Just like design, the use of colour has rules and methods for the way in which colours can be used in combination with each other.
Primary colours
These are the three basic colours that are mixed together to form all others, and can't be made from any other colours.
Secondary colours
These are made by mixing two of the primary colours together.
Tertiary colours
These are made by mixing a primary and secondary colours together.
Psychology of Colour
Of all the methods of communication, colour is the most instantaneous. Everyone reacts to colour in a different way. The choice of a favorite colour is a reflection of the individual and their psyche.
Red
Is a warning signal used to indicate danger, it is an aggressive colour that commands and gets attention, also used to display energy and excitement. Descriptions : exciting, energizing, sexy, hot, dynamic, stimulating, aggressive, powerful.
Yellow
Relates to the sunshine, it's rays and a sense of warmth and good feeling. It is used to grab attention or warn of hazards and danger, when used with black. Descriptions : cheerful, happy, warm, sweet, sunshine, luminous, hot, enlightning, energy.
Blue
Is associated with the sky and water and a sense of the serene, with a reliable and consistent quality to it. Descriptions : calm, quiet, peaceful, restful, heavenly, cool, clean, water, classic, traditional.
Orange
Is used to provide a sense of fun, the warmth of yellow and excitement of red, it will often appear on toys or games for children and in festive events. Descriptions : fun, whimsical, happy, glowing, vital, sunset, juicy, tangy, friendly, loud.
Green
Is seen as part of nature and all things organic, fresh and healthy. A sign of the new season, spring and it's associated re-growth. Descriptions : nature, forest, spring, quiet, soothing, refreshing, lively, money, military.
Violet
Was rare and expensive in europe, only used by royalty and the church. Now it is thought of, as a complex and creative colour. Descriptions : mystical, spiritual, meditative, creative, expensive, regal, powerful, elegant.
White
Is used to show clean, crisp and pure things, the indicator of all things good, it can also provide a sense of space and depth, to provide style and class. Descriptions : pure, clean, sterile, innocent, silent, lightweight, airy, bright, glistening.
Black
Is associated with death and grief, but is also now used to display the ideas of power, elegance, sophistication and style. Basic black is now a fashion statement. Descriptions : powerful, elegant, mysterious,heavy, bold, classic, strong, expensive, night.
