eBook Cover Design Tutorial: Primary and Complementary Colors

When it comes to any design, choosing the right colors is just as important as the font or photo. But every color evokes a different emotional response. Knowing what color combination work well together is half the battle of book cover design.

When my creative juices need a little help, I head over to ColorCombos.com.Color Combos is just one online source that provides a treasure trove of color ideas for design.

IMPORTANT, this site shows color combination for online viewing. If designing for traditional printing, please purchase or utilize from the library a book on Pantone Color combinations for an accurate match. What you see on the monitor isn’t what you get when printed.

Also, when choosing colors for websites or online use, remember all monitors display differently. Choosing a color combination what looks great on your machine WILL look different on another. In this case it is best to choose Web Safe colors, if possible.

The Emotional Attachment of Colors

The psychological effects of color have a universal meaning. Colors known as ‘warm colors’ include red, orange and yellow. These ‘warm colors’ evoke emotions ranging from the warm ‘fuzzies’ to rage, anger and hostility.

On the other side of the spectrum are the blues, purples and greens – also known as the ‘cool colors.’ Colors delving from the cool side evoke sensations of calmness, and tranquility; however, they can also trigger feelings of sadness or complete indifference.

Color Psychology – the Primary Colors

Blue

is the favorite color of many people and has been described as the color most preferred by men. Emotional responses of this cool color include peaceful, tranquil, orderly, sadness or indifference.

Yellow

is a bright color depicting cheerfulness. It is also the most fatiguing on the eye, as it reflects a high amount of light. Though considered a sunny and warm color, yellow can also create feelings of anger and frustration. Because it is a highly visible color, it is attracts the most attention, requiring just a little amount to draw notice.

Red

is a bright warm color and evokes strong emotions. Commonly associated with comfort, warmth and love, it also is associated with feelings of excitement or intensity, such as anger or murder.

Complementary Colors

Every primary color (red, yellow, blue) has a complementary or secondary color. Use the following to help you choose the right color combinations for you work

• Red (primary) – Green (secondary)
• Yellow (primary) – Purple (secondary)
• Blue (primary) – Orange (secondary)

Also, every complementary color is comprised of (at least) two primary colors, so variations and shades of primary or secondary colors work well together.

• Green (secondary) – Blue (primary) + Yellow (primary)
• Purple (secondary) – Blue (primary) + Red (primary)
• Orange (secondary) – Red (primary) + Yellow (primary)

Black and White

In the light spectrum, black is the absence of color while white is the presence of all colors; however, in the pigment world, the opposite is true. Consider adding small amounts of black or white to tone down or soften a color, increasing the appeal of your design.