Dash of Inspiration: Working with Color

A Dash of Inspiration, A Cup of Creativity by Doreen To some, choosing and blending colors is as natural an act as breathing, others find choosing the right color, hue or tone for a creation a real struggle; yet this is an area of card design that not only can be the difference between creating a ‘best seller’ or creating a card deemed unmarketable; but good color instinct is also essential to the balance of your design and it’s appropriateness to both the recipient, and the occasion.

So did you know there are ‘color families’ and meanings ‘feelings’ identified with each? Look at these examples:

These pinks are elegant, serious, sophisticated – good choice might be for weddings, romantic occasions, and women over 50.

Whereas, these pinks are casual, happy, girly – good choice for cheerful occasions and girls under thirty.

What about the difference between saturation, value tones, tints, values, hue, shades and chroma? Do you know how each of those can change the mood of your design and how people perceive it?

Choosing the perfect color or palette for a card design takes:

• An understanding of Color Theory; color families, feelings each evokes, etc.
• Intentional thought about WHO the recipient of the card will be: age range, gender, relation
• Deliberate choices which are appropriate for the occasion.

Here is a really terrific 3-part series with visuals and great explanations – and it’s FREE online and just packed full making it a great reference tool for the designer. Many thanks to Cameron Chapman at Smashing Magazine for making this series available online and sharing his knowledge with all of us designers. Whether refreshing your knowledge or learning from scratch, these are must reads for the greeting card designer.

Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color

Color Theory For Designers, Part 2: Understanding Concepts And Terminology

Color Theory For Designers, Part 3: Creating Your Own Color Palettes

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Check out our old blog posts for more on Color Theory and to get some great tips on where to find Color Palettes.

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This is the last day to get your June Dash of Inspiration Design Challenge entry into the hopper! Good Luck!
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So until next week … Learn … Create … Inspire!