Hey there!
As a surface pattern designer one of the most important decisions we make in our designs is choosing the perfect colour palette. It can be daunting to pick the right colours, and if I’m honest, it’s something I still struggle with. But fear not, over the years I’ve picked up some tips on how to find inspiration for a surface pattern design colour palette and I’m here to share them!
1. Look to nature for a perfect colour palette
Nature is the perfect source for colour inspiration. Take a walk outside and observe the colours that catch your eye. Take note of the colours that appear together, such as the green of leaves against the blue of the sky.
2. Look at photographs and colour pick
Another way to use nature for inspiration is to take a photo of something you like/a scene you come across in the natural world. It can be as simple as a close up of a flower. Take your photo into Adobe Illustrator or your preferred software and colour pick from it. You’ll find that nature can help immensely this way as the colours tend to be so beautiful and matched.
3. Consider your mood
Colours can evoke different emotions and moods. Think about what mood you want to convey in your design. Do you want it to be playful and fun, or calm and serene? Use this as a guide when picking out your colours!
4. Think about the end-use
This one goes with point 3. Consider where your design will be used. Are you designing for a children’s clothing line, or for a sophisticated home decor line? The end-use will help determine the appropriate colour palette.
5. Look at trends
Keeping up with trends in the design world can be helpful in determining colour choices. Check out blogs, Pinterest, Pantone and Instagram for colour trends in surface pattern design.
6. Experiment with colour schemes
Play around with different colour schemes to see what works best for your design. Try a split-complementary colour scheme, where you choose one colour and then use the two colours on either side of it to complement. Or, try a triadic colour scheme, where you choose three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel.
Another good way to find colours that go together is by using colour helper websites such as Coolors. This helpful colour generator allows you to pick and choose colours that go well together. All you have to do is lock the ones you like in place and it will cycle through other options until you reach a combination you are happy with!
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a colour palette. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for your design. So have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try new things! The more you experiment, the easier it will become to find your perfect colour palette!
P.S. If you’ve missed my other surface pattern design tips, and my guides to brand photography for surface designers, you can find them here.
Also, don’t miss my 22 page ultimate guide to brand photography for creatives! It will guide you through all things brand photography with bonus worksheets to help you on your way!