Want your irresistible free offer to look more appealing? Want your design to have some zing? If it’s one thing I’ve learned in my 20+ years as a graphic designer it’s this: if a design works in black and white it means the foundation is strong. If the foundation is strong your design will be spectacular when you add some color but, you must use color wisely. Here’s what you need to know…
Six Tips on Using Color Powerfully
1. Start with one main color, then add some pop
One of my favorite design tools is Gail Callahan’s Color Grid. You begin by choosing your main color with her easy-to-use guide. The colors surrounding your main color will work in perfect harmony with each other. The excitement comes when you the accent color. Woo hoo! Suddenly it’s a whole new ball game because the accent color is what gives any design that “pop” as Gail says.
TIP: Be careful with your accent color. You just need a tiny bit to spice things up —That’s the power of color.
2. Use your brand colors discriminately
If you have one color that people associate with your business use only that, especially if you’re adding colored photos.
Where to use your brand color?
- Headlines
- Subheads
- As a background in your header banner
3. Be consistent with your use of color
If you add color in one headline, it needs to be used in all your headlines to bring unity to your entire document.
4. Use less color, rather than more
Color gives a design pizzazz, but like anything in life, too much of a good thing is, well…OVERPOWERING!
Never forget good design is about effective communication. That goes for color too, because too much color can be a distraction. Instead use it sparingly to engage your reader and keep them interested.
5. Use light colors large and bright colors small
An entire page filled with a screaming red background and tiny type will have your readers running, not walking to the nearest exit. Be kind and remember, the bigger the area the softer the color.
6. Avoid using light colors for body copy — it’s too hard to read
Did you find this helpful. Please let me know.
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