Graphic Designer's Essential Reference

Limiting (and Maximizing) the Palette

Designers very often make the mistake of using too many colors, especially in process-color projects—simply because they can. While full-color imagery is always dynamic and engaging, too many hues being present dilutes the color experience. Even when all colors are possible, limiting the palette creates a more focused, and therefore, more memorable color experience. This is especially important to consider in branded communications, where the color story of the client—first established by the color(s) of its logo—must always reinforce its identity, building recognition and recall of the brand. Working with only two or three colors can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding.

If the lightness and darkness, ...