- I don't have too many hard and fast rules in design.
I find that a little stifling and rigid.
But there is one approach I know doesn't work.
That approach is what I call mush.
This is when a piece is just plain, timid and bland.
Often color is the culprit.
First, let's set aside any fears about the right way
to use color.
There are many books on color theory that discuss primary,
secondary and tertiary colors.
The difference between tone, hue and value
and other technical issues.
There are groups who define which colors are right
or in fashion.
But frankly, I've never found two colors
that don't like each other.
You can use any color and combine them in any way
as long as you use them with confidence in a strong way.
Of course, there are a few visual truths.
For instance, warm colors advance in space optically
and cool colors recede.
This publication cover demonstrates this attribute,
when the red cover appears to be closer than the blue.
Certain color combinations can create a visual vibration.
Typically, this is considered a negative.
But, sometimes it's good to be bad.
Bright colors attract attention
and frankly people like them .
Put two toys in front of a baby.
One with bright red, blue, green and yellow,
the other, in tasteful shades of tope, beige and grey.
The baby will always be attracted to the bright toy.
However, these same subtle tones will convey sophistication
in a different context.
The delicate differences demand a more mature appreciation
for Color.
In the end, the subject matter should direct
your choice of a palette.
I use color, to draw the viewer into a piece
and to differentiate space.
Color is a great way to signify a headline
from the body copy or a sidebar from the text.
It can also serve as a code
to help a viewer identify content.
If you're faced with too much information,
that will create a sea of grey type,
color can help define the individual elements
and clarify information.
This is especially helpful with complex data
and charts that need differentiation.
Color usage and layout fails when it hinders understanding,
this can happen if a designer haphazardly applies color.
The viewer is naturally trying to apply order
and clarity to the piece.
Using color as a tool
to guide the viewer great visual interest
and ad legibility is a great approach.