DT Session 01 - Colors
Colors
Visual: A vibrant, animated background with a spectrum of colors smoothly transitioning from one to another.
Hey everybody, welcome to the first session of Design Theory. Today we're getting started with the fundamentals of color theory. Color theory is an important tool when it comes to visuals of all kinds in games, film, animations or illustrations.
An animation showing a paintbrush painting a canvas, transitioning from black and white to a burst of colors.
So what is color theory? Color theory is not just about choosing pretty colors; it's about understanding the language of colors. Colors have the power to evoke emotions, convey messages, and even influence decisions. Today, we'll explore how colors can become your allies in storytelling and design.
The Building Blocks of Color
Interactive color picker, where I while I explain manipulate the three building blocks.
Our first stop is the color wheel—a designer's best friend. The color wheel helps us understand relationships between colors.
A color is defined by three characteristics: Hue, Saturation, and value.
Hue
Saturation
Value
Color Harmonies
- Examples of color harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic) shown through animated illustrations and game design mockups.
Harmonic chord when I say "harmony"
Creating the perfect color palette is like composing a symphony. Each color plays a role, and when combined correctly, they create harmony. Let's explore different types of color harmonies—complementary, analogous, triadic—and see how they influence the mood and feel of a design.
Color Emotions
An interactive chart linking specific colors to emotions, with animated examples showing characters or scenes changing mood as the color scheme shifts.
Colors have the unique ability to evoke emotions. Red can signify passion or danger, while blue might evoke calmness or sadness. By understanding the emotional impact of colors, you can craft experiences that resonate on a deeper level with your audience.
Before-and-after scenarios showing how changing a color scheme can dramatically alter the perception of a game scene, movie shot, or animation frame
Now, let's put theory into practice. Observe how altering the color scheme of a game scene can change the entire atmosphere. From a serene morning with soft blues and greens to a tense sunset painted in oranges and reds—the power of color transforms our perception.
An interactive sandbox with color palette tool inviting users to create their own color schemes, which are applied to different images, shifting the mood and emotion they convey.
Armed with the basics of color theory, it's your turn to experiment. Use the interactive color palette tool to create your own harmonious designs. Remember, the best way to learn is by doing. Don't be afraid to explore and make mistakes—that's where true creativity blossoms.
A recap animation showcasing key points from today's session, with a colorful, dynamic background.
Thank you for embarking on this colorful journey with us today. Remember, the world of design theory is vast and filled with endless possibilities. Today's exploration of color theory is just the beginning. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and let colors guide your creative path. Until next time, keep designing your dreams.