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Ok, so we have now talked about colors that are
similar. Now let's talk about colors that are disimilar. To do
so, let's take another look at the color wheel.
Look at the image above and notice that the
arrows point in opposing directions. This is demonstrating the
concept of complimentary colors. First of all, consider the
color directly across from any other color as being completely
opposite. They are as disimilar as you can get. The theory
behind this concept is that you have colors so different that
they compliment each other like a symbiotic relationship. One
color compliments the other. That is the bare-bones version of
the theory. You get combinations like green/purple or
blue/orange. How this is works is that you can have tension come
out with your color. Instead of having a peaceful feel, you get
a degree of contrast or conflict. This of course does not mean
that it's a bad thing. Contrast is a good thing, if that's what
you are going for. Take a look at the next image.
Here you have red stripes against green stripes,
or the opposite if you like. Notice how the two colors are
fighting for your attention? The red one sort of wins out, but
that is because it is a warm color. Warm colors are considered
to be "advancing". So what they do is appear to jump out at you
from the image. This is especially true if you place them
against an opposing cool color.
Here you have another version using orange and
blue. Yellow and blue also works. You'll see a lot of web sites
using this combination. My own site uses this. I use orange
color against a monochromatic blue color scheme to draw your
attention. It sort of jumps out at you. It sticks out like a
sore thumb so to speak. But it also compliments the layout and
adds a little spicey spice. Enough cliches? Ok.
Now let's talk about good ways and bad ways to
use complimentary colors. One great way to do this is when
discussing type. Why is type so important on web pages, and why
does it matter what the color of it is? Well, because you have
to be able to read it, right? So what if I was to have an all
orange site that used blue text? It would looke horrible for
one, and you would have a heck of a time trying to read the
text, unless I made it large and extremely dark. The same goes
with red/green combinations or red/purple combinations. They
just hurt your eyes, unless you use the warm color as the text
against the cool, complimentary color background. Take a look
below.
Can you see what I mean?
Now remember that color theory is a "THEORY".
That means that it is not written in stone. I am by no means a
color theory guru. I encourage you to go out and learn more
about color theory. There are sources on the web, if you searc
öh for them, or you can buy a book. I myself sometimes think it
is kinda cool if a designer steps out of bounds so to speak and
uses a non-traditional color scheme. But please don't go out and
make a red page with green text on it in a 7 point pixel font.
We can't read that! What you can do is experiment with these
techniques on your own, and see how things feel and look. Always
keep these basic concepts in your head, and you will be better
off for it. Next week we will discuss why McDonalds and Burger
King use orange and red in their signs' color schemes. You'll
have to tune in for that. Go out and surf the web, making note
of how designers use color. What sites do a good job and what
sites do a bad job? You now have at least some power to decide. |