Need Color Inspiration?

Having struggled recently on finding a color palette for a project, I decided to start keeping track of palettes I find that I like (you already know I collect design pieces I find attractive). I by no means claim these came from my own head.

What I present below is a collection I’ve started, particularly because sites Kuler and ColourLovers have become so overwhelming and I find that many of the palettes do not work once applied to real projects (too many are just pretty transitions from pink to blue or gradients from dark to light of a hue).

If the source image is available, I’ve provided it (took pics with my digital camera, but they’re a little dark), along with attribution to the artist or designer, if possible. I hope you find these as useful as I have!

Felix Doolittle

I originally found Felix Doolittle through the 2005 Communication Arts Design Annual (p. 10 if you have a copy). I really loved the palettes in the sample photos and wanted to check out the company. I searched and found their website. They offer so many beautiful, quaint illustrations for their vast array of stationary. These are a few of my favorite palettes (you may have to save the images and look at them one at a time to really appreciate the colors).

Crane Co

Salsgiver Coveney Associates designed a great branding program for Crane Co. This is another example from the 2005 CA Design Annual (pp. 68-69 for this one).

McGarryBowen

The Moderns design firm presented their work for the McGarryBowen Integrated Branding Program in the 2005 Design Annual (pp. 74-75). I love the retro feel to the colors. What do you think?

Snow Queen

From the 2005 CA Interactive Annual (p. 82), comes this vibrant yet moody illustration from designer Takora Kimiyoshi Futori. It was done for a book called Andersen: The Illustrated Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen.

Drawing on the Promises

I don’t remember how I found this design agency’s website, but I’m glad I did. I like their rustic style and the color palettes they choose. Look at how they use the primary colors and make them not look like a kid’s school project!

Posted in: inspiration