Blind Color Palettes

Jan 21

Are you in a color rut? Door you need a little color inspiration? This 10-step exercise by Salli is a fun and easy way to create some new and magical color combos. The results are always a surprise!

Are you ready to pick a palette?

Overview

We imagine everyone has a different method for putting together a color palette and deciding what colors to use. While some of us use all the colors, all the time, many illustrators stay within a range, using the same palette for everything they create—it’s part of their brand. Here is a fool-proof method for building some really cool and totally unexpected color palettes.

1) Grab your pencils

Use a set of at least 24 colored pencils and grab your sketchbook or a sheet of white paper.

2) Make a pile

Arrange your pencils in a nice pile above your sketchbook.

3) Close your eyes…

…and select a pencil.

4) Draw a triangle

Use that pencil to draw and fill in a thumbnail-sized triangle on your paper. Place the pencil off to the side.

6) Arrangement

Alternate the triangles so each one touches the one before it. Create a row of 6-8 triangles across.

8) Oooh!

Now observe your page of triangles. So pretty, right?!

10) Pick a combo

Identify and isolate the color set you like best. Think of how you can use them in an illustration or pattern.

The Theory

The theory behind this exercise is that you are not in control of what colors end up next to each other, meaning you might discover a combination you would not normally have thought to create. We all gravitate towards colors we’ve used before because they are familiar and feel safe. Sometimes we need to get out of our own way to discover something new!

The Results

Below are Salli’s examples based on the palette she selected from this exercise. This is a very different palette from what Salli typically uses and she found it completely refreshing to work with new colors!

Feel free to adjust the colors a bit and fine tune the palette based on the medium you are using. Add shading and highlights. Develop your color palette in a way that works for you and your style. Salli says she would not have ever selected this group of colors had it not been for this exercise. It's fun to give your colors names!

Not only does this exercise generate so many new color combinations but it's also very relaxing and meditative to sit and draw triangles for a half an hour. :-)