Graphic Design Colour Theory explains how colour works in design, covering harmony, contrast, psychology, and practical application to create visually effective and emotionally engaging designs.
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1 Year Access 
Level 3 
67 Students 
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Graphic Design- Colour Theory introduces the fundamentals of Colour Theory and its essential role in Graphic Design, covering Colour Psychology, Colour Harmony, Colour Schemes, and effective Colour Composition. Learners explore how colours influence perception, strengthen visual communication, and support creative design decisions across different projects.
This course develops practical knowledge of working with colours in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020, understanding colour systems, and creating successful colour palettes. You will explore colour interaction, proximity, imagery, illustration, and typography while applying key Design Principles to create balanced and engaging visual compositions.
Learners will also discover how colour supports data visualisation and Branding Colours, with a focus on developing effective brand identity. By understanding Colour Psychology, Colour Harmony, and Colour Schemes, you can make confident Creative Design choices and communicate ideas more effectively through professional graphic design.
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Learners complete an assignment designed to evaluate their understanding of the course content. The assignment is reviewed by qualified tutors who provide personalised feedback, allowing learners to demonstrate their applied knowledge and skills.
After completing the Graphic Design- Colour Theory course assessment, you will be eligible to receive a CPD-accredited certificate worth £9 from One Education to demonstrate your achievement.
The certificate is also available as a printed hard copy delivered by post for £15.
Quality Licence Scheme Endorsed Certificate
Learners also have the option to order a Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) Endorsed Certificate as additional proof of achievement. The QLS Endorsed Certificate can be delivered by post for £79, with an additional £10 postage charge for international students.
This course has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.
Understanding colour is essential for creating visually appealing and meaningful designs. Studying Colour Theory helps learners explore colour psychology, harmony, schemes, and composition, enabling them to make confident colour choices that strengthen visual communication and creative design projects.
This course develops practical knowledge of colour application for branding, digital artwork, and marketing materials. Learners can enhance their design principles, create balanced visual compositions, and use colour strategically to communicate ideas effectively across different creative projects.
The Graphic Design- Colour Theory course has a total study timeframe of 6 days, 5 hours. Learners can work through the programme at a pace that suits their schedule, developing a deeper understanding of colour theory, colour psychology, colour harmony, colour schemes, composition, visual communication, and effective graphic design principles.
The Graphic Design- Colour Theory course has no formal entry requirements, making it suitable for beginners and aspiring designers. A basic understanding of computers and creative software is helpful, along with an interest in colour, visual communication, and design. Learners will need internet access for online study.
1. What is the Graphic Design – Colour Theory course?
The Graphic Design – Colour Theory course explores how colour can be used effectively in visual design. It covers Colour Theory, Colour Psychology, Colour Harmony, Colour Schemes, Visual Communication, Colour Composition, Design Principles, Branding Colours, and Creative Design.
2. Who is the Graphic Design – Colour Theory course suitable for?
The course is suitable for graphic designers, aspiring designers, artists, illustrators, marketers, branding professionals, students, and creative learners who want to understand how colour influences visual communication and improves the effectiveness of Graphic Design projects.
3. What will I learn from this Colour Theory course?
You will explore Colour Systems, Colour Psychology, Colour Harmony, Colour Schemes, Colour Composition, Branding Colours, and Design Principles. You will also learn how to work with colours in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020 and develop successful colour palettes.
4. What is Colour Theory in graphic design?
Colour Theory is the study of how colours interact, relate, and influence visual perception. In Graphic Design, understanding colour relationships helps designers create balanced compositions, establish hierarchy, communicate messages, and develop visually cohesive designs.
5. Why is colour important in graphic design?
Colour can influence attention, emotion, readability, visual hierarchy, and brand recognition. Using colour strategically allows designers to communicate ideas more effectively and create compositions that are visually balanced and appropriate for their intended audience.
