Combination of Colours: How to Mix & Match in Printing
Have you ever noticed how some colours go together naturally, just like butter and corn or peanut butter and banana? Yes, they grab attention and make designs visually appealing. But if a colour combination goes wrong, the design could look messy, dull, or even hard to read.
Choosing colours randomly or opting for your favourites isn’t a good idea. So, how do you select two colors that go well together perfectly? Look at popular brands like McDonald’s [red and yellow] or Nike [black and white]. These pairs are wisely chosen based on factors such as colour psychology and the purpose of the design.
Don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert. In this read, you will go through some winning colour combinations and the secrets behind them.
Why do Colour Combinations Matter?
Combining colours is the intentional pairing of two or more colours that create a visual impact in design. The strategic mix of colours enhances aesthetics, effectiveness, and readability, thus making your printing materials, like for sale boards, more attractive than ever.
The matching colour matters for the following reasons:
- The right combination of hues grabs attention instantly
- Contrast transforms a text into clear and legible for the audience
- The mix of colours evokes emotions and has psychological associations.
- The consistent use of the same colour combination builds brand recognition.
Simply saying, understanding what do colours symbolise and selecting the right colours makes your prints attention-grabbing effortlessly.
The Colour Wheel: A Compass to Choose the Right Colours
The colour wheel is a universal tool in which colours are organised based on their relationships. The right understanding can guide you in selecting the perfect colour schemes.
- Complementary Colours: The colours such as blue and orange that are opposite to one another are termed complementary colours. You can pair them to create a bold look and make your print design visually mind-blowing.
- Analogous Colours: The colours that are adjacent to the wheel, like blue and green, come under this category. You can pair this to create calming and comfortable printing designs effectively.
- Triadic Colours: The ‘tri’ represents three colours like red, blue, and yellow that are placed on the colour wheel. It can be used when you are looking for a balanced appeal.
- Monochromatic Colours: As the word ‘ mono ‘ represents, these colours have variations in the lightness and saturation of a single colour. They are suitable for curating soothing and minimalistic designs for printing.
Classic Colour Combinations That Captivate Human Eyes
Some colour combinations have become classic choices for designs for good reason. The most common colours are mentioned below.
- Black and Gold: Luxury brands and premium services use Black and Gold to communicate exclusivity. The contrast between these colours creates a strong visual impact that is hard to move on.
- Green and White: This specific combination of colours is perfect for environmental organisations, organic products, and much more. Simply, it emphasises natural qualities and freshness among the audience.
- Navy Blue and Yellow: It is a timeless colour pairing that spreads the vibe of trust and professionalism. This combination works excellently for legal firms, financial services, and organisations that want to project reliability.
- Red and Yellow: This colour combination is universally recognisable and represents high energy as it draws attention easily. It is often used in food services, children’s products, or promotions that require immediate notice.
Common Factors to Consider When Combining Colours
When combining colours for your print designs, consider the following factors:
- Your Industry: Every industry has some common colour conventions that may make people find out the type of business in a matter of seconds.
- Your Values: Since colours can communicate your brand personality, choose based on what value you want to show off, such as traditional, luxurious, or innovative.
- Your Competition: To make your hangman board stand out, you have to differentiate yourself from the competitors by adding unique elements.
- Practical Applications: Think about how your colours will be perceived across different mediums and choose colours in accordance with them.
Final Thoughts
Kudos! Henceforth, you can make colours work for you. To find two colours that go well together, just figure out,
- What emotion do I want to create?
- What is the overall message of the design?
- How should your design look to the audience?
Still not confident enough? You aren’t alone! We implement eye-catching colour combinations to increase visibility and visual appeal. Contact us today to craft your boards that make your properties catch the eyeballs of potential buyers even from across the street!
By:
admin
An enthusiastic Graphic Designer professional with strong communication and organisational skills, who is passionate about creating and developing innovative ideas with the client to help them get their business noticed. I work to the highest standards and have an excellent eye for detail with skills in design and organisation. I am a dependable and productive worker whose honesty and integrity provides effective leadership and builds excellent relationships. I enjoy innovatively…
Mar 12 2025
