Hey there!
I’m excited to share with you one of my favourite tools for creating beautiful and effective colour palettes: the colour wheel!
Using a colour wheel can seem intimidating at first, but with a little bit of practice and some experimentation, you can use it to create stunning designs that really pop.
Here are some steps I follow when using a colour wheel to pick a palette for my surface pattern designs:
Step 1: Start with the primary colours
The primary colours, red, yellow, and blue, are the foundation for all other colours on the wheel. I like to start by identifying which primary colours I want to include in my palette.
Step 2: Choose a colour scheme
There are several colour schemes you can choose from when using the colour wheel. Some of the most popular include:
- Complementary: Two colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green.
- Analogous: Three colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as red, orange, and yellow.
- Triadic: Three colours that are equally spaced on the colour wheel, such as red, blue, and yellow.
- Monochromatic: Different shades and tints of the same colour, such as light blue, blue, and dark blue.
Step 3: Experiment with shades and tints of the colour wheel
Experiment with shades and tints by adjusting the saturation and brightness of a colour, you can create a range of shades and tints. Experiment with different levels of saturation and brightness to create a palette that works for your design.
Step 4: Choose the mood you want to convey
Consider the mood you want to convey. Different colours can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, red can be energetic and passionate, while blue can be calming and soothing. Consider the mood you want to convey with your design and choose colours that support that mood.
Step 5: Test your palette
Once you’ve chosen your colours, test your palette by applying it to your design. Adjust as needed until you’re happy with the overall look and feel.
The colour wheel is a powerful tool, but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a colour palette. Trust your instincts and experiment until you find a palette that works for your design. Happy creating! If this has been useful, why not tag me when you share your colour palettes @willowandwoodsdesign so I can see and share your them!
P.S. If you’ve missed my other surface pattern design tips or 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!