Colour Theory

Colour theory is the study of how colours interact, complement, and contrast with each other. It provides designers with a framework for making informed colour decisions based on principles developed over centuries of artistic practice and, more recently, scientific study of human perception. Key concepts in colour theory include the colour wheel, which organises colours by their relationships; complementary colours, which sit opposite each other on the wheel and create maximum contrast; analogous colours, which sit adjacent and create harmony; and triadic colour schemes, which use three equally spaced colours for vibrant balance. Colour temperature — the distinction between warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) and cool colours (blues, greens, purples) — affects the emotional tone of a design. Value (lightness and darkness) and saturation (intensity) further expand the designer's options. For logo design, colour theory informs not only the initial colour selection but also decisions about contrast, legibility, and emotional resonance with the target audience.