This is part 3 of what will be a series of 5 posts regarding different aspects of design theory. In part 1 we covered Typography. In part 2 it was all about Grid Based Design. This time we’re talking about color theory. Strap in, grab your favorite box of Crayola crayons and get ready to stray way outside the lines.
written by Danny Outlaw via PSDTuts
21. Color Theory
“Color theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few basic concepts.”
22. Color Theory: Overview
“If you are involved in the creation or design of visual documents, an understanding of color will help when incorporating it into your own designs.”
23. Color Theory: A brief tutorial
“Color can be a touchy subject. Sometimes artists use colors that evoke certain emotions. Other times artists use colors simply because they like the way they look.”
24. Basic color schemes – Introduction to Color Theory
“With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an image of playful youthfulness.”
25. Color Wheel Pro – See Color Theory in Action
“Color Theory is a set of principles used to create harmonious color combinations. Color relationships can be visually represented with a color wheel — the color spectrum wrapped onto a circle.”
26. Color Psychology
“Colors often have different meanings in various cultures. And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate.”
27. How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings, and Behaviors
“While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning.”
28. Information Applied To Graphic Design: Color Psychology
“Applied to web design, color psychology could offer a thermal map; an informative alternative to featureless blog calendars of archived entries.”
29. How does color effect us?
“Color is light and light is energy. Scientists have found that actual physiological changes take place in human beings when they are exposed to certain colors. Colors can stimulate, excite, depress, tranquilize, increase appetite and create a feeling of warmth or coolness.”
30. Color Psychology in Marketing
“Colors not only enhance the appearance of the item — they also influence our behavior. You will do well to consider the impact that the colors you use will have on your target audience.”
Next time: Design Theory
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