When creating graphics, we will often have a key colour in our head that we
want throughout the design. This colour may be part of your brand, or it
might just be something you choose to help your graphic stand out.
Regardless, you’ll need other colours to support it, which is where colour
schemes come into play.
Successful colour schemes often rely heavily on the colour wheel. Using the
information provided by the wheel, you can plot colours that are proven to
evoke certain feelings in people.
Complimentary Colours
Complimentary colours are those that are directly opposite each other on the
colour wheel. Examples could be red-green and yellow-purple. Using these
combinations creates a sharp but balanced design, making it an excellent
choice for simple graphics that need to stand out.
Triadic Colours
This colour scheme involves selecting three colours on the wheel that are of
equal distance from each other. A typical example is red-blue-yellow. These
colour schemes evoke similar feelings to complementary colours but with
three shades, providing more options for different aspects of your design.
Analogous Colours
Unlike the two schemes above, analogous colours sit next to each other on
the colour wheel. Examples here could include yellow-green-blue or orange-
red-purple. These designs appear much smoother than they’re counterparts,
with one colour being supported by other complimentary.