1. Colour Theory

2. Introduction Colour plays an important part in Graphic Communication
Colour can make a graphic look realistic
Colour can create a mood or feeling

3. Primary Colours The primary colours are Yellow Red Blue
These are mixed together to make all possible colours

4. Secondary Colours The secondary colours Orange Violet Green
Are produced by mixing two Primary Colours in equal quantities

5. Tertiary Colours
The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal quantities
They take their name from the 2 mixed colours

6. The Colour Wheel
The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing how colours relate to each other
The outside ring shows 3 primary, 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colours

7. Tints and Shades Tints Shades Add white to make a tint
Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness
Shades
Add black or grey to make a shade
Dark shades make objects appear heavy

8. Using Colour
Designers use combinations of colours to create different effects and evoke a variety of feelings

9. Harmony
Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outside of the colour wheel are used together
The effect is relaxing and sympathetic

10. Contrast
Contrast is created when colours far apart on the colour wheel are used together
Contrasting colours are described as complementary

11. Warm Colours
Warm colours (reds, yellows and oranges) are known as advancing colours
They appear closer to the viewer than other colours

12. Cool Colours
Cool colours (blues, greens and violets) are known as receding colours
They appear to be further away from the viewer

13. A Harmonious Colour Scheme
Any colours within the same third of the colour wheel will work together to create a harmonious colour scheme.
eg violet, red, red-orange

14. A Bold Colour Scheme
Any two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and create a bold scheme
eg violet and yellow

15. An Exciting Colour Scheme
Any three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to create an exciting scheme
eg yellow, red and blue

16. Colour and Mood Different colours create different moods
Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere
Effects are created by using colour combinations

17. Colour and Mood
Red
Warm, exciting, vibrant, passionate, dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive, courageous, festive
Orange
Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and energy
Yellow
Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily seen
Green
Cool, restful, natural, calm, soothing, fresh, quiet, informal
Blue
Cool, elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal, classy
Purple
Rich, pompous regal
Violet
Cool, peaceful, solitary
Neutrals
Greys; natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified, comfortable
Browns; natural, earthy, safe
Black and White
Dramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting

18. Colour and Communication
Colour coding
As a symbol
Instructional
Group identity
Promote name
Promote sales