Color and Pattern | Annie K. Waugh

Introduction to Color

Our first introduction to color was a RadioLab podcast over color and how it affects us. Following we had questions about how colors affected us and how they affect the way we see the world around them. Following the podcast we had to make a color collage of the words “soft” and “energy”. This portion of the project made me look at color from a new perspective. I struggled when I would begin to put things on the collage that I was favoring for texture rather than color. I did end up using textured objects, but only after I originally picked them for their color.

On the left is “soft” and on the right is “energy”

Introduction to Pattern

Taking natural forms, we trace the components, directional lines, values, and proportions, to begin observing organic and natural versions of pattern.

Above are the rough sketches I did to showcase these patterns. I wanted to pick objects from nature that had a cozy energy around them, or objects I favor. From this table, I initially chose the directional manatee photo and the baby platypus’ foot. Eventually I switched from the directional manatee to the proportional cauliflower because I felt the cauliflower had a more dynamic and asymmetric layout which achieved the feeling of “kooky and bubbly” which was intentional.

This was the very beginning stages of the directional manatee

Color Iterations

I knew I wanted one design to be bright and bold and the other I wanted to have more muted natural colors. For my iterations of both, I planned on giving the paw bright colors and the cauliflower muted colors. Although I later changed this mindset, you can view some of my original color schemes here: Color iterations

I decided agains those color schemes of the paw because I felt as if the static design felt better with a more muted color scheme. I ended up choosing the orange, blue, green color scheme for the cauliflower to keep the sense of “kooky and bubbly”.

This is my final symmetrical design. In the draft critique I had a white background and a yellow or green one was recommended. I feel like the yellowish/ ivory background makes the colors work together to form a harmonious balance.

This is my final design for an asymmetrical pattern. In the draft critique I had a white background and a yellow one was recommended. I felt that the comment was right to add a background, but yellow washed out the brighter colors and I wanted to stick with a color that kept the vibrancy.

Taking into account what I had learned from lessons and from classroom critiques, I was able to develop a final product which will be inserted below.