Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast from Udemy

Have you ever struggled to decide on what colors to use in your compositions? Have you ever had that dreadful feeling that it’s just not quite right as it is?

Then this comprehensive course on Color & Contrast is exactly what you have been looking for. Whether you're just starting out in graphic design, or already using design software, this course would very likely accelerate all your future progress. Read on to learn why.

Rhonda: "Best By Far. These are the most comprehensible and easy-to-follow courses that I've taken. Best investment in my business so far."

Why learn about Color Theory?

As you already know, Color is the one of most important visual elements of any graphic design project. It conveys emotions and mood before viewers even understand what they are looking at. It is the first impression of your design and a lasting one.

With the clever use of contrast, you will learn how to guide the eye and separate details from one another, adding visual interest to a composition.

My mission with this course

The purpose of this course is to give you the knowledge and confidence on these crucial decisions. To know which combination or harmony would work best, which color should be dominant or how to achieve contrast in your chosen palette? And with the understanding you gain from this course, with all the examples we will go through together, you will be able to make these decisions intuitively and effortlessly to utilize color and contrast at their best.

Zahra: "I love this course. Martin is a great teacher as well as an awesome designer.. he’s really added to my career. He’s always very clear and right to the point.. and his videos are never boring."

By the end of this course you will be able to make important details stand out in your compositions using contrast, and masterful in choosing the most fitting color palettes for your projects.

What will you learn from this course?

Color terms (value, hue, chrome, tint, shade, saturation – what they mean and how they impact your designs?)
Color harmonies (complementary, split complementary, triad, tetradic, analogous, monochromatic, achromatic)
Combining colors (primary, secondary, tertiary, dominant, highlight, accent, etc.)
Perception of colors (social and cultural meanings of colors)
Designing with color blindness in mind
What is the role of contrast in a design?
Types of contrast (scale, value, vibrancy, complexity, texture, shape, etc.)
Relation between key and contrast

Tons of examples

This is a very practical course. We will be analyzing lots of creative work in each lesson to understand and appreciate how color or various forms of contrast are used. You will be able to download these examples and make your own variations.

Vivian: "The course is dynamic, super well structured and Martin is an amazing teacher. Have nothing bad to say about it. So many examples to learn from, I'm super happy and excited that I'm doing this course and feel that in such little time I'm already so much better than when I started."

Trusting me as your Instructor

This new Graphic Design Theory Series (Color & Contrast is the first part) is the essence of my 15+ years of teaching graphic design, and 20+ years of working as a freelance designer at the highest level. I was fortunate to teach more than a 100.000 students worldwide and was voted as one of the 5 best Adobe instructors of the World. Here in Udemy, some of my courses are all time best sellers and are considered the best in their category. The challenge of teaching Design Theory is that everything is related, and I have a very effective and unique approach to explore this amazing subject in an enjoyable, easy to understand manner, that will help you to build deep understanding in it fast.

Come, join me on this exciting journey, let’s explore the magic of color and contrast in Graphic Design together.

Patrik: "I have Martin's Photoshop and Illustrator training (both excellent), so I had an idea of what to expect with this course. I have long hoped/searched for a solid course on the elements of design, similar to what I learned in university many (many) years ago. This course, Graphic Design Theory, Color & Contrast, is a step in the right direction. It cleared some cobwebs and I learned a few new things as well. I look forward to seeing more chapters added to the Graphic Design Theory catalogue."

What's inside

Learning objectives

Intuitively know which combination of colors or harmony would work best for your composition.
Color terms (value, hue, chrome, tint, shade, saturation – what they mean and how they impact your designs?)
Color harmonies (complementary, split complementary, triad, tetradic, analogous, monochromatic, achromatic)
Combining colors (primary, secondary, tertiary, dominant, highlight, accent, etc.)
Understand how we perceive colors and how they affect us (social and cultural meanings of colors).
Use contrast masterfully to control visual hierarchy and create effective designs.
Types of contrast (scale, value, vibrancy, complexity, texture, shape, etc.)

Become fluent in visual communication and learn how to make engaging, clear and effective compositions.
Understand how people react to visuals (what grabs their attention and what will motivate them to buy or make a decision).
Boost your confidence by mastering how to analyze designs and ask the right questions when judging your own compositions.
Learn the language of design in order to communicate with clients, printers, developers and other creative professionals.
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Intuitively know which combination of colors or harmony would work best for your composition.
Color terms (value, hue, chrome, tint, shade, saturation – what they mean and how they impact your designs?)
Color harmonies (complementary, split complementary, triad, tetradic, analogous, monochromatic, achromatic)
Combining colors (primary, secondary, tertiary, dominant, highlight, accent, etc.)
Understand how we perceive colors and how they affect us (social and cultural meanings of colors).
Use contrast masterfully to control visual hierarchy and create effective designs.
Types of contrast (scale, value, vibrancy, complexity, texture, shape, etc.)
Become fluent in visual communication and learn how to make engaging, clear and effective compositions.
Understand how people react to visuals (what grabs their attention and what will motivate them to buy or make a decision).
Boost your confidence by mastering how to analyze designs and ask the right questions when judging your own compositions.
Learn the language of design in order to communicate with clients, printers, developers and other creative professionals.
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Why learn the theory of graphic design?

