Color inspiration/sources?

se4b4ss · Share | #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 07:44 AM

I am working on a client's design and have hit the wall. I have a decent layout that I like but am having trouble finding the right colors. Even when I find a color that works, I have trouble finding colors to go with the primary color, etc. I am fimilar with general color theory, but have issue putting it into practice...any advice or links for inspiration?

thanks,
steve

Jazzee · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 07:52 AM

http://www.easyrgb.com/harmonies.php

se4b4ss · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:01 AM

thank you. it doesnt seem to show complementary colors...am i just missing it?

Jazzee · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:03 AM

Put in your main color on that first page, hit "start" and it'll give you matching colors.

se4b4ss · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:05 AM

i got that, but the results were lacking complimentary colors. ie i started with 00,33,99 (0-ff) and expected to see a nice orange as a matching color.

Jazzee · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:08 AM

If you already know what color you think you want to use (orange), why not just use that color?

There is a peachy color there.

se4b4ss · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:10 AM

i was testing it.

i think the colors it chose were weak...any other sources?

se4b4ss · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 08:23 AM

i found this...link

Jazzee · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by se4b4ss

i found this...link

Nice find

Crichey · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 04:02 PM

You may laugh but a great place to find color schemes is your local home depot/lowes/ace hardware etc. Paint companies put out color collections that match each other. Good place to get an idea where to start.

se4b4ss · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crichey

You may laugh but a great place to find color schemes is your local home depot/lowes/ace hardware etc. Paint companies put out color collections that match each other. Good place to get an idea where to start.

i use behr.com...

DaveyBoy · #12 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 10:34 PM

A few times i've spotted signs up in supermarkets or other stores with cool colour schemes, and have just used my cam phone to snap a pic of it, then transfer it to PC when i'm home and colour drop the colours in photoshop, obviously changing them a bit but the basis of the scheme remains. Done that a few times. Also been known to get schemes off scarves and t-shirts, if it's good enough to wear all day, it's good enough to look at for a few mins.

docquesting · #13 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 11:22 AM

When you start designing and working with colors and you go out in the real world you start noticing more details that you might have missed. If you havent atleast you ought too. An example would be when your sitting in the car riding down the road at night and you look at the cup in the cup hiolder. You can see how the lights from the radio or dash reflect through it if a clear one. These things you might not have thought of twice before hand.

DaveyBoy · #14 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 03:26 PM

Can't say i've noticed stuff like that myself, it's more just that since i've been a designing more and more, i find myself thinking 'nice colours' or 'that would make a cool site' instead of looking at whatever it was properly.

docquesting · #15 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:08 PM

I suppose that since I am ok on the color part overall I dont worry about that myself. Also if you take the time to notice details like I mentioned abiove you will have a clearer eye for what does look right. It is sort of like practice and you will be amazed how much more interesting it makes things.

Take for example an item in your room. Look at how the colors go together and how the light affects the shadows. IMHO it will make graphics and design that much more enjoyable as well as real life. You may also find yourself complimenting that girl you see every so often but not as a g/f on the new shoes or outfit she is wearing. Normally you wouldnt do this at all.

DaveyBoy · #16 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:11 PM

of course, looking how the light shines on a glass is going to make me better at designing

I never compliment girls on anything anymore - too many years of 'YOU HATE IT DON'T YOU?!' under my belt, mate.

docquesting · #17 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:17 PM

Whew I feel you have had bad experiance with them as well. I understand where your coming from. I used to not notice such things much but they do appreciate compliments when you really mean it. I try not to say anything unless I do.

Maybe you do think what I said was funny but yes looking at the way light shines on glass will help you. That is only one of the millions of things out there to start noticing and enjoying more as we should. Not only for design purposes but for our own pleasure.

DaveyBoy · #18 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:21 PM

are you giving me design tips now? one half-decent site design and now you're a guru

well, just allow me to say...

OMG BANANA!!!!!!!!!

ps. i do compliment her all the time, i was just joshin'.

docquesting · #19 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:30 PM

LOL Now that you did say that I auctully laughed at myself, "whoa boy" slow done slightly lol. Mostly I was just putting in my own experiance since being into design stuff more.

DaveyBoy · #20 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 08:36 PM

We all laugh at you doc don't worry.

PS. I hate IE.