Colour theory explains how colours relate and how they can be used to evoke different moods. There are three primary colours - red, yellow and blue - which can be mixed to create secondary colours like orange and green. Tertiary colours are made by mixing a primary and secondary colour. The colour wheel visually shows how all colours are connected. Designers use colour combinations and their symbolic meanings to communicate ideas and create certain atmospheres.

1. Colour Theory

2. Introduction Colour plays an important part in Graphic Communication Colour can make a graphic look realistic Colour can create a mood or feeling

3. Primary Colours The primary colours are Yellow Red Blue These are mixed together to make all possible colours

4. Secondary Colours The secondary colours Orange Violet Green Are produced by mixing two Primary Colours in equal quantities

5. Tertiary Colours The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal quantities They take their name from the 2 mixed colours

6. The Colour Wheel The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing how colours relate to each other The outside ring shows 3 primary , 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colours

7. Tints and Shades Tints Add white to make a tint Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness Shades Add black or grey to make a shade Dark shades make objects appear heavy

8. Using Colour Designers use combinations of colours to create different effects and evoke a variety of feelings

9. Harmony Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outside of the colour wheel are used together The effect is relaxing and sympathetic

10. Contrast Contrast is created when colours far apart on the colour wheel are used together Contrasting colours are described as complementary

11. Warm Colours Warm colours ( reds , yellows and oranges ) are known as advancing colours They appear closer to the viewer than other colours

12. Cool Colours Cool colours ( blues , greens and violets ) are known as receding colours They appear to be further away from the viewer

13. A Harmonious Colour Scheme Any colours within the same third of the colour wheel will work together to create a harmonious colour scheme. eg violet , red , red-orange

14. A Bold Colour Scheme Any two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and create a bold scheme eg violet and yellow

15. An Exciting Colour Scheme Any three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to create an exciting scheme eg yellow , red and blue

16. Colour and Mood Different colours create different moods Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere Effects are created by using colour combinations

17. Colour and Mood Red Warm, exciting, vibrant, passionate, dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive, courageous, festive Orange Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and energy Yellow Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily seen Green Cool, restful, natural, calm, soothing, fresh, quiet, informal Blue Cool, elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal, classy Purple Rich, pompous regal Violet Cool, peaceful, solitary Neutrals Greys; natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified, comfortable Browns; natural, earthy, safe Black and White Dramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting

18. Colour and Communication Instructional As a symbol Group identity Colour coding Promote name Promote sales