This course is designed for artists interested in color theory fundamentals and the practical application of color in graphic design. Learn about the color wheel and color harmony as well as the basics of the psychology of color. Understand how color is created and managed using the most common graphic design software applications and devices.

• Photoshop Level 1, InDesign Level 1, and Illustrator Level 1 or equivalent knowledge

Session 1: 

• Color in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Psychological effects of colors
• Color terminology  
• Color blending methods – subtractive and additive  
• Introduction to Photoshop interface  
• How digital devices record color  

Session 2:

• Color wheel
• Primary, secondary and tertiary colors
• Complementary, analogous, active and passive colors
• Color schemes or combinations
• Introduction to Illustrator interface

Session 3:

• Describe how color is used effectively in overall compositions or designs, including the relationships between dominance, hierarchy, contrast and color
• Introduction to InDesign interface  

Session 4:

• Color for the screen and print
• Media limitations and considerations, review color problems that can arise  
• Communicating with clients about color
• Output to print
• Color calibration, hardware vs. software