Color Theory
Color theory centers first and foremost on the color wheel invented by Sir Isaac
Newton way back in 1666. You surely have seen the classic color wheel, or one of
its derivatives, before. Whichever color wheel you have used or seen probably shows
the three primary colors, the three secondary colors, and the six tertiary colors, with
twelve in all. The static color wheel in Figure 5.2 illustrates this. You can find many
interactive color wheels on the Web that will be very useful for you when it comes
time to choose your colors. See the Resources section at the end of this chapter for
references to several interactive color wheel options.
You can apply the color wheel to the work of picking out colors for a map in
several ways. First, you could choose colors that are analogous to one another, mean‑
ing they are close to each other on the wheel. These colors will create a subdued,
quiet effect on the design. Second, you could choose colors that are complementary
to one another, meaning they are opposite to each other on the wheel. These colors
will create a vivid color scheme that demands attention but is at risk of being overly
ostentatious. Many fast‑food signs contain complementary colors to attract attention,
for example. A polychrome design will include many colors from all over the color
wheel. These need to be carefully chosen via trial and error, past experience, or an
inspiration piece (more on this last concept later in the chapter) in order to insure
that they don’t clash. A neutral color scheme contains black, gray, and white. I think