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. 

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.

Welcome! 

Here you will learn the basics to developing creative, clear, and legible graphic designs with the help of several key elements to provide a foundation for just about any project you set your mind on. However, I want to point out that I am not a professional. The purpose of this blog is to provide a basic understanding of graphic design for those that may have just begun their journey into the field. I will cover a fairly wide range of topics such as typography, colors, scales, image resolution, value, as well as many others to come.

I hope you will enjoy!