Christmas by Colour

What's your favorite Christmas color? Check out the project here.

Pantone color report

Subtle contrasts, like those found in a painter’s masterpiece, make up the diverse color palette for fall 2009. Designers play with a broad spectrum of unique color combinations this season, resulting in distinct, yet cohesive color palettes. “The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy.”

VIEW THE FULL REPORT HERE

New web project

I'm designing a promotional website for a sports journalist and I've put together this color palette. In an effort to communicate his feature, in-depth writing style that differs from a play-by-play of what happened in the game, we wanted a color palette that stood clear of the typical red, blue, and black that so many sports teams and sports publications use. We wanted a color palette that communicated athletic, but with more style and personality, something that was a little bolder. What do you think?

Ordinary

I made another color palette from one of my photos.  It's a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge at night from the South Street Seaport.  Instead of calling these "color 1, color 2, etc." I decided to name these color palettes based on songs that I think fit the mood of the colors. This one is called Ordinary... for now at least. 

Soak up color

Inspiration can come from anywhere.  That is the foundation of my design blog, so what better way to get started than how New York City is inspiring me as a designer.  Every street, every neighborhood, every person here is different. 

My passion for NYC started spring break of my freshman year of college.  The UCM AIGA group took a trip to NYC to tour design studios, see museums, and experience ethnic food at its finest.  I remember during that trip I asked Mr. Babcock, our professor and tour guide who had once been a real New Yorker, what he missed most about the city.  He said the food for one, and two, how different the city is from street to street.  For him, moving to Missouri was a shock because everything is the same for miles and miles.

Here, there is so much variety in architecture, colors, cultures, music, food, bars, smells (good and bad)... When I walk down the street I try and soak up as much of the atmosphere as I can.  I often find my walks to work come to an end too soon.  

I have already taken a gazillion pictures since I've been here, and since I've started my internships I have become a lot more sensitive to color.  Even in the most neutral collections of grays on buildings there is something to be observed in unintentional color palettes that are formed in nature or any of your surroundings.  I put together a color palette from a picture I took.  At the time when I took the photo I didn't think anything would really come of it.  When I looked at it later I realized there was a great start for a color palette. 

So many times as a designer I didn't know where to start when picking a color palette for a project.  Split-complimentary?  Tertiary?  No, put the color wheel rules to rest and just have fun.  Start with your surroundings.  Dig through old photos.  Take more photos.  Keep a file for future reference.  That's my new goal.