Module 2: Color Theory and Typography Basics

Visual Graphic Design: Color

It can even communicate something important without using words at all.

Color

So how do we know which colors look good together and which ones don't?

Color Theory

A circular chart that organizes colors to show how they relate to each other.

Color Wheel

Basically just another word for color.

Hue

Refers to intensity—in other words, whether the color appears more subtle or more vibrant.

Saturation

Has to do with how dark or light the color is, ranging from black to white. This gives us many different shades, from a deep reddish brown to a light pastel pink.

Value

Uses the color wheel to illustrate time-tested color combinations.

Color harmony

Having or using only one color, or a single wavelength of light, often shown in different shades and tints

Monochromatic

Color scheme uses colors that are next to each other on the wheel, like reds and oranges or blues and greens.

Analougous colors

Colors are opposite each other on the wheel; for instance, blue and orange or the classic red and green.

Complementary colors

Color scheme uses the colors on either side of the complement.

Split-complementary Color

Scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced, forming a perfect triangle on the wheel.

Triadic Colors

Schemes form a rectangle on the wheel, using not one but two complementary color pairs.

Tetradic Colors

Give neutral colors.

Black, White, Gray, Beige, and Brown.

A color is less bright, intense, or pure.

Desaturated

What is typogaphy?

Is a style or appearance of a text.

Because of their classic look, they're a good choice for more traditional projects. They're also common in print publications, like magazines and newspapers.

Serif fonts

Which is French for without serif. This style is considered cleaner and more modern than serif fonts. Also, it tends to be easier to read on computer screens, including smartphones and tablets.

Sans serif fonts

What is hierarchy?

Is to guide the reader’s eye to whatever is important.

Is the space between lines of text also know as ____?

Leading

_____ is the overall space between characters. sometimes called character spacing.

Tracking

_____ is the space between specific characters.

Kerning