Color Theory for Designers: Pick Perfect Colors

Color Theory Basics

Understanding color theory helps create visually appealing designs that communicate effectively and evoke desired emotional responses.

Color Wheel Fundamentals

• Primary Colors: Red, blue, yellow - cannot be mixed
• Secondary Colors: Green, orange, purple - mixed primaries
• Tertiary Colors: Combinations of primary and secondary

Color Harmony Schemes

• Complementary: Opposite colors on wheel
• Analogous: Adjacent colors on wheel
• Triadic: Three evenly spaced colors
• Monochromatic: Variations of single color

Color Psychology

Colors influence emotions and behavior. Red energizes, blue calms, green represents nature, and purple suggests luxury.