Have you ever wondered why some colours go so well together? Why do certain colour combinations make you feel happy or sad? Colour theory is the answer to all of those questions – and more! In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about this fascinating topic in simple, easy-to-understand terms. We'll start by discussing the basic terminology and classifications, and then move on to exploring other considerations such as human perception, cultural associations, and colour psychology. By the end of this post, you will have a strong foundation in colour theory and be able to create your own stunning colour combinations with confidence! So, let's get started!
What is Colour Theory?
In its simplest form, colour theory is the study of how colours interact with each other. It includes rules and guidelines about various colour combinations and their uses. Colour theory can be applied to a wide range of fields, including art, design, fashion, and even marketing.
Basic Terminology and Classifications
Primary colours: red, yellow, and blue. These colours cannot be created by mixing any other colours together.
Secondary colours are created by mixing two primary colours together. There are three secondary colours: orange (red + yellow), green (yellow + blue), and purple (blue + red).
Tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary and a secondary colour together. There are six tertiary colours: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple.
Colour schemes are named after the colours that are used in them. For example, a monochromatic colour scheme uses different shades and tints of the same single colour. Other popular colour schemes include complementary, split-complementary, triadic, and tetradic.
Now that we've covered some of the basic terminologies, let's move on to exploring other important considerations!
Human Perception
One of the most important factors to consider when working with colours is human perception. Our brains are hardwired to see and process colours in a certain way. For example, the colour red is often associated with danger or excitement, while the colour blue is often associated with calm or relaxation. When choosing colours for your project, it's important to keep human perception in mind and choose colours that will create the desired effect.
Cultural Associations
Another important factor to consider is cultural associations. Different cultures have different associations with various colours. For example, in many Western cultures, white is often associated with purity and innocence, while in many Eastern cultures, white is associated with death and mourning. When working with colours, it's important to be aware of these cultural associations and choose colours that will be appropriate for your audience.
Colour Psychology
Another fascinating aspect of colour theory is colour psychology. This is the study of how colours affect our moods and emotions. Different colours can have different effects on our state of mind. For example, the colour orange is often associated with energy, while the colour green is often associated with nature. Keep these psychological effects in mind when choosing a colour palette for our clients.
Conclusion
In this blog post, touched on some points about colour theory in simple, easy-to-understand terms. We've covered the basic terminology and classifications, and then explored other important considerations such as human perception, cultural associations, and colour psychology. By now, you should be able to move forward and create your own stunning colour combinations with confidence! Stay close to see our next post about where we dive deeper into colour theory.
