Color strategies that work

Complementary colors: colors that are opposite on the color wheel. A complementary palette gives maximum contrast. Combinations of a primary with a secondary are simple and direct; combinations of intermediates have greater refinement and subtlety.

 
 #FFFF00
 #6600CC
 
 

Split-complementary colors: A key color combined with the two hues that lie next to its exact opposite. Gives more refined color expression than with the complementary color alone.

 
 #FF0000
 #00FF00
 #009999
 

Analogous colors: Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Analogous palettes tend to have an emotional quality since they favor either the warm or cool side of the palette.

 
 #00FF00
 #FFFF00
 #FF9900
 

Triadic colors: Colors that form an equilateral triangle within the color wheel. The mother of all triadic schemes consists of the primary colors - red, yellow and blue.

 
 #009999
 #FF9900

#660066
 

Monochromatic (one color): Using tints, tones and shades of a single hue, along with basic neutrals (black, white and gray), can create a striking mood with still enough contrast to create interest.

 

Hue #0000FF

 Tint #99CCFF

 Tone #333399

 Shade #000033
 

On to legibility

Harlen Makemson © 1999 All Rights Reserved. Designed for the students of JOMC 50 Electronic Information Sources in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All copyrighted material used in this site is intended as fair use for educational purposes only.