Basic Colour Theory

• The principle of colour theory is based on the colour wheel, which includes three primary colours - red, yellow, and blue.
• Secondary colours are created by mixing equal amounts of primary colours together, and they are green, orange, and purple.
• Tertiary colours are the result of mixing a primary colour with an adjacent secondary colour.

Complementary Colours

• Complementary colours are directly opposite on the colour wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple.
• Complementary colours, when used together in designs, create strong contrasts and can be visually striking.

Colour Harmonies

• Analogous colours are groups of three colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. One is dominant, one is supportive, and the third can be an accent.
• Triadic colour scheme uses colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. This scheme is vibrant and offers a higher contrast while maintaining harmony.
• Split-complementary is a variation of the complementary colour scheme in which it uses a base colour and two colours adjacent to its complement.

Colour and Mood

• Warm colours, like red, orange, and yellow, are often associated with energy, brightness, and action.
• Cool colours, like blue, green, and purple, usually suggest calm and soothing feelings.
• Neutral colours, such as black, white, grey, and brown, often serve as the backdrop in design.

Understanding Colour in Visual Communication

• Choice of colour can dramatically impact the perception and emotional response of viewers.
• Overlapping colour elements can be used to create depth or to establish a hierarchy of importance in design.
• Saturated colours can make something stand out and appear closer, while desaturated colours make things look receding and distant.

Colour Terminology

• Hue is the name of the colour and is the primary value that describes how a colour appears under natural light.
• Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a colour.
• Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour.
• Tone is created by adding grey to a colour.
• Shade describes a range of colours from dark to light by adding white or black to a colour.
• Tint is the result of adding white to a colour, making it lighter.

These key aspects of colour theory form essential building blocks for effective visual communication in graphic design. Understanding and employing them consciously in your designs will allow you to evoke the desired emotion or reaction from your audience.