Graphic design is a form of art that uses visual references to communicate messages to viewers. Colors play a major role in graphic design, as they are used to create visual impact and draw attention.
Colors can evoke emotions, emphasize certain elements, and set the overall mood of a design. Therefore, it’s important for designers to understand how colors are named and used in graphic design.
In graphic design, there are two main color models used to describe and categorize colors: the RGB (Red Green Blue) model and the CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Key/Black) model. The RGB model is based on light combinations while the CMYK model is based on ink combinations. Both models are commonly used when working with digital images.
The RGB model is an additive color system where red, green, and blue light are combined in various proportions to create different colors. The CMYK model is a subtractive color system where cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink are combined in various proportions to create different colors. In both cases, each color has its own unique name or “shade”.
In the RGB system, primary colors – red, green and blue – are referred to as “hues”. Secondary colors – cyan (blue-green), magenta (red-purple) and yellow – which are created by mixing two primary colors together are referred to as “tints”. Tertiary colors – orange (yellow-red), purple (blue-red), green (yellow-blue) – which are created by mixing two secondary colors together are referred to as “shades”.
In the CMYK system, primary colors – cyan (blue-green), magenta (red-purple) and yellow – are referred to as “base” or “process” colors. Secondary colors – black (made from all three process inks combined) or gray (made from equal parts of all three process inks combined) – which can be created by mixing process inks together in various proportions or adding black or gray ink separately are referred to as “tones”.
Conclusion:
Colors have an important role in graphic design since they can evoke emotions or set the overall mood of a design. There are two main color models used for describing and categorizing colors – RGB which is based on light combinations, and CMYK which is based on ink combinations – each with its own unique names for hues, tints shades and tones.