How do you use color to differentiate your web design portfolio and attract clients?

2 How to choose colors

Choosing colors for your web design projects can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as the purpose, mood, audience, and context of your design. One way to simplify this process is to use a color theory framework, such as the color wheel, which shows the relationships between colors. It helps you create color schemes based on different combinations, such as complementary, analogous, triadic, or tetradic. Another way to choose colors is to use a color palette generator, such as Coolors or Adobe Color, which can help you create harmonious and appealing color schemes based on your preferences or inspirations.

3 How to combine colors

Combining colors for your web design projects can be tricky to balance the contrast, hierarchy, and consistency of your design. Contrast is the difference between colors, which can help you create focal points, emphasize elements, and improve readability. Hierarchy is the order of importance of your elements, which can help you guide your users' attention and actions. Consistency is the repetition of colors, which can help you create a coherent and unified design. To combine colors effectively, use a consistent color scheme, apply the 60-30-10 rule (which means using 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent color), and adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of your colors to create contrast and harmony.

4 How to apply colors

Applying colors to your web design projects can be fun, as you can experiment with different effects, gradients, and patterns. However, consider the accessibility, usability, and responsiveness of your design. Accessibility means that your design is accessible to people with different abilities, such as color blindness or low vision. Usability means that your design is easy to use and understand, such as using clear and legible fonts, icons, and buttons. Responsiveness means that your design is adaptable to different devices, screen sizes, and resolutions. To apply colors effectively, use a color contrast checker, such as WebAIM or Contrast Checker, which can help you ensure that your colors meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards. Use a responsive web design framework, such as Bootstrap or Foundation, which can help you create flexible and responsive layouts.

5 How to showcase colors

Showcasing colors in your web design portfolio can be rewarding because you can demonstrate your color skills and attract potential clients. Be strategic and consider the purpose, audience, and format of your portfolio. Purpose means that your portfolio should showcase your best work, your value proposition, and your goals. Audience means that your portfolio should target your ideal clients, their needs, and their expectations. The format means that your portfolio should be easy to navigate, view, and share, such as using a web design portfolio platform, such as Dribbble or Behance, or creating your own website. To showcase colors effectively, you need to use a consistent and professional color scheme for your portfolio, highlight your color choices and rationale for each project, and use high-quality images and mockups to display your work.

6 How to improve colors

Improving colors in your web design projects and portfolio can be challenging but keep learning, experimenting, and getting feedback. Learning means staying updated on the latest trends, best practices, and resources on web design color theory and palettes. Experimenting means that you need to try new colors, combinations, and applications for your web design projects and portfolio. Getting feedback means seeking constructive criticism and advice from other web designers, clients, and users. To improve colors effectively, try online courses, blogs, podcasts, and books on web design color theory and palettes. Some include Color Theory for Web Designers by Cameron Chapman or The Web Designer's Idea Book by Patrick McNeil. You can use online tools, communities, and platforms to test, share, and review your web design projects and portfolio, such as CodePen, Awwwards, or CSS Design Awards.