How To Choose A Color Palette
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A set of colors that work well together that can go on merchandise.
Estimated Cost: FREE
Estimated Time: Immediate preparation with immediate results.
Indie Guide Categories: Art & Graphics
What Do You Need to Do This
Color ideas
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Directions
1. Collect all of your graphic designs and have them handy for choosing these colors.
You should choose initial colors for all of them that generally match what you want. You will be possibly modifying them in order to make your palatte. Every color and layer in your images may have different colors, and you want them all available to you as you make your palatte.
2. Choose Pantone colors that match the colors in your graphic designs so that you can use them for printing merch.
Pantone colors are best for making merchandise because this system matches computer screen colors (RGB) to print colors (CMYK). Check out more information on pantone colors here.
3. Use Pantone's Color Finder to help you begin selecting complementary colors.
The colors you select should work well with each other. The Pantone site has some sample palettes that can give you inspiration for your own. You can search for colors and find their numbers here.
4. For each selected color, note its RGB number and CMYK number.
Make a note of both numbers for each color. The RGB number is what you will use when making images on the computer while the CMYK number is what printers and manufacturers will use when making your merchandise.
5. Use the RGB numbers to set your colors on your art software.
When creating images online you should set the colors using the RGB numbers. If you have hired a graphic designer, send them the RGB color numbers so they can use them.
6. Send the matching CMYK numbers to merchandise manufacturers.
When it is time to make your merchandise or print albums, send in the corresponding CMYK numbers to the manufacturers. Now you can be certain that your colors are matching both online and offline, and that they will work together.
7. Be consistent with your colors.
Stick with your color palette so that fans associate these colors with you and your music. Use the same set of colors for your mascot, avatar, fonts, and images.