10 Practical Tips for Playing with Color Palettes

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

Use monochromatic color palette
Employ analogous colors
Experiment with complementary colors
Try triadic color combinations
Play with split complementary palettes
Create a color palette from an image
Use the 60-30-10 rule
Match colors with their meanings
Consider the effects of color combinations
Test your color palette

If you're looking to bring a splash of vibrancy into your designs, playing with color palettes can make a world of difference. It's like adding a pinch of salt to a dish—it enhances the flavor, making it more enjoyable. Whether you're an experienced designer or just starting out, these ten practical tips will guide you on how to play with color palettes effectively. Let's dive right in!

Use Monochromatic Color Palette

Let's start our color palette journey with the monochromatic color palette. Don't let the fancy term scare you off—it's simply a palette made up of different shades, tones, or tints of a single color. It's like playing a melody with a single note, but changing its pitch.

This style of color palette is great for creating a cohesive and harmonious look. It's almost like you're speaking in a soft, gentle voice—it's soothing and easy on the eyes. Here's how you can play with a monochromatic color palette:

Pick a base color: This is the main color you will use for your design. Think of it as the lead actor in a play. It sets the mood and tone.
Create shades, tones, and tints: Using your base color, create shades by adding black, tones by adding grey, and tints by adding white. This is like adding supporting actors to the play. They enhance and compliment the lead actor.
Play with proportions: The magic of a monochromatic color palette comes from the way you use it. Use different proportions of shades, tones, and tints to create depth and interest. It's like adjusting the volume of different instruments in a song to create harmony.

Remember, the goal is to play with color palettes, not to be played by them. So, don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. After all, the best way to learn is by doing. So go ahead, give monochromatic color palettes a try!

Employ Analogous Colors

Moving on from the monochromatic symphony, let's step into the world of analogous colors. These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. It's like being neighbors; they share a common color, making them naturally blend well together.

Think of it as a group of friends—each friend has a unique personality, but they all share something in common, which makes them get along well. Here's how you can play with analogous color palettes:

Choose your colors: Start by picking a main color on the color wheel. Then choose the colors next to it. Generally, analogous color palettes include three colors, but feel free to add more if you're feeling adventurous!
Balance is key: Like in any friendship, balance is important. One color should dominate, one should support, and one should accent. By doing this, you ensure that all colors get to shine without overpowering each other.
Play with saturation and lightness: To avoid monotony, play with the saturation and lightness of your chosen colors. This can add depth and richness to your design, making it more appealing.

Employing analogous colors is like making a smoothie—you blend different ingredients together, but it's the balance of flavors that makes it delicious. So, don't be shy, mix and match, and see what tasty color combinations you can create. Remember, the goal is to play with color palettes and have fun. So, what are you waiting for? Start blending!

Experiment with Complementary Colors

Now, let's shake things up a bit. Instead of neighbors, have you ever considered pairing colors that are opposites on the color wheel? That's right, we're talking about complementary colors. Imagine a red apple against a green background, or a purple flower blooming on a yellow field. Notice how these combinations make each color stand out more? That's the magic of complementary colors!

Pick your pair: Start by selecting a color on the wheel. Its direct opposite is your complementary color. It's like a seesaw; the balance comes from being on opposite ends.
Embrace the contrast: Don't shy away from the contrast. It's what makes your design pop! But remember, balance is important. If one color seems too overpowering, try adjusting its lightness or saturation.
Explore tints, tones, and shades: To add more variety, play with tints (adding white), tones (adding gray), and shades (adding black) of your chosen colors. This can add more depth to your design without straying from your complementary color scheme.

When you play with color palettes in this way, you can create designs that are vibrant and full of energy. It's like a dance where two contrasting elements come together to create something beautiful. So, why not give it a whirl? Put on your creative hat and start experimenting with complementary colors!

Try Triadic Color Combinations

Alright, so we've played around with neighbors and opposites. But have you ever tried forming a team of three? No, this isn't a call for a basketball game. We're talking about triadic color combinations. This is where you pick three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel, forming a perfect triangle.

Choose your Trio: Start by selecting a color on the wheel. Then, count four spaces to find your second color. Repeat the process to find your third color. Voila! You've got your triadic team.
Balance is Key: With three colors in the mix, harmony is important. Typically, one color acts as the dominant while the other two serve as accents. So, decide on your star player and let the others play the supporting roles.
Play with Variations: Remember, each color in your palette can have different tints, tones, and shades. Experimenting with these variations can give your design more complexity without breaking the triadic scheme.

Playing with color palettes like this can be a lot of fun. With three colors, you can create more dynamic and interesting designs. So, ready to form your triadic team? Give it a shot and see what amazing combinations you can come up with!

Play with Split Complementary Palettes

Ever wish for a twist in the tale? Well, split complementary color schemes are the plot twists in the story of color palettes. It's like the complementary scheme but with a little more spice. Instead of using the direct opposite color, you use the two colors adjacent to it. This gives you a vibrant, yet more harmonious combination.

Pick Your Base: Choose your primary color. This is the base from which your split complementary color scheme will grow.
Find Your Complements: Look across the color wheel to find the opposite color. Now, don't choose this color. Instead, pick the two colors on either side of it. These will be your split complements.
Maintain the Balance: Like with any color scheme, balance is important. Use your primary color more and the split complements as accents. This way you can play with color palettes without overwhelming the viewer.

