When it comes to the web design business there are many factors taken into consideration in order to design the best site. Graphic and website designers must have a plethora of knowledge in all areas of design and the web including, colors. Web design is virtual art, and therefore anyone designing a website needs to have the knowledge and experience that any other artist would need including how colors evoke emotion from those viewing them. This is an essential part in website creation and is not an aspect that should be taken lightly, this is why it’s so important that those involved in web design have an understanding of color and color theories in order to optimize the effect of their website.
The Color Wheel
Most people remember going over the color wheel in their elementary art class, however web designers must have a firm understanding of it. The colors that are traditionally shown on the wheel include three main groups: the primary, secondary, and tertiary. These three primary colors are yellow, blue, and red. These three colors create the base colors of the color wheel. Secondary colors occur when the primary colors are mixed. These include colors such as: green, orange, and purple. From there are the tertiary colors. These colors are made up of the middle colors such as blue-green and yellow-green. These colors are created when a primary color is mixed with a secondary color.
Color Relationships
As most people are aware there are those colors that complement each other and go well together. There are also colors that clash and just do not look good together. Complimentary colors refer to those that complement each other. They are located on opposite ends of the color wheel to each other. These colors include blue, orange, yellow, purple, green, and red. There are also colors that blend well together. These include analogous colors; these colors are found next to each other on the color wheel. This means that they match well and do not offer contrast when used together.
Emotional Colors
Colors can evoke emotion especially if combined right. These color groups can fall into the emotional categories of neutral, warm, and cool. Neutral colors are those colors that do not evoke any sort of emotion. These colors include brown, grey, and other neutral colors like beige. Warm colors are those colors that evoke just that, warmth. These include oranges, yellows, and reds. Cool colors are those hues that make people think of chilly colors such as purple, green, and blue. Any web designer who knows these colors can create meaning and evoke emotion in the design without using any words.
Color Systems
There are two color systems that can be used depending on what the design project is. For web design the best system is the RGB color system. This RGB system refers to the red green blue. These are the three primary colors that can be produced by light. This is the color system that can be found on computer monitors, televisions, and any sort of screen. The other system is called the CMYK, this refers to the Cyan Magenta Yellow and Key, which is black, system. It is created by different pigments and it what is primarily used in print.
When it comes to designing a website there are many factors to take into consideration. Color is a big part of the design and is an added way for a designer to get their point across without using words. By using certain colors together emotions can be evoked such as warmth or cold emotions. By understanding color and color relationships and theories any web designer can fully optimize their designs and speak to the viewer without using words.
Author Bio: Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative article related to the field of education. This article offers web design color tips and aims to encourage further study with a Art Education Masters.
