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More Colour schemes
Now that you have learned about monochromatic, analogous and complementary colours, you should know there are actually mutliple ways that colours can complement each other. Three main kinds of complementary colours are listed below; split complementary, triadic and tetradic.
To learn more about these colour schemes and how they have been used in movie posters, visit this website.
Split Complementary
A split-complementary colour scheme uses the colours on either side of the complement. This gives you the same level of contrast as a complementary colour scheme but more colours to work with (and potentially more interesting results).
Triadic
A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced, forming a perfect triangle on the wheel. These combinations tend to be pretty striking—especially when they include primary or secondary colors—so be mindful when using them in your work.
Tetradic
Tetradic color schemes form a rectangle on the wheel, using not one but two complementary color pairs. This formula works best if you let one colour dominate while the others serve as an accent.
Split Complementary Colours
Triadic Colours
Triadic Colours
Colour Connotations
We have previously covered that the combination of colours can have a particular affect on audiences and viewers (e.g. monochrome colour schemes emphaises other parts of the design, analogus colours can be calming and complementary colours create drama! Time to go deeper and understand why specific colours may be chosen to be included in photographs or designs.
Colours can also symbolise a range of feelings, mood, vibe or connotations. For example, blue has been linked to trust (may social media companies use this in their logos so you will trust them). Yellow and red can make you hungry! This is why they are used in fast food advertisements.
Colour symbols vary from culture to culture. In Western cultures, white represents purity and so is used for wedding dresses. In China, Korea, and some other Eastern countries, white represents death, mourning, and bad luck. Meanwhile black represents health and posterity.
Colour Psychology
Use this website to see a visual representation of the psychological associations that many people have with a range of colours.
Colour & Culture
Use this website to see an explanation of how various cultures have connotations related to particular colours.
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