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Book Review: Color Design Workbook 2008

Book Review: Color Design Workbook 2008

This is actually more of a textbook than a workbook. But it's not a bad thing and you'll see why.

Foundation concepts for colors are explained. That's the RGB, CMYK and HSV models, color harmony and color meanings.

Chapter 4 is probably the workbook part although they don't exactly give out step by step lesson guides. Chapter 4 is on the 10 rules of colours that should be used for reference when choosing colours. There are however a few lists that describe workflows when creating a palette.

This book essentially teaches through examples and explaining the color concepts behind those examples. The explanation is very clear and that's where most of the learning is going to be. Finally, there are 16 case studies at the end of the book, with the designers talking about the use of colours in their project.

Colors is about experimentation. Every design is unique and has their own set of limitation.

A nice thing about this book is that it has lots of interesting quotes. Such as:

In order to use colour effectively it is necessary to recognize that colour deceives continually. - Josef Albers

In a physical sense, there really is no such thing as color, just light waves of different wavelengths.

Research reveals that all human beings make an unconscious judgment about a person, environment, or item within ninety seconds of initial viewing and that between 62 percent of that assessment is based on color alone. - The Institute of Color Research

This book is perfect for people who want to see examples of how people apply the color concepts to their work.

Here's the list of chapters:

1. What is Color? Apparent Color, The Properties of Color
2. Color Theory. History of Color Theory, Color Harmony
3. Color Meaning. Color Index
4. 10 Rules of Colors
4.1 Convey Information
4.2 Create Color Harmony
4.3 Attract and Hold Attention
4.4 Remember That Context is Everything
4.5 Consider That Experimentation Is Key
4.6 Know That People See Color Differently
4.7 Assist in Mnemonic Value
4.8 Think About Composition
4.9 Use Standardized Color Systems
4.10 Understand Limitations
5. Color Systems
5.1 Thinking About Color Systems
5.2 Color Systems in Art and Design History
5.3 Some Inspiration for a Sample of AdamsMorioko's Palettes
5.4 11 Color Systems
6. Color Talk. Talking About Color in Design
7. 16 Case studies

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Visit the link beside to read more reviews on Amazon. If you buy from the link, I get a little commission that helps me get more art books for review.

Country-specific Amazon links for this book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

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