A color scheme has an impact on every visual you’ll put together for a project or brand. It also can influence the way your audience perceives you. This is where understanding the basics of a complementary color wheel can make a big difference.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of complementary colors and why they’re a powerful element of design. Plus, we’ll show you how to create your own color palette in Shutterstock Create. You’ll click away with the knowledge and tools you need to craft your own color palette with confidence.
What Are Complementary Colors?
One of the best ways to understand complementary colors is to look at them in the context of the color wheel. The color wheel is often split into 12 segments or hues. A color’s hue is determined by how your eye perceives it. A hue can be described as pure, warm or cool, and light or dark.
So, what do you do if you’re trying to figure out colors that go with yellow, or you’re trying to figure out what shades won’t clash? Know the basics.
Colors that are next to each other on the wheel, like yellow and green are analogous hues. Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green, are complementary hues.
Any complementary colors will provide a great jumping-off point for a palette. However, you may need to try out a few creations before you land on the one that’s right for your brand or initiative.
Use a complementary color wheel to get the ball rolling if you’re feeling stuck.
3 Complementary Color and Color Palette Examples
Not sure how to put your own color palette together? Check out these examples to spark some ideas.
1. Keep It Simple
You can choose a selection of colors without making things too complex. Use photos in your color palette planning to give your choices more context.
2. In Focus
Keep all the attention on your palette with this template. Blur an image that aligns in the background for your palette. Then add your colors and include the color codes that make it even more useful for future designs.
3. Color and Style
If you already have branded images, include them in your color palette creation process. Use half of the space to include all your colors, then include one of your favorite images under your selections.
A Complementary Color Scheme Is Key in Cohesive Design
Color is a powerful tool for creating cohesive designs. You can use them to unify elements, draw attention to certain areas, and even create moods or emotions. Color palettes provide a common ground for you to work from. They enable you to create harmony between elements and create visual consistency within the design.
A color palette is part of the foundation for any of your branding efforts. Staying consistent with your color palette is one thing you can do to take some stress out of the design process.
You’ll know what you need to include to create an asset that feels authentic to your brand. This also makes an impression on your audience. Consistent branding makes it easier for them to remember you.
How to Make Your Own Color Palette
Now you know what goes into putting a color palette together, but how do you craft the asset yourself? Using Shutterstock Create, you can craft your own color palette for your brand in just a few clicks.
Here’s how it works:
Prepare Your Canvas
In Create, select Custom Size and enter the dimensions for your color palette design or click on one of the other size options that are available to you.
Find a Starting Point
From here, search templates or continue on with a blank canvas. You’ll have access to thousands of fonts, graphics, textures, effects, and color combinations to pick from.
If you want to start with a template instead, simply click Templates and search and select one that meets your needs. No matter what you choose, you’ll have access to the same customization options.
Select Your Visuals
Update images or graphics to meet your needs by clicking Images or Graphics. From here, upload, then browse through the photo library or select from your catalog.
Try the Color Picker
Want to draw inspiration from a specific part of an image? Try using the color picker to select a shade from part of your image. Then, you can easily incorporate it into your color palette.
Download Your Color Palette
When you’re ready to download, click the Download button in the top-right corner and select your preferred format. From here, you can save the design to your system and begin using it in your branding efforts.
Perfect your color palette now by heading over to Shutterstock Create and working on your own design.
License this cover image via Roman Samborskyi.
