May 16th, 2011 Methods and Resources for Choosing Color Schemes
Explore a world of color!
For many people, one of the most difficult aspects of design is the choice of color. The color scheme is of great importance for the future site and the reactions of visitors. There are various methods that can be used to find the right color scheme, and in this article, we discuss some of these methods. In this post you will find useful links on color resources and tools.
Getting the color of the existing template
In many situations, the client has been created the color scheme from the existing web site or other marketing material. In some cases a complete change of color scheme is required, but quite often, you will be working with ready-made palette of colors,in which you will be allowed to change only a small part of it.
In situations where you do not work with the client and do your own projects, selection of color combinations you do on your own discretion.
On-line color resources and tools
There are several sites and on-line resources where you can choose the color palette. Many of these sites allow users to download ready-made color palettes, and modify it. Most resources allow you to search and sort the color schemes on certain shades or keywords. This can be useful if you have one color and you want to use it with others close to him.
Here is a brief list of the best resources for finding color schemes.
ColoRotate
The following on-line tools can help you locate and create a palette of colors in the group. Here are some of the best.
Getting colors from photos
Photos are a great source of color. You can quickly and easily view any of your own photos or pictures from sites (like Flickr and DeviantART), and find a suitable variant, which includes a beautiful color palette. Then load this image into one of the on-line tools and define colors (they are available in hex value) for later use them in their work.
Here are some resources of this kind.
Palette Generator from Big Huge Labs
Colors from magazines and other printed materials
You can find the right color combinations and patterns not only in the Internet. Magazines, books, leaflets, posters, brochures, maps and any other printed material can be a source of inspiration. You can find a color that you like and try to define it “by eye”, or scan and see the color of the desired element in the graphics program, such as Photoshop.
View design galleries
Another way to find color schemes that will combine well on the Web – is to view design gallery. When you do, you will encounter a great combination of color schemes. It can give you great ideas for your work. But what is good for one site can absolutely not be suitable for another. Therefore, when viewing the design galleries, sometimes is more convenient to look for color in different projects, and then combine them and see what will look better in your situation.
You can find a scheme that will be more convenient for you and modify it in Photoshop. But to make your color scheme unique and interesting, not just copied, it must be carefully and thoroughly refined.
Color Psychology
One of the factors to consider when choosing the color scheme – is the psychology of color. There are many studies that have been made over the years, demonstrates the importance and the feelings that are associated with different colors. In many cases, this may be an important factor in attracting visitors to the site.
Nature is full of colors, they are all around us. Look around and you shall find a colorful and inspiring colors, just watching nature. Plants, animals, color schemes can be found almost everywhere. Surely, get the exact colors and shades is not so easy, but there is a photos and color tools let you get them.
And what is your approach to choosing color? Do you have your own method?
