Introduction to Color
An Online Class About How to Make Good Color Decisions
Unlock your creative potential with Introduction to Color. Whether a graphic designer or an artsy hobbyist, this online class will teach you to make confident color decisions. Discover the secrets of choosing harmonious palettes, achieving proper contrast, and using digital color tools. Elevate your slide presentations, social media graphics, and creative projects. Say goodbye to color anxiety and hello to vibrant, professional results.
I'll release each of these eight lessons over the coming weeks. I'll provide downloadable class resources as each lesson launches.
Welcome to Class!
This introductory video is a quick overview of the whole course and what we'll be learning. Watch the video below to get oriented and ready to dive in.
Lesson 1: Color Theory
In this lesson, we discuss the basic concepts of light and color. This will give us a solid foundation to build on in the upcoming lessons.
Here is what we will cover:
Lesson 2: The Color Wheel
The Artist's Color Wheel comes in many flavors. We will discuss how to use the color wheel in your projects.
This lesson contains the following:
Lesson 3: Schemes & Harmony
How to choose multiple colors that work well together and form a harmonious palette.
Lesson 4: Altering a Color
How to take one color and alter it to create shades, tints and tones.
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Lesson 5: Approaches & Techniques
In this video we explore a variety of techniques, approaches, and software that will help you determine the best color palette for your project. We also talk about common feelings and attitudes that people have about different colors. (This is a longer video so I split it in two).
• Personal Preference: Past experience, Cultural context, Mood, Situational, Always In flux
• You are not your audience: Who is your user? What are you trying to achieve? Don't be tempted by your favorites. The 60-30-10 Rule. Palette tips.
• Mood Boards & Mobile Collection: Find color while on the go. Snap photos. Use apps. Compile as mood boards.
• Colors and Human Emotion
• Exercise 4: Refine your collection
Lesson 6: Digital Tools
We (the humans) are doing all the creative thinking, but we use computers as tools to help us achieve our goals. This video contains recommendations and reminders about being creative in the digital age.
Lesson 7: Accessibility
Lesson 8: Resources
This final lesson is a collection of links and recommendations. I review what we learned and give you a quick tour through some of the listed resources. Use this section as your launchpad for your continued learning.