Color Theory Diagram

Color Theory Diagram Created by Caroline Tilger in Adobe Illustrator, 2020.

The color theory diagram I have created illustrates the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors by not only being in close proximity with one another in the origami-like graphic, but because the colors appear to run seamlessly into one another because of the gradient effect I applied to each color. I wanted to best represent how the hues interact with each other in the actual color spectrum, so applying a gradient would mimic the gradual transformation one color experiences when it turns into another.

I had decided to repeat the graphic I created twice in this composition to better convey to the audience that the color spectrum is a continuous, never-ending cycle, so the first portion of the graphic was reserved for the solid color swatches, which left the second portion available to incorporate my images. I created clipping masks for each shape to reveal the image in the desired spot, then layered the solid color swatches above the images and lowered the opacity to 70%. This strategy highlights the relationship of the colors with the correlating images, while also allowing the viewer to still understand the gradual progression of one color to the next due to the light overlay on top.

I have dedicated a section off to the side of the diagram for swatches that detail the color temperature and saturation, as well as an indication of primary, secondary, tertiary, and complementary colors. The saturation spectrum allows the viewer to understand that both shades and tints are considered desaturated hues, but tints occur when more white is added to the fully saturated hue, while shades occur when more black is added. In terms of typography, I wish I had gotten more creative with the labeling of my colors, but I feel as though the approach I took is still effective and accurately conveys the intended information to the viewer.

The information I found to be the most valuable from the Diagram reading was that designers have the ability to format information in a way that is both easy understandable and aesthetically pleasing. Information and data can oftentimes be mundane and boring, so I think it's really powerful that designers can take that information and turn it into something really meaningful.