What Are the Three Commonly Used Colour Combinations in Graphic Design?

When it comes to graphic design, colour combinations can make or break the design. Different combinations of colours evoke different reactions from viewers, so it is important to choose hues that work together to create the desired effect. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to colour combinations, there are three commonly used colour combinations that often produce effective results: Monochromatic, Analogous and Complementary.

Monochromatic – This colour scheme consists of various tones and shades of the same hue.

For example, a monochromatic blue might combine navy blue, sky blue and light blue. This type of combination creates a sense of harmony and balance in a design by using similar colours. It is an especially effective choice for minimalist designs as it doesn’t overwhelm the viewer with too much variety.

Analogous – This colour combination consists of three hues which are side by side on the colour wheel. Analogous colours often have a natural flow between them as they share common characteristics; for example, a yellow-orange-red combination would all be warm hues whereas a blue-green-purple combination would be cool shades.

Complementary – A complementary combination consists of two hues which are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel; for example, red and green or orange and blue. This type of combination creates contrast in a design as the two colours contrast each other in terms of hue, tone and saturation.

Conclusion:

When it comes to graphic design, choosing the right colour combinations can make or break the design. The three most commonly used colour combinations are Monochromatic, Analogous and Complementary; each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what kind of effect you want to achieve in your design.