You may have observed that I have a strong passion for design. Having previously worked as a graphic designer and product manager, I am keenly interested in clean lines and well-balanced aesthetics. I enjoy tackling challenges to ensure that form and function integrate flawlessly. One aspect of design that particularly captivates me is color theory, including the use of the color wheel art, and the symbolism of colors. I find it intriguing that specific colors can evoke distinct personalities or identities, similar to characters in a narrative.
Color’s Meanings:
Red signifies "stop," while orange is a color that captures attention, making it commonly used for warnings. Green symbolizes growth and vitality, and blue typically conveys a sense of calmness. Even without considering additional factors, these colors possess their inherent symbolism. Traditions and cultures play a significant role in defining symbolism. In Western societies, the color white represents innocence and purity, whereas in some other cultures, it signifies mourning. Additionally, the expression "green with envy" has introduced another dimension of meaning to the color green.
While blue on its own may represent peace and tranquility, incorporating red and yellow introduces the primary colors that evoke youthfulness. Swapping out yellow for white results in a color combination associated with patriotism. When colors are combined, their meanings can shift or take on new dimensions.
Introduction to Color Theory:
They are referred to as primary colors because you cannot create them by mixing any other colors together. Please note that red, yellow, and blue are considered primary colors in terms of pigments. However, when discussing color in relation to light, the primary colors are red, green, and blue. This distinction highlights the differences between the colors of light and pigments, which will be the focus of a different discussion.
They are called secondary colors because you can create them by combining just two primary colors. Refer to the color wheel below for information on primary and secondary colors. The primary colors are indicated with 1. And secondaries are indicated with 2.
These colors work together nicely and create a striking contrast. Each primary color has a corresponding secondary color that complements it.
What is the connection between this and writing?
Colors can create an atmosphere. They have the ability to evoke emotions or establish the overall vibe of a written work. By utilizing specific colors or a combination of colors, you can convey the essence of your narrative without using any words, almost like a summary without dialogue. Characters can be compared to colors. A highly effective method to reveal a character's traits is to contrast them with someone entirely different. For instance, if your character embodies a shade of purple, consider placing her alongside someone who represents yellow to see the dynamic interactions that unfold.
How I use color: When creating a new character and outlining a basic biography, I attach a paint chip to it using staples or glue. The color acts as a form of non-verbal biography, conveying information about the character that is almost as informative as the written description. Take a field trip next weekend! Dedicate half an hour to visit a hardware store and explore the paint section. Most stores offer free paint chip samples, so be sure to collect several or even a lot. Look for the ideal paint color that symbolizes your character or narrative, or use a color wheel template to experiment with color combinations that represent your story’s mood and themes. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, choose colors for each key character and observe the contrasts and harmonious combinations.
If you want to push your creativity further, consider visiting a fabric store instead, where you can experiment with colors, patterns, and textures. If you're short on time for store visits, grab some markers, colored pencils, or even paints to mix and match and have fun with colors. The goal is to enjoy the process and use colors to convey the essence of your story.