6. What is colour psychology?
Colour Psychology explores how colours can influence people’s perceptions, emotions, and associations. Designers can consider these responses when selecting colours for branding, advertising, digital content, packaging, and other forms of Visual Communication.
| Introduction | |||
| Module 01: Colour Theory- Basic Terms | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 02: Use Values to Establish Hierarchy in Photoshop CC | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 03: Class Exercise: Value | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 04: Colour Fundamentals: Colour Wheel | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 05: Colour Combinations | 00:05:00 | ||
| How to Work with Colours in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020 | |||
| Module 06: Colour Modes in Adobe Illustrator CC | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 07: Working with Existing Colours | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 08: Customising Colours | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 09: Save Colour Swatches | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 10: Global Colours | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 11: Duplicate Global Colours | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 12: Adobe Colour Themes | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 13: Colour Guides | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 14: Recolour Artwork | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 15: Colouring the Line Art | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 16: Save as Template | 00:03:00 | ||
| Colour Systems | |||
| Module 17: CMYK Colour System | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 18: RGB Colour System | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 19: Pantone Colour System | 00:01:00 | ||
| Different Techniques to Develop Successful Colour Palettes | |||
| Module 20: Colour Technique- The Subordinate, Dominant and Accent Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 21: Colour Technique- Meaning Based Technique for Harmonising Colours | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 22: Colour Technique- Meaning Based Colour Technique Exercise | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 23: Colour Technique- One Colour Palette Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 24: Colour Technique- Two Colour Palette Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 25: Colour Technique- Progressive Colour Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 26: Colour Technique-Repetition or Reoccurrence or Gradient Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 27: Colour Progression and Repetition Exercise | 00:08:00 | ||
| Module 28: Colour Technique- Black and White Technique | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 29: Colour as Provocateur | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 30: Excessive Colour Solutions | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 31: Colour Overlap Technique | 00:01:00 | ||
| Colour Interaction and Proximity | |||
| Module 32: Introduction | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 33: Colour Interaction | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 34: Different Colour Types | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 35: Class Exercise: Colour Interaction | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 36: How Light Affect Your Colours | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 37: Interaction and Proximity | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 38: Colour Proximity Exercise | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 39: How to Make that Geometric Grid Design to Practice Your Colour | 00:08:00 | ||
| Colour and Imagery | |||
| Module 40:Colour in Images, Illustrations and Type | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 41:Colour and Imagery | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 42:Best Royalty-free Images Websites | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 43: Apply Colour to Your Images in Photoshop CC | 00:06:00 | ||
| Module 44: Images as Element of the Composition | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 45: Proofing Colours | 00:05:00 | ||
| Module 46: Save for Printing | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 47: Class Project- Colour and Texture | 00:03:00 | ||
| Colours and Illustration | |||
| Module 48: Colour and Illustration | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 49: Best Resources to Get Customisable Illustration | 00:02:00 | ||
| Colour and Type | |||
| Module 50: How to Use Colours and Type | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 51: Colour and Hierarchy | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 52: Display text | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 53: Specific Fonts | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 54: Body Text and Colour | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 55: Apply Effects to Display Text in Adobe Illustrator | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 56: Best Fonts Resources Websites | 00:02:00 | ||
| Module 57: Class Project- Magazine Mock-up | 00:07:00 | ||
| Colours in Data Visualisation | |||
| Module 58: Introduction to Colours in Data Visualisation | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 59: Colours in Data Visualisation | 00:03:00 | ||
| Module 60: Different Ways to Import Charts | 00:04:00 | ||
| Module 61: The Process of Decluttering | 00:09:00 | ||
| Colours in Brand Identity Basics | |||
| Module 62: Introduction to Colours in Branding | 00:01:00 | ||
| Module 63: Colours in Brand Identity- Part 1 | 00:10:00 | ||
| Module 64: Colours in Brand Identity- Part 2 | 00:06:00 | ||
| Module 65: Class Project- Logo | 00:01:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Assignment -Graphic Design- Colour Theory | 6 days, 3 hours | ||
| Order Your Certificate | |||
| Order Your Certificate QLS | 00:00:00 | ||
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