References

Glossary of Terms

Color Theory

Terms and Definitions

Meanings of Colors

Color Red

Color Harmonies

Perception of Color

Contrast

Illustration

Photography and Film

Graphic Design

Popular Culture

Online contrast checker

Visual Attention Software

Improving design based on VAS analysis

Exercises

Conclusion and next steps

Test your knowledge! - Color & Contrast quiz

Design Analysis - Color & Contrast Worksheet

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast with these activities:

Review Color Theory Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of color theory basics before diving into more advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review notes from previous art or design courses.
Watch introductory videos on color theory.
Complete a basic color mixing exercise.

Review 'Interaction of Color' by Josef Albers

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Gain a deeper understanding of color relationships and visual perception.

View Albers and Morandi: Never Finished on Amazon

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Read selected chapters focusing on color interaction.
Experiment with color exercises from the book.
Analyze how Albers' principles apply to existing designs.

Design a Color Palette Inspiration Board

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Practice applying color theory principles by creating a visual collection of inspiring color palettes.

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Gather images and designs with appealing color schemes.
Identify the dominant, secondary, and accent colors.
Arrange the images into a cohesive inspiration board.
Write a short description of each palette's mood.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Contrast Checker Exercises

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Improve your ability to identify and adjust contrast in designs.

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Use an online contrast checker to analyze existing websites.
Adjust text and background colors to meet accessibility standards.
Experiment with different types of contrast (value, color, size).

Redesign a Website Homepage with Improved Color & Contrast

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Apply your knowledge of color and contrast to a real-world design challenge.

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Choose a website with poor color and contrast.
Analyze the existing color palette and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a new color palette based on color theory principles.
Create a mockup of the redesigned homepage.
Present your redesign and explain your design choices.

Read 'Color and Meaning' by Kimberly Elam

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Explore the cultural and psychological meanings associated with different colors.

View Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design:... on Amazon

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Read chapters focusing on specific color associations.
Research the cultural significance of colors in different regions.
Analyze how color symbolism is used in advertising and branding.

Create a Presentation on Color Accessibility

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Deepen your understanding of color accessibility and share your knowledge with others.

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Research color accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
Identify common color accessibility issues in design.
Create a presentation outlining best practices for color use.
Include examples of accessible and inaccessible designs.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts for various media, including print and digital platforms. Understanding color theory and contrast is a fundamental aspect of graphic design, enabling designers to create visually compelling and effective communications. This course helps graphic designers master color harmonies, understand the social and cultural meanings of colors, and use contrast to create visual hierarchy and guide the viewer's eye. The focus on visual communication and analyzing designs with questions allows graphic designers to refine their ability to produce designs that capture attention and convey the intended message.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Brand Designer

A brand designer crafts visual identities for companies. Color and contrast play crucial roles in communicating a brand's personality and values to its target audience. This course helps brand designers understand color harmonies, the social and cultural meanings of colors, and how to use contrast to create visually appealing and effective designs that resonate with consumers. You will be able to make informed decisions about color palettes and visual hierarchy when developing brand guidelines and marketing materials. By understanding how people react to visuals, you can make brand designs that grab attention and motivate the right people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Designer

Package Designer

A package designer creates the visual appearance of product packaging. Color and contrast are critical for attracting consumers' attention on store shelves and communicating product information effectively. The theory of graphic design is essential. This course helps package designers by building a knowledge of color harmonies, the social and cultural meanings of colors, and how to use contrast to create visually appealing and informative packaging. The knowledge gained from this course, with examples, will help designers confidently utilize color and contrast at their best.

