Graphic Design Color Guide
Among the essential elements of graphic design is color. Some designers are so passionate about creating palettes for hours to get a perfect combination, while others may choose one or two colors and stick with those. It’s all about personal preference! This article will cover some fundamental color theories and use them in print advertising and downloadable digital assets.
The Advantages Of Keeping It Simple
Although it may seem complicated to keep the color scheme of a design simple, there are several advantages. One is that simplicity will help you stay focused on content and not get distracted by clashing hues or overwhelming graphics. Another advantage is that using one or two colors in your design can make for faster and more affordable print and production when working with a print shop in Dallas or elsewhere.
Avoid Bad Color Combinations
No one is perfect, and you may, at times, find yourself choosing a color combination that doesn’t work. Don’t be hard on yourself! Remember to be mindful when picking out the colors for print advertising or downloadable digital assets by avoiding some of these bad combinations:
- Red and green
- Blue and orange
- Red on black
- Blue on red
When used together, these color combinations are difficult to read and could get perceived as unprofessional. Companies and brands who wish to make a favorable impression on prospects should avoid this, so they don’t get the opposite of what they want.
Utilize Space To Your Advantage
Depending on your graphic design, you have a set amount of open space available to work. Be sure to account for bleed lines, crop marks, and safe zones as you’re designing your layout.
The bleed line is the mark that tells you how much text or image will get cut off from the edge of a page. A standard bleed line for print advertising with graphic design may be one inch, while downloadable digital assets need only to include an eighth-inch. Understanding how the piece will get used is essential to ensuring the design is viable.
Set The Tone With Color
The color of the text can set a tone. When choosing colors, be mindful of your selection. Oranges and reds can be energizing, while blues and greens are calming. Purple is associated with royalty, while browns are historical and earthy. If you want to make a design feel warm or inviting, opt for warmer colors like yellows, golds, and oranges.
Consult With A Professional
Suppose you’re unsure about what hues will work well for your print ad or digital asset. In that case, the professional graphic designers at Precision Reprographics can make the appropriate suggestions based on the creative brief you provide them. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel!