Split complementary color palettes offer a wonderful playground for your creativity. They provide the contrast of complementary colors but with less tension. So, why not give this scheme a spin and see what exciting designs you can create?

Create a Color Palette from an Image

Ever looked at a picture and thought, "Wow, those colors are amazing together!"? Why not use that as your color palette? It's a fun and practical way to play with color palettes, especially if you have a favorite image or photograph in mind.

Select Your Image: Choose a picture that truly catches your eye—something with colors that make you stop and stare. This could be a stunning sunset, a vibrant market scene, or even your favorite piece of art.
Extract the Colors: Use a color picker tool to identify and extract the main colors from your image. Most graphic design software tools have this feature, or you could use an online color palette generator. You'll be surprised to see how many unique shades an image can hide!
Play Around: Now that you have your colors, start using them in your designs. You can stick to the exact shades extracted or play with lighter and darker variations of them. Remember, the goal here is to create a palette that works harmoniously, just like in the image.

Creating a color palette from an image is like taking a slice of life and painting with it. The image already did the hard work of putting those colors together, and all you have to do is utilize them effectively. So, next time you're stuck for a color scheme, why not try this technique and see what you can create?

Use the 60-30-10 Rule

Ever heard of the 60-30-10 rule? Funny enough, it's not a secret code, but rather a simple, yet effective concept to play with color palettes. Professional designers often use it to balance colors, and it's as easy as pie to apply.

60% Dominant Color: This is your main color, covering about 60% of what you're designing. Think of it as the background color, the canvas where all your other colors will shine. It's typically a more subdued, neutral tone—like the base coat of paint on a wall.
30% Secondary Color: This color supports your dominant color but is different enough to create a striking contrast. It usually covers about 30% of the design. You could think of it as the color of your furniture against the base coat on your wall.
10% Accent Color: This is your chance to make a splash—a color that adds that final touch of personality. It's often a bright, bold color that catches the eye. Just like the unique pieces of art you hang on your wall, this color should make a statement.

If you're wondering how to balance colors in your palette, keep the 60-30-10 rule in your toolkit. It's a practical formula that helps ensure your colors aren't fighting for attention. So, why not give it a try in your next design project? It might just be the key to mastering how to play with color palettes.

Match Colors with Their Meanings

Let's get to the fun part. Did you know colors speak a language of their own? That's right! When you play with color palettes, you're also playing with emotions and meanings. Each color whispers a unique message to your audience.

Red: This bold and fiery color shouts loud and clear. It symbolizes passion, love, and danger. Use red to command attention or evoke strong emotions.
Blue: Think of the calm sea or a clear sky. Blue conveys peace, trust, and confidence. It's a great color for promoting relaxation or trustworthiness.
Yellow: The color of sunshine and happiness. Yellow communicates joy, energy, and positivity. Use it to brighten up your design and bring a smile to people's faces.
Green: As the color of nature, green signifies growth, harmony, and freshness. It's a fantastic color for anything related to health, environment, or growth.
Black: Black is all about power, elegance, and mystery. It's a versatile color that can add a touch of sophistication or intrigue to your design.

Remember, color meanings can vary based on different cultures and personal experiences. So, while these general meanings are a good starting point, always consider your audience and the context of your design. The next time you play with color palettes, let your colors tell a story. What do you want your colors to say?

Consider the Effects of Color Combinations

When you play with color palettes, not only do you choose colors, but you also decide how they interact. Combinations of colors can create various effects that can change the entire feel of your design.

Contrast: Nothing grabs attention more than a contrast of colors. Bright orange on a deep blue background? Now that's a show-stopper! Contrast can highlight important elements and make your design pop.

Harmony: If you're aiming for a calm, cohesive look, harmony is the key. Colors close to each other on the color wheel, like blue and green, work together in sweet harmony. They create a pleasing, consistent look that's easy on the eyes.

Balance: Just like a seesaw, your design should have a good balance of colors. Too much of one color can make your design look heavy or overwhelming. Use colors in the right proportions to create a balanced, attractive look.

Remember, color combinations can evoke different feelings and reactions. A bright, contrasting palette might excite your audience, while a harmonious, balanced one might put them at ease. So, don't just pick colors—think about how they work together. Ready to try out some exciting color combos?

Test Your Color Palette

Now that you've chosen your colors and figured out how they work together, it's time to test your color palette. This is a crucial part of playing with color palettes, but it's also pretty fun. Here's how to do it:

View it in different contexts: Test your color palette by using it in different designs. Try it on a poster, a website, or a logo. Does it look good in all contexts, or does it only shine in one?

Get a second opinion: Sometimes, you're just too close to your work and need a fresh pair of eyes. Show your color palette to a friend or colleague and get their feedback. You might be surprised by what they see!

Use online tools: The internet is teeming with tools that can help you test your color palettes. Tools like Color Hunt or Coolors allow you to see your palette in action and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, playing with color palettes is all about experimenting. Testing your color palette is an opportunity to refine your choices and make your design the best it can be. So, don't be afraid to try something new, get feedback, and keep tweaking until you've got a color palette that knocks your socks off!

If you enjoyed our blog post on "10 Practical Tips for Playing with Color Palettes" and are looking to dive deeper into the world of color, don't miss the workshop 'How to Pick a Colour Palette' by Jauni (tofublock). This workshop will provide you with expert knowledge and practical tips to help you confidently choose the perfect color palette for your creative projects.