Choosing a Branding Colour Palette

Let's talk colour! My Favourite!
Having studied art, interior design and graphic design, I have learnt colour is such a vital element in how we view things. A colour palette can make or break a brand these days. We live in a visual world, where if it’s not eye catching or pleasing to eye, we tune out. Choosing a colour palette helps unify your brand and is asthsteically pleasing to the eye. It also keeps you on track and gives you are starting point when creating content. Instagram for instance is your own styling platform, an opportunity to be creative and allow your brand to really shine and stand out.

Today I am going to explore five different types of colour palettes you can look at to help decide what direction you would like to take your branding palette. Monochromatic, complimentary, triad, achromatic and Neutral hues/undertone palettes.

There are various free apps and websites that can help you choose a palette and I will mention these at the end of this blog post. So let's dive into a mini art lesson!

Monochromatic

A monochromatic colour scheme is different shades of the one colour. (Example below using blue)

Monochromatic is suitable for most businesses, however it can be difficult to commit to if you offer a variety of products in lots of different colours, so choose your colour wisely. If you offer an eco friendly range then using shades of green is a great idea mixed with photos of your products in either a white background or photographed with hints in green in product props. @green.and.simple uses a green monochromatic palette extremely well. 

Complimentary

A complimentary colour palette refers to opposite colours on the colour wheel. If you look at a colour wheel you can work out what colours compliment each other. (Refer to picture below) Every wondered why christmas colours are red and green? That is because they are complimentary colours.

Image Sourced: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/538672805422199336/?lp=true

Complimentary colour palettes are visually striking and can be fun to play with. Here is an example of a complimentary colour theme below. @through_our_days has used Hues and Green and Red.

Triad

A triad colour palette refers to three colours evenly spaced on the colour wheel. If you look at a colour wheel (Refer to picture below), you will see which three colour are evenly spaced. The three primary colours are a good example of this; yellow, blue and red. I have used a triad colour palette for my own branding. 

Image Sourced: https://www.homedit.com/triadic-color-scheme/

A triad colour palette is often used in interiors and artwork and is a way to pack colour into your instagram and still stay on trend. Here is an example of my triad colour palette @carlalouise_designer

Neutral Hues and Undertones

A neutral colour palette uses neutral hues and undertones. These include blacks, greys, whites and brown hues or undertones. Maria Killam created this colour wheel which includes and explains undertones. Neutral palettes work really well for interior based businesses, eco or plant based products and beachy themes. For a modern and subtle look this is a great choice. 

Image Sourced: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/308989224420597746/?lp=true

Neutral hues and undertone colour palettes are soft and easy on the eye and are simple to work with as they appear in nature, furnishings and skin tones. @ecohomegoals does this really well with their instagram account. 

How to implement your chosen colour palette

Implementing your chosen colour palette requires some planning and use of filters. Using Lightroom CC Presets or apps that include a range of filters like the Preview App is a great way to keep your tiny squares all matchy. Take photos with similar lighting or textures and tones that suit your chosen palette is also key. If you are in the processing of creating a colour palette here are a few useful sites to get your started. 
colours.co
colorhunt.co
color-hex.com
Canva Color
I would love to know your chosen colour palette and how you came about choosing it. Share your instagram handle below and I would to check it out!