Colour theory is the art and science of using colours in a way that creates harmony, balance, and visual appeal. It’s a foundational principle for artists, designers, and creatives who want to make impactful designs, whether on canvas, digital platforms, or clothing. Understanding how colours interact and the emotions they evoke can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of any design.
At the core of colour theory is the colour wheel, a tool that helps artists see relationships between colours. Developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, the wheel arranges colours in a circle, showing the transitions between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. Primary colours—red, blue, and yellow—are the base of all other colours. When you mix them, you get secondary colours like green, orange, and purple. Tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary and a secondary colour.
The Three Components of Colour
Hue: Hue refers to the basic colours themselves—red, blue, green, etc. These are the purest forms of colour and are what we refer to when we say “colour.”
Saturation: Saturation measures the intensity or purity of a colour. A highly saturated colour appears bold and vibrant, while a desaturated colour can look washed out or pale.
Value: Value determines how light or dark a colour is. Adding white to a colour creates a tint, while adding black creates a shade.
The Power of Colour Harmony
Colour harmony occurs when colours work well together and create an appealing aesthetic. There are several popular ways to achieve this:
Complementary colours are directly opposite on the colour wheel (e.g., red and green). When used together, they create high contrast and vibrant designs.
Analogous colours are next to each other on the wheel (e.g., blue, green, and teal). These colours are often found in nature and are pleasing to the eye, creating a serene and comfortable design.
Triadic colours form a triangle on the wheel (e.g., red, blue, and yellow). Using these colours creates bold, dynamic contrasts while maintaining harmony.
Colour Theory and Ito Folch Designs
At Ito Folch, colour theory is central to designing standout fashion pieces.
