Using Color: Primary Colors

The world is a colorful place. Luckily, graphics are a big part of the world now. Many of us will see graphics everywhere - on TV, billboards, ads, posters, books, etc. And a majority of the time, color will most likely be the first thing about a graphic that we will see. In fact, in a recent study, it was stated that the human eye can see up to 10 million colors, which is why it's important to carefully select the most eye-pleasing colors there are. The first thing you should know about color are the many different types that exist.

The Color Wheel

Like many things in this world, colors have a basis that we use to distinguish each one from among others. The color wheel is that very basis we have developed. Within the color wheel, there are three types of colors. They are primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors. Each contain a different set of colors, from simple ones to those that are seen as more complex.

Primary Colors

They are the first set of colors on the color wheel and are the original source of many colors that we see every day. By mixing these colors, we can create a plethora of many others, but keep in mind, they cannot be recreated once they have been mixed with others. These primary colors are made of but three colors within three different sets for different purposes.

RYB

This is the most commonly used color wheel out there. For RYB, the primary colors used for this type of color wheel are red, yellow, and blue (hence the acronym). These primary colors are often referenced by many artists in order to provide themselves with a gateway to a vast amount of color options.

RGB

Abbreviated for red, green, and blue, these primary colors are best used for electronic programs such as television, video games, and online graphics. For anyone that may desire to create graphic designs for electronic rather than physical purposes, the RGB color wheel is what you’ll want to reference.

CMYK

The primary colors used in this color wheel are cyan, magenta, and yellow. The colors used in this color wheel are usually used in ink and specialize in printing. For many advertising agencies and print shops, this color wheel is the most referenced. Although, it is said that some painters also tend to use it to create a different tone for their art.