How to Create Your Own Color Schemes

 

In this article we are going to talk about the different methods using which you can create your own color schemes, right from the basics. From traditional color scheme patterns to custom themes that aren’t dependent on any one pattern, we will be learning a lot more. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started

Traditional color scheme types

You cannot make something new without keeping in mind the basics. There are a lot of predefined color scheme standards that make it easy for beginners like you and me to create new color schemes of our own. Following are the traditional color schemes:

Monochromatic color scheme

Monochromatic (or mono) may be a color scheme supported just one, single color tint. It uses only variations (shades) of one hue, made by altering the saturation and brightness of the bottom color. Black and white colors are always added, as they actually are the brightest, resp. the darkest shade of the color.

The result's smooth, elegant, and comfortable for eyes, even for very aggressive base color. As there's only one hue used, the is not any clash of colors in the least. However, it may be harder to find accents and highlights.

Analogous color schemes

The next easiest color schemes to construct are analogous color schemes. These are made with reference to the 12 spoke color wheel. Three colors which are next to each other on the wheel are used.

Traditionally, analogous color schemes all have the same degree of chroma, but we can add interest to these schemes and adjust them to our website design needs by using different tones, shades, and tints.

Complementary color schemes

Complementary schemes are created by combining colors from the opposite side of the color wheel. In their most simple form, these schemes consist of just two  colors, but can be easily extended using tones, tints and shades. 

However a piece of advice I would like to give you. Using colors that are the exact opposites of the same chromium and/or value right next to each other can be visually jarring (they actually tend to vibrate along their boundary in the most extreme use). 

It is better to avoid it. This can be done by adding another transitional color or by leaving negative space in between.

Split complementary schemes

Split-complementary may be a color scheme using one base color and two secondary colours. Instead of employing a complementary, two colors placed symmetrically around it on the colour wheel are used.

The base color is main, while the secondary colours should be used just for highlights and accents. We get a mixture of 1 warm and two cold colours (or vice versa).

Anyway, because there are two secondary colors, the bottom color never so strong and clearly dominant, and this scheme is best cold-warm balanceable than a complementary scheme. Various monochromatic reminder all colors might be added to the scheme.

Triadic scheme

A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced round the colour circle. Triadic color harmonies tend to be quite vibrant, albeit you employ pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one colour dominate and use the 2 others for accent.

Custom colour schemes

Custom color schemes are the most difficult to create. Instead of taking reference from the already existing color schemes we just talked about above, it does not follow any set rules. One just needs to keep in mind things like chroma, saturation and value while creating these schemes as they can be complicated.

Creating your own colour scheme

It can be quite challenging when you think about making your own color scheme. But with the right tips and tricks, it will be as easy as operating a phone. You just need to use some amazing color palettes right from the start.

Now that we have talked so much about creating our own color scheme, lets get into action. There are a plethora of online tools that can help you create your color scheme. But to keep things simple, we will be talking about one tool in particular in this article that is adobe Photoshop.

Let's try to break away from the color scheme styles that have already been listed, and build some custom palettes (which is what a collection of colors that do not follow one of the predefined conventional patterns is technically called).

Although it is important to know how different colours interact and how conventional patterns are produced, for most design projects you are likely to create palettes that do not strictly follow any predefined patterns.

Why shades, tones and tints are essential?

As you can see from the color scheme above, the use of tints, tones and shades in your color scheme is important. Pure hues all have identical qualities and degrees of saturation. This leads to a colour scheme that is both overwhelming and bland.

When you mix in tones and shades, you extend the simple 12-spoke colour wheel to an infinite number of colors for use in your designs. One of the easiest ways to construct a professional-looking colour scheme is to take a few colors, tints, and shades of a given colour (avoiding pure shade).

And then add another pure shade (or similar to pure shade) that is at least three spaces away on the color wheel (part of a tetradic, triatic, or split-complementary colour scheme) as an accent color. This increases the visual interest while still maintaining the balance,

Adding neutrals

Neutrals are another essential part of the development of a color scheme. Grey, black, white, brown, tan and off-white are usually called neutral colours. Browns, tans, and off-whites prefer to make color schemes feel warmer (as they're just colors, shades, and tints of orange and yellow).

Grey can have a warm or cold impression depending on the surrounding colors. Black and white may also appear warm or cold depending on the surrounding colours.

Creating colour schemes using photographs

Photos are actually a great way to create a color scheme. Tools like the adobe capture cc can actually do wonders but photoshop can be an amazing alternative too.

You can upload an image or use your camera using Adobe Capture. This is perfect at times when you might be motivated by a physical object. You can also take a picture from your Creative Cloud account, the market, or Adobe Stock.

If you're stumped by what colors you want to use in your website design, try searching for similar terms on Adobe Stock. Sometimes this could lead to discovering colour schemes that you may not have thought of on your own.

The best thing about Adobe Capture is that you can quickly import your colour palettes to Illustrator or Photoshop (or just look at the hex codes to find the right colours for some other application you're using).

Find a picture you like on Adobe Stock (or take one yourself) that you think evokes the feeling of the design you want to make.

Written by - Mehak Sachdeva 

Edited by - Umme Amara Shaikh