How do you apply color theory principles to different types of motion design, such as 2D, 3D, or mixed media?

I find that split complimentary colors work the best for both contrast (easy to read) and harmony (not jarring). This applies across all design applications including static and moving content.

Boost your designs by playing with color harmony. Mix complementary colors for a bold pop, stick to analogous colors for a smooth look, or go triadic for a vibrant yet balanced feel. Each choice can transform how your design is perceived and make it really stand out.

In general, high contrast in value and hue is good. Be aware there is such a thing as too much contrast. On screen, using complimentary colors like purple and yellow (at full saturation) can make images and text vibrate for some people. By desaturating one of the two colors, you can reduce this.

Pairing light and dark colors adds depth and really makes key parts of your design stand out. Using bold contrasts brings energy and makes your visuals more lively and memorable. This isn't just about looks—high contrast can also make your design easier to read and more accessible to everyone. Plus, playing with different levels of contrast can set the mood and give your work a unique vibe. So, don't be afraid to mix it up with contrasts to both catch the eye and enhance clarity!!

We have found that our top performing videos on YouTube feature red, red/orange, and orange. Wheres, cooler colors (blue, cyan, teal) and pastels tend to perform poorer. This is not 100% scientific as the title, topic and specific content/delivery can skew the data. We suspect that bright, saturated, warm colors are more attention grabbing or alarming, which helps with improving the click thru rate. The danger here is that red/orange colors, if overused, can lose their effect and become "noisy". For social posts, I think bright, saturated, vibrant colors can be fatiguing if your entire feed is filled with these colors. It's the visual equivalent of typing in all caps.

I have a pro tip on this one! Keep in mind that people's reactions to colors can differ based on personal experiences and cultural contexts. For instance, while white might signify mourning and death in certain cultures, it represents weddings and fresh starts in others. Understanding these nuances is crucial. I always research and consider the cultural associations of the target audience when choosing colors!

For motion related work, it's important for composited images to share the same color space. It will feel artificial if the subject has different white points (color temperature), shadow and mid-tones from the back plates.

One challenge with working in 2D and 3D color spaces is understanding how lighting works within separate environments. Even within the same program, lighting conditions can change color saturation, hue, and value. A great way to mitigate the risks of lighting changing your colors is to employ color scopes in whatever program you are using to create.

?? Study Color Spaces & Profiles, their range & limitations (sRGB, Adobe RGB, P3 DCI, Rec. 709, etc.) to know which one to choose for your project. ?? Keep all screens you use for design & preview calibrated for consistency using hardware like SpyderX. ?? Preview your work within different color profiles using software like DaVinci Resolve.

In my design work, I heavily use the tool "Coolors" and apply the 60/30/10 rule to craft visually appealing color schemes. This rule helps balance your primary color at 60%, secondary at 30%, and accent at 10%, ensuring your design is harmonious and eye-catching. It works easily and is intuitive!