How Colour Schemes Affect Graphic Design

In essence, colour theory concerns how humans perceive different shades and hues, and also how different colour interact with each other. However, this basic explanation hides behind it the incredible depth and complexity that is involved with colour theory.

Colour theory is a scientific field that people devote their lives and careers towards, and many of its key points are still debated today. In reality, it covers a vast range of topics, including the meanings we place behind specific colours and how different shades can impact our perceptions.

Colour is all around us, and we subconsciously use it as a guide to make good decisions. According to multiple studies, the majority of us will decide on what businesses to interact with based purely on colours alone. In a crowded marketplace where making the right first impression matters, the colour scheme you use could make all the difference!

The way we interpret certain shades can vary depending on our personal experiences. However, there are some typical emotions that certain colours evoke.

Red is a colour that we react to very strongly. Red has connotations with aggression, but its weight also makes it a symbol for things of importance – this is why it’s used on warming signs. Blue, on the other hand, is seen as a more inviting and calming colour. There are shades in-between, such as yellow, which is energetic but can also be used as a warning. Orange is seen as playful, while green is seen as providing stability.

When we look at colour, we typically use the colour wheel. This wheel usually presents 12 colours that are formed by mixing the colours on either side. However, the wheel often doesn’t do justice to the amount of variation available when it comes to colour.

Hues, Shades and Tints

Colours are sometimes referred to as hues – in colour theory, this usually means the pure shade without any modifications, as it appears on a simple colour wheel. From here, you can create more unique colours by considering shades and tints.

Shades refer to when black is added to a colour. Adding a shade to yellow, for example, would turn it into a deeper orange. By contrast, tints are colour to which you add white, making them lighter. Add a tint to red, and you produce a more mild shade of pink.

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.

As mentioned above, you’ll likely have a primary colour in mind when it comes to your graphics. Take a moment to understand why that colour is your primary: does it create a feeling of calm? Is it lively and full of energy?

If your design is intended to be calming and thoughtful, consider pairing your primary colour with an analogous colour scheme. By contrast, if you want your graphic to pop and be energetic, look for more complementary colours.