Using Color: Secondary Colors

Now that we’ve covered primary colors, we will now go deeper into the color spectrum and watch as the primary colors multiply for each of the three color wheels. As part of the next wave of colors, we will see the results of mixing these three primary colors, which are known as secondary colors. However, keep in mind that these secondary colors vary from each color wheel.

RYB

Let’s go back to art class. As a visual, think of the primary colors (Red, Blue, and Yellow) mixed together on a paint palette. Of course, it’s common knowledge that mixing red and blue makes violet, blue and yellow makes green, and yellow and red makes orange. Now, we have newly formed colors. In the diagram above, you can see these secondary colors as they open the doors to thousands of new colors to be formed.

RGB

When dealing with RGB, you are dealing with the color within light. The reason for the primary colors being red, green, and blue is due to the colors within light that the human eye can pick up. Although we may not think about it, light does have color, but it is often distorted. Because we can’t see individual colors, the most common color of light people often see is white—the combination of the three primary colors. Although, when broken down, it was discovered that individually mixing two of each primary color can achieve a secondary color (see diagram above). These colors are yellow, magenta, and cyan.

CMYK

Now if you remember the primary colors for CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow), I’m sure you’ve noticed. Yes, the secondary colors for RGB are indeed the same as the primary colors for CMYK. Knowing this, you can see that the primary and secondary colors for these two color wheels are merely flipped. However, unlike RGB, mixing the primary colors for CMYK will create black, which is why it is often used for printing. This will allow printers to create a variety of bright, vibrant colors, while having a side option for black ink. As you know, most printers today don’t always require black ink. Merely mixing all of your colors together will allow for a fairly legible black ink for text or any images that require a bit of shading in for shadows.