Color theory undertones tricks and concepts for designers
Whenever you mix colors, the key to success is knowing its undertone. Color theory is indispensable for artists and designers. But, it is a vast topic. So, I bring a complete series of ready to apply color theory tips for designers.
We can see three types of red. One is pure red, while the other two are reds with undertones of different colors.
Mass color: At the first glance, we call all three of the colors ‘red’. So, red is the mass color.
Undertone: At a closer look, we realize that one of them has a blue bias while another has a yellow bias. It is an undertone, a mute color. But, it is the key to your color combinations.
Pure color: Pure color means a color whose mass color and undertone are close to each other. Like in the picture, the red color has red mass color and a red undertone.
How to find the undertone of a color? Use the color wheel. Compare the color with pure color. You will get its undertones.
The tricky part is knowing the undertones of whites and light colors. Take a look at the image.
We can identify the undertones of these whites because we have placed them against a white background.
It becomes harder to know the undertones of color when we notice it in isolation.
Color temperature: When the color appears warm, it has undertones like red, orange, or yellow. When it appears cool, it has undertones like blue.
Effect of light on undertones: During sunset, your room will have warm undertones. Warm colors look closer to the viewer. Your room looks cozy. A fluorescent light will have a different effect on undertones. So, the light you are using gives undertones to the color.
How to use undertones to create the best design
When you choose the color palette for your design, take care of their undertones. If the undertones disagree with each other then you will ruin your best design.
What message do you want to convey? Is your brand warm, energetic, youthful, and caters to the entertainment or fast food industry? You should go for colors with a warm undertone.
If your brand is about sophisticated matters like finance, hospitals, education, etc, then cool undertones will work well.
If your company serves women or caters to luxury needs then pink undertones are the best.
But, if your company fulfills daily needs like grocery then keep the undertones neutral. Blue-green is a neutral undertone.
If your company sells herbal products then keep the undertones green and calming.
Conclusion
If you have made the perfect design according to your plan but found it a failed piece of art then the undertones are to blame. I hope this article will help you attract a lot of eyeballs and boost sales.
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