Before doing these readings, I only knew a small amount about the color wheel and a few of the terms for different color patterns, like primary, complementary, tertiary, etc. The number of these different color systems really amazed me, it seems as though there would never be enough colors to work in all of these different systems, but there are so many colors everywhere that you don’t even notice are different from one another.
The thing that interested me most about the reading was the physiological effects that different colors can have on you. I did not know that the way people perceive colors varies from culture to culture so when you are making something with color you should learn who will be viewing it first. Also, certain color combinations will always mean one thing in certain areas. The colors red and green for example always mean Christmas in the US. Color uses can also change over time just like fashion can. You have to be up to date with the meaning behind the colors you are using in the area that you are using them to be able to convey the message that you want to get across.
Another interesting thing I read that I had not thought of before is how color in designs affect colorblind people. Those who are colorblind may not get the whole idea of a piece of art because they cannot see the color that is supposed to be presented to them. Making something understandable in black and white and in color is helpful so you don’t lose out on a percent of your audience.
All this reading about color makes me think about how colors are used around me every day to influence my ideas about certain things. Like restaurants and stores that use certain coloring to get you to eat more or buy more. I think while using color now, I will be more conscious of how I use it and make sure that those who may not be able to see all of the colors can still understand my art in black and white.
I think that it is hard for anyone to change how they think about color after seeing things a certain way for so long, but it is not impossible to start recognizing color systems and patterns in the things you see around you every day.
