Edi Explains: Brainstorming and Choosing Colour Combinations
Posted by Edi Parkinson on Thu, Jan 19, 2012
Where do you find colour and colour combinations for your next project? Well today I am going to list my Favourite Four sites for colour inspiration when it comes to designing a new website or print project.
1. colourlovers.com
This is my favourite online site to find inspiration. You can view the latest colours, the latest palettes and the latest patterns posted by other colour lovers. There is so much to look at and absorb, and that is the biggest problem… knowing when to stop looking at the next page! I feel sometimes like a gambler who has hit it big but maybe with the next slot pull I will get even luckier! Either way, you’ll find the jackpot of colour inspiration here! If you are a visual person like me who loves colour, this site will not disappoint - colourlovers.com is appropriately named.
2. istock.com
What I like about istock is the rich visuals from photos and illustrations. Photos alway inspire me, and great photography even more so. Sometimes it's a theme of photo styles or a mood. When I am at the colour brainstorming stage, in the back of my mind is of course the "colour of images" - the photo style needs to fit the colour theme as well. Illustrations as photos are part of colour as well. Photo or illustration, they all play a part in choosing the right colours and combination of colours for any project. Similar to colourlovers.com, you can get overwhelmed, but keep in mind you need to move on to the next stage: taking this inspirational material and finding a way to make it your own. Creating unique designs for your project is even more exciting than the brainstorming!
3. Google/images
I sometimes forget about this one, but it’s a great resource. In google/images you get the gamet of photos, images, colours, topics, bloopers, nudity - oops, yes it can be embarrassing at times when you're working on your laptop in a coffee shop. Anyhow, I find it very helpful seeing things that work, and just as importantly things that don't work. I typically check out what other designers and agencies (from around the world) are doing to make sure what I come up with is different, ahead of any dominant trends and fresh. I track colours over the years to get a sense of what tones have staying power beyond a year or two.
4. The mall... Yes the mall.
And you thought I was going to list another web"site" link?! We all know fashion, whether it be clothing or furniture or home décor, is always current and trendy - the mall is perfect for exploring trendsetting colours and patterns! I pay close attention to colour combinations used in patterns, florals, stripes whether it be a child's sweater, a sophisticated evening dress or a duvet cover. I look at how different materials, textures and other tone on tone affects the overall look and how you can translate that to a design project. So with a latte in hand and some comfy shoes let the brainstorming begin!
Here we have it Edi's FAV FOUR! Feel free to share how you brainstorm colour.
Give one or all a try! What are your sites for colour inspiration?