

Keep your colors at a manageable number by only using as many as you need to separate the elements of your design. Even though you’re using tints, shades, and tones of the same color, you can still muddle your design if you use too many colors. Use restraint when selecting your base color variations, just as you would if you were using a multi-color scheme.

Use both lighter and darker variations that contrast sharply to make your message and visuals stand out. Choosing derivatives that only subtly vary from your base color may cause all the elements of your design to blend together. If you’re planning on using a monochromatic color scheme for your design project, your first consideration should be creating contrast.
#MONOCHROME COLOR PALETTE LICENSE#
Once you’ve picked it, you’ll develop your palette by choosing tints, shades, and tones based on this hue.īuilding a Monochromatic Color Palette License this image via Iris_Images. Adding white, black, or grey to the base hue produces a versatile range of color derivatives for your design layout.īegin your monochromatic color palette by selecting a single hue that suits your design. Desaturating or dulling a base color with gray makes different tones of that color. Shades of a color, on the other hand, are made by darkening it with black. Lightening a base color with white creates different tints of that hue. Tints, Tones, and Shades License this image via HM Design. Here’s how you can use variations of your base color to create depth and interest in a monochrome design layout. Monochromatic palettes use the same base color in different shades, tints, and hues to create a cohesive color scheme.

Picking from seemingly endless color combinations can seem daunting, but color theory can always help you narrow down the choices.Ĭolor theory has several rules and principles that will guide your color selection, including the concept of monochromatic color schemes. Unless you have client preferences or an established palette to guide you, you may have no idea where to start when choosing colors for your next graphic design project. A monochromatic color palette is a simple yet sophisticated way to create your next design.
