would it be easier if I said
all three of those colors would come from
the same color type? Don’t worry, you’ll
get it…
Like other artistic skills, mastery comes
from practice. So make some bad color schemes,
steal some good ones, and good luck.
