Tom Ellerby: Colour pallets for front covers

Colour pallets vary from design to design but are very important when creating a piece of work, especially if it is required to catch the attention of a specific range of people. Colours are what attract us to products. The more interesting the colours the more eye-catching the product becomes. Colours can be used to define differences between designs.

Dull Colours

Some designs use dull, bland colours which can work well depending on the overall effect the designer wishes to portray. If the piece of work is created to provide a scary and in some cases dangerous feel (I.e. Horror books) then the cold, dark colours work very well.

dull
	`#001111`
	`#225566`
	`#334444`
	`#5599aa`
	`#6699aa`

vibrant
	`#000011`
	`#114466`
	`#005577`
	`#33bbdd`
	`#00bbdd`

Vibrant Colours

Some designs use bright, striking colours which can prove extremely eye-catching. However I do feel that the use of too many different colours can be too overpowering and make the work look slightly ‘childish’ so to speak.

dull
	`#224444`
	`#ee5533`
	`#ee9966`
	`#eeccbb`
	`#337799`

vibrant
	`#006644`
	`#0077cc`
	`#ff0000`
	`#ff5500`
	`#ffccaa`

Contrasting Colours

There is no doubt that contrasting colours catch the eye. Whether it be a variety of colours or just two or three, when opposite colours are placed together they definitely stand out. Contrasting colours can be used for various different designs as shown in the below examples.

dull
	`#111111`
	`#443333`
	`#bb5511`
	`#eeaa44`
	`#6699aa`

vibrant
	`#111100`
	`#553322`
	`#22bbdd`
	`#ff0000`
	`#ff8800`

Similar shades and tones

The following designs use basic colour pallets. These designs present only one colour but include various shades of that colour. I think this works well for an instant, impressive effect but its maybe not as eye-catching as the bright, bold and contrasting colours.