What are the best practices for using color in 2D animation?

1 Color scheme

A color scheme is a set of colors that are used consistently throughout an animation project, creating a sense of unity and coherence. A color scheme can be based on different sources of inspiration, such as a reference image, a mood board, a genre, or a theme. For example, you can use a color scheme inspired by nature, by a painting, by a historical period, or by a specific emotion. To create a color scheme, you can use online tools such as Adobe Color, Coolors, or Paletton, or you can create your own custom palette using a color wheel.

2 Color theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact and affect each other, as well as how they influence human perception and psychology. Color theory can help you choose and combine colors that work well together and create the desired effect on the audience. Some of the basic concepts of color theory are hue, saturation, value, temperature, contrast, and harmony. Hue is the name of a color, such as red, blue, or green. Saturation is the intensity or purity of a color, from dull to vibrant. Value is the lightness or darkness of a color, from white to black. Temperature is the warmth or coolness of a color, from yellow to purple. Contrast is the difference between colors, such as light and dark, warm and cool, or complementary and analogous. Harmony is the balance and pleasing arrangement of colors, such as monochromatic, triadic, or tetradic.

3 Color harmony

Color harmony is the application of color theory to create aesthetically pleasing and meaningful combinations of colors. Color harmony can enhance the mood, tone, and message of your animation, as well as the readability and clarity of your elements. To achieve color harmony, you can use different methods and formulas, such as the color wheel, the color scheme generator, or the color context. The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationships between colors, such as primary, secondary, tertiary, complementary, split-complementary, analogous, triadic, and tetradic. The color scheme generator is an online tool that can help you create harmonious color schemes based on different criteria, such as hue, saturation, value, temperature, contrast, and harmony. The color context is the way colors are affected by their surroundings, such as background, lighting, texture, and shape.

4 Color grading

Color grading is the process of adjusting and enhancing the colors of your animation in post-production, using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve. Color grading can help you create a consistent and professional look for your animation, as well as emphasize the mood, tone, and atmosphere of your story. To color grade your animation, you can use different techniques and tools, such as curves, levels, exposure, contrast, hue, saturation, luminance, color balance, color correction, color matching, and filters.

5 Color psychology

Color psychology is the study of how colors affect human emotions, behavior, and cognition. Color psychology can help you communicate and evoke the desired feelings and responses from your audience, as well as reinforce the theme and message of your animation. To use color psychology effectively, you need to consider the context, the culture, and the personal preferences of your audience, as well as the associations and meanings of different colors. For example, red can represent love, passion, anger, or danger, depending on the situation and the interpretation. Blue can represent calmness, trust, sadness, or coldness, depending on the shade and the tone.

6 Color tips

Using color in 2D animation can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and meaningful visuals. To make the most of color, you should start by picking a limited and consistent color palette. Contrast and saturation can be used to create focal points and hierarchy, while color temperature can be used to create depth and perspective. Color transitions can also be used to create smooth changes in your animation, while color symbolism can be used to convey subtle messages. With these tips, you can use color more effectively and creatively in your animations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?