Computer Arts - UK (2020-04)

(Antfer) #1

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olour treatment in illustration is a
personal affair, and no two illustrations
should be treated the same. Colour,
if used correctly, can pull some strong visual
punches that will take an illustration from
bland to bold. I’m going to talk through a
few tips and tricks I use regularly and give an
insight on how bold colour can be used to create
maximum impact in an illustration.

COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS
These colours are the ones directly opposite
each other on the colour wheel – for example,
orange and blue. However, using these direct
combinations can result in slightly garish and
unconsidered colour treatments. To create a more
sophisticated and intentional contrast, it may be
worth looking to the left or right of one of the
two colours. Sticking to the example of orange
and blue, if you choose an orange-based yellow
instead and pair it with the blue they would still
sit happily as complementary colours, but have a
more considered intention behind them.

ANALOGOUS COLOURS
Sometimes an illustration doesn’t require a
direct contrast of colours and a good way to
have a harmonious yet still impactful colour
treatment is to go with analogous colours. Simply
put, they are the colours that are directly next
to each other on the colour wheel. It’s a less
visually jarring technique than complementary
colours and is easier on the eye because of its
natural cohesiveness. If done with confidence an
illustration can be impactful if coloured this way.

BEST OF BOTH
It’s possible to use both complementary and
analogous colours in the same illustration.
Starting with two colours, say yellow and blue
again, these are the main blocks of positive space
for the illustration. The details for these sections
would then be rendered through analogous
colours; so red, pink and orange for the yellow,
and purple and teal for the blue. It might sound
a little complex, but it adds details and depth
without changing the colour profile and impact
too drastically.

LIMITED COLOUR PALETTE
These types of colour palette are highly efficient
and are best executed when using only two to
four colours. It forces a more critical use of colour
that’s both graphic and eye-catching. When
starting out with limited colour palettes it’s a good
idea to take inspiration from design around you
or one of the useful online generators available.
After playing about with this style of colouring for
a while it’ll become easier to select the colours and
will result in clever and sharp illustrations with a
delightfully retro visual voice.

COOL TONES
Cool tone colours are generally blues, greens and
purples. Because of the way the eye processes and
sees colour, cool tones fall back and create depth.
Using cool tones across a whole illustration is
a great idea and can be effective in illustrating
environment, but it can also be used to highlight
temperature. Imagine an illustration of an
ice-cold drink on a hot day: a cool-toned glass
against a warm toned background would have
the most impact simply due to the factors visually
associated with the colours.

WARM TONES
The opposite of cool tones, warm colours don’t
fall back into an image but pop visually. They can
create a dramatic illusion of depth when paired
with their cooler counterparts. This a great tool to
show hierarchy of information or to encourage the
viewer to engage with a section of the work first.

ARTIST INSIGHT


RIGHT
Unrealistic colours
draw the eye and hold
the viewer’s attention.

BELOW
Contrasting warm and
cool tones helps to
add depth.
Free download pdf