Using The Color Wheel

Finding the right color for a design project can sometimes take as much time as creating the actual content.  Of course, you could just choose your favorite colors but they may not fit with your theme.  Generally, there are two different avenues you could take: complementary colors or analogous colors.

Complementary colors are often referred to as opposite colors.  They are two or more colors that provide the greatest contrast.  For example, purple and yellow are at odds with each other and, therefore, considered to be the perfect choice for eye-popping contrast.  The color wheel is designed so these polar opposites are found on opposite sides of the wheel for easy reference.  Complementary colors can be a great choice for web graphics, high-energy posters, and anything created to attract maximum attention.

Analogous colors are colors that "match" each other.  They exist adjacent to each other on the color wheel.  For example, navy blue, aquamarine, and light green are considered analogous.  People with socially acceptable taste usually dress in analogous colors...of course, taste is always considered personal opinion.  However, most would agree it is better to wear colors that match than to look like a clown. Analogous colors in design are mostly used for more serious projects that suggest high-class or target mature audiences.

Rules are meant to be broken and nowhere is that more true than color selection.  So, use the color wheel as a guide and don't afraid to experiment.  Play around with this interactive color wheel to help you decide what to include in your next design project if you get stuck.  Now, go and color your world!

Designing An Effective Classroom Poster

Some teachers use posters as way to simply cover bare walls and others use them to relay some useful information.  It is my opinion that the most effective classroom posters are able to strike a balance between being visually appealing and informative.

If the poster doesn't look cool, kids will not step up and take a closer look.  What makes a poster look cool?  Using contrasting or complementary colors would be a good place to start.  Font selection is important, too.  Fonts come in thousands of different styles.  Some are geared for younger kids and others have been created for a more serious crowd.  Choose the font that will appeal to your audience.  Pictures and other graphics help to convey a message without really saying anything.  Of course, make sure the images used in the poster are your own or that you have the rights to use them.

The information on a poster adds educational value to a poster.  Too many posters contain so much information and fine print that no one actually reads them.  Cramming too many words on to the poster just makes the poster look cluttered.  In fact, some kids will avoid these posters just because they don't feel like reading.  Be concise and minimize the amount of information to maximize the impact on the viewer.  If they wanted lots of detail, they'd pick up a textbook.

Classroom posters can be a great way to brighten up any classroom and teach kids at the same time!