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The wonderful world of color! Color palette selection, contrast, and harmony are essential elements in designing visually appealing and effective visual communications. Here's a breakdown of each: Color Palette Selection A color palette is a selection of colors used in a design project. When choosing a color palette, consider the following: Step 1: Gather Materials Printed copies of your design concept sketches or previous workMagazines, catalogs, and books that inspire youFabric swatches, wallpaper samples, or other materials that add texture and interestDigital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva for creating a digital mood board Step 2: Identify Key Elements Identify the key elements that define the desired aesthetic and atmosphere:Color palette: choose 2-3 core colors that evoke the desired moodTypography: select font styles or typography that align with the moodImagery: identify the types of images that fit the mood (e.g., nature, cityscapes, abstract)Texture: consider the textures that add depth and interest (e.g., rough, smooth, organic)Mood words: identify key words that describe the desired mood (e.g., calm, energetic, playful) Step 3: Create a Physical Mood Board Use a large piece of cardboard, foam board, or paper to create a physical mood boardArrange the gathered materials in a way that visually represents the desired aesthetic and atmosphereAdd notes, stickers, or other embellishments to reinforce key elementsStep back and review the board to ensure it effectively communicates the desired mood Step 4: Create a Digital Mood Board Use Adobe Photoshop or Canva to create a digital mood boardChoose a background color or texture that sets the tone for the designAdd layers for each key element (color palette, typography, imagery, texture)Adjust sizes, colors, and opacity to achieve the desired balance and visual interestSave the mood board as a high-resolution file for future referenceExample Mood Board Here's an example mood board for a fictional coffee shop: Physical Mood Board Background: Warm beige cardboardColor palette: Rich brown (#754975), creamy white (#F5F5F5), and deep green (#2E865F)Typography: Serif font with a vintage feel (e.g., Playfair Display)Imagery: Cozy coffee shop scenes with warm lighting, rustic wood accents, and lush greeneryTexture: Rough-hewn wooden planks and woven basketsMood words: Cozy, inviting, earthy

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Color palette selection, contrast, and harmony

Brainstorm different concepts and variations

Create high-resolution files for various applications

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