See salaries and explore the career path for Package Designer

Art Director

An art director is responsible for the overall visual style and image of a project, such as a magazine, advertising campaign, or film. They need a deep understanding of color and contrast to make sure that the visuals align with the desired aesthetic and effectively communicate the intended message. The theory of graphic design is essential. This course helps art directors build or maintain an expert level knowledge of color harmonies, color meanings, and how to use contrast to create mood and visual impact. The many examples in this course will help to train art directors in choosing the right colors for a task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Web Designer

Web designers create the visual layout and design of websites. Color and contrast are critical for creating engaging and accessible websites. The course helps web designers in understanding color harmonies, the social and cultural meanings of colors, and how to use contrast to improve readability and visual appeal. This course may be useful for web designers who want to create websites that effectively communicate a brand's message and provide a positive user experience. Mastering different types of contrast can help guide the user's eye, improving navigation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

User Interface Designer

A user interface designer focuses on creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites and applications. This course may be particularly useful for understanding the role of color in conveying information and guiding users through digital interfaces. User interface designers design with color blindness in mind as well as using color and contrast to make user interfaces more accessible and user friendly. Understanding visual communication is essential to creating engaging, clear, and effective user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Textile Designer

Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics used in clothing, upholstery, and other products. Color and contrast are critical elements in textile design. This course helps textile designers build expertise of color harmonies, color meanings, and how to use contrast to create visually appealing and engaging textile patterns. You will intuitively know which combination of colors or harmony would work best for your designs. The examples provided in the course will give the textile designer real world applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Exhibition Designer

An exhibition designer plans and designs displays for museums, galleries, and trade shows. Color and contrast are important considerations for creating engaging and informative exhibits. This course helps exhibition designers understand color harmonies, how people perceive colors, and how to use contrast to highlight key artifacts and information. You will understand how people react to visuals and what grabs their attention. With the knowledge and confidence gained from the course, exhibition designers will be able to build their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Designer

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for books, magazines, websites, and other media. Color and contrast are essential tools for illustrators to convey mood, create visual interest, and tell stories through their artwork. This course helps illustrators develop a strong understanding of color harmonies, color meanings, and how to use contrast effectively. The illustrator will also be able to analyze designs and ask questions when judging their own compositions. The course will allow them to enhance their ability to communicate visually and create engaging illustrations that resonate with viewers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Marketing Specialist

A marketing specialist develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products or services. Understanding how colors and contrast influence consumer perception is crucial for creating effective marketing materials. This course may be useful for marketing specialists, providing them with insights into using color psychology to evoke specific emotions and associations, and leveraging contrast to highlight key messages and calls to action. The course will also help in boosting confidence by mastering how to analyze designs and asking the right questions to improve your own compositions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist

Animator

An animator creates moving images for films, television shows, video games, and other media. Color and contrast are important considerations for animators to create visually appealing and engaging animations. This course may be useful as it helps animators in understanding color harmonies, the social and cultural meanings of colors, and how they can use contrast to create depth, highlight important elements, and guide the viewer's eye. The understanding one gains from this course combined with the examples will help animators utilize color and contrast at their best.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Interior designer

An interior designer plans and designs interior spaces for homes, offices, and other buildings. Color and contrast are essential elements of interior design, influencing mood, creating visual interest, and defining spaces. This course may be useful for interior designers, providing a framework for understanding color harmonies, the social and cultural meanings of colors, and how they can use contrast to create visually appealing and functional spaces. The understanding designers gain from this course, with examples, will help them utilize color and contrast at their best.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Game Developer

Game developers create video games for various platforms. Color and contrast are vital in game design for creating immersive environments, guiding players, and communicating information. This course may be useful for game developers who want to enhance their ability to use color effectively. You will have knowlege of color harmonies, how people perceive colors, including users with color blindness, and how to improve design based on visual analysis. Game developers will be able to make important details stand out in their compositions using contrast.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers sketch designs for garments and create samples of a design, with color choice being a major consideration for each project. Using color to create a mood or a style is an important part of the job. This course may be useful to fashion designers because it covers color terms, harmonies, and meanings. You will be able to skillfully choose color palettes for each project. Contrast plays a role as well, and the course includes a section on visual attention software. The challenge of graphic design theory is that everything is related, and this course will allow you to explore it in an easy to understand manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Photographer

Photographers capture images for a variety of purposes, including commercial, artistic, and journalistic. While much of photography relies on capturing what's already there, a photographer's eye for light and composition is critical. This course may be useful, as a photographer will better understand how the mind and eye perceive colors and react to visuals. The course also covers color harmony and the types of contrast, scale, value, and vibrancy. The examples that are analyzed will give photographers a better appreciation for how color or various forms of contrast are used.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast.

Albers and Morandi: Never Finished

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Classic exploration of color perception and its effects. It provides a deep dive into how colors interact with each other, influencing how we see and interpret them. It is highly recommended as a reference for understanding the nuances of color and contrast, and is commonly used as a textbook in design programs.

Albers and Morandi: Never Finished

Hardcover

Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design

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Explores the cultural and psychological associations of different colors. It provides insights into how colors evoke specific emotions and convey meaning in various contexts. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand your understanding of color perception and its impact on design.

Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design:...

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Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast

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