28 October 2021

Color Coordination for Dummies

We’re all designers. Whether we create slide decks, flyers, or menus, it’s helpful to learn design basics—like color.

When done right, color elevates content. When done wrong, it tarnishes credibility. A few tips to get color right:

1. Align to values. In Western cultures, blue = trust/safety, green = nature/cleanliness, red = life/energy.
2. Less is more. Limit yourself to one primary and a couple of secondary colors.
3. Use a palette. Although design can feel “squishy” and subjective, color coordination is scientific. Adobe Color is a free tool to generate a palette of 5 colors. Use these auto-generated colors and they’ll outperform guesswork.