Synopses & Reviews
The Basics Design series explores key areas of design through a series of case studies juxtaposed by key creastive 'basics'. Contemporary work is supported by concise descriptions, technical expansions and diagrammatic visualisations, enabling the reader to fully understand the work being discussed.
Basics Design: Colour explores the use of colour in graphic design. The book explores in depth what colours mean, their inherent associations and their cultural connotations. Building on this information, it then tackles how to control colour in a design in order to achieve a desired effect or fulfil a specific brief. Starting with the basic principles of colour – how light works, colour wheels, colour combinations and harmonies – the book builds on these principles and explains how the designer can accurately and intentionally control colour.
The Basics Design series also includes Format, Layout, Typography, Image, Print & Finish and Grids.
The Basics Design series explores key areas of design through a series of case studies juxtaposed by key creative 'basics'. Contemporary work is supported by concise descriptions, technical expansions and diagrammatic visualisations, enabling the reader to fully understand the work being discussed.
Basics Design: Colour explores the use of colour in graphic design. The book explores in depth what colours mean, their inherent associations and their cultural connotations. Building on this information, it then tackles how to control colour in a design in order to achieve a desired effect or fulfil a specific brief. Starting with the basic principles of colour – how light works, colour wheels, colour combinations and harmonies – the book builds on these principles and explains how the designer can accurately and intentionally control colour.
The Basics Design series also includes Format, Layout, Typography, Image, Print & Finish and Grids.
Review
'Very well organized and easy to follow. The book design and structure will help my students learn more about colour and colour interaction.' Luis Blanco-Doring, Spring Hill College, USA
'Basics Design is an excellent series. Well designed, good format, well chosen illustrations...' Andrew Gossett, Middlesex University, UK
'The texts are very approachable in the manner they have been written and designed making them excellent introductory and summary resources for students and staff.' Grant Ellmers, Wollongong University, Australia
'The books are beautifully designed and produced... Packed full of interesting and varied explanations, examples, and ideas to inspire.' Martha Campbell, Penn State Erie, Behrend College, USA
Synopsis
Basics Design: Colour explores the use of colour in graphic design.
The book explores in depth what colours mean, their inherent associations and their cultural connotations. Building on this information, it then tackles how to control colour in a design in order to achieve a desired effect or fulfil a specific brief. Starting with the basic principles of colour – how light works, colour wheels, colour combinations and harmonies – the book builds on these principles and explains how the designer can accurately and intentionally control colour.
Fully illustrated with examples from contemporary designers that push the envelope of colour in design, Basics Design: Colour constitutes a comprehensive discussion of the effective use of colour in graphic design.
Synopsis
Basics Design: Colour explores the use of colour in graphic design. The book explores in depth what colours mean, their inherent associations and their cultural connotations. Building on this information, it then tackles how to control colour in a design in order to achieve a desired effect or fulfil a specific brief. Starting with the basic principles of colour – how light works, colour wheels, colour combinations and harmonies – the book builds on these principles and explains how the designer can accurately and intentionally control colour.
Colour, the book argues, is the most immediate form of non-verbal communication. Humans naturally react to colour; we have evolved with a certain innate understanding of it. Colour is used to represent thoughts and emotions in a way that no other element of design can. As such, colour is a vitally important part of a designer’s toolset.
Fully illustrated with examples from contemporary designers that push the envelope of colour in design, Basics Design: Colour constitutes a comprehensive discussion of the effective use of colour in graphic design.
About the Author
Gavin Ambrose achieved his Masters in Communications at Central St. Martins and is a tutor on both the Typographic and Information Design courses at the London College of Printing. He has written and designed several books on branding and packaging.
Paul Harris studied at the London College of Printing and has gone on to become a freelance writer and editor. His work has appeared extensively in magazines and journals on both sides of the Atlantic, including style bible Dazed & Confused.
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to get the most out of this book
1. The Basics
Colour Codes
Basic Terminology
Describing Colours
Colour Wheel Selections
Colour Combinations
2. Colour Systems
Gamut
CMYK
RGB
Special-process colours
Fluorescents
Metallics
3. Using Colour
Imposition
Colour Fall
Paper stocks
Colour detailing
Colour layers
Tints
Overprinting
4. Techniques
Colouring images
Tonal images
Colour manipulation
Gradients
Undercolour addition
Hierarchy
5. Colour Symbolism
Emotional reactions
Red
Pink
Orange
Yellow
Brown
Blue
Green
Purple
Neutrals
White
Black
6. Colour in Practice
Colour coding
Colour as a warning
Colour effects
Creating identity