How to Use Color Theory in Character Design and Like, Actually Know What You're Doing!

Color Theory is such a daunting subject. I used to WANT to use vibrant, saturated colors, but they ended up looking garish. This video is meant to wade you into color theory without drowning you! It's color theory for you and me, the REGULAR people!

[dimitridehouck]

YouTube is full of hidden treasures and when you stumble upon a channel like yours is like finding a chest filled with gold coins. How haven't I found your channel before?

[dragoniraflameblade]

I love all the analogies at the beginning. I still struggle with color and I'm glad you went over this.

[cultureshock]

I knew about the opposite colors complimenting each other-thing, but never considered adding changes in vibrance (So the colors aren't all screaming at you at once) and I'm so glad you pointed that out. I HAVE always known that using less "true color" shades can make your project look more realistic. But it can come in handy with cartoon work as well.

[ItsPBUH]

Pretty sure no one cares, but I've been drawing here and there for a while, stumbling in the dark and telling myself that one day I'll look into colour theory - my reasoning being I'm not looking at an art career and I should probably learn to draw properly before I touch this. Having watched your video out of interest, I know I'm not a pro, or I probably shouldn't mask my bad drawing skills with colour, but in 10 minutes, I can see myself enjoying the process again, just by knowing the absolute basics and throwing down some values that work. You're an incredible teacher, literally the clearest explanation of anything art related I've ever heard, with the perfect presentation and no pretentiousness. One of the best art videos out there imo. Gonna go and dig through your channel. Keep it up man!

[gulfgiggleanimations]

A fitting video in the midst of Huevember. (Inktober but with a different color every day of November)

[kinocomix]

When you talked about how all your colors were super bright at the begining i was like "shit that's me"

[VieneLea]

While I'm not experienced in drawing n' stuff (I started months ago) the most annoying thing about colours that I found was that they always exist in conjunction with each other. I thought I could just find a perfect wood colour or perfect skin colour, because if something looks colorful or light or dark depends entirely on it's surroundings. :/

[simplysmiley]

Well... I know this video may be considered old... But these videos... These pearls in the wild ocean of YouTube... Helped me develop my characters way better... From something trash-like they are now actually decent. From Mary/Gary Sues to well developed characters with fully developed backstory and relations to each other that (mostly) make sense.

So thanks.

After a whole flippin' year-

[RosheenQuynh]

2:50 Well that explains why characters with a black palette and white eyes that lack pupils make my knees weak...

[GUMMY_MKII]

« The hue is like the flavor of the color »
OK, next time I meet a blind person, I use this analogy to describe color.
I LOVE IT

[nabuchodonosormcgalapatram]

Don't use green. Green is not a creative color.

[MiraJain]

damn have you considered a future career in education or something because every one of your videos are just so clear and fun and useful

[ChestersonJack]

Thanks for this! I don’t make art, but I love storytelling and this can definitely help in directing a scene. I love looking at how color works in film, and the way you described this make it very translatable to a more dynamic medium. Great video!

[MelvaCross]

When I think of colour theory I think of a Splash Art of League of Legends: Arcade Ahri.
This is one of the most vibrant pieces of art I've ever seen.
Now after this video I noticed how muted the red minions are in that picture. So good!

[muttwurm]

I'm thinking about asking my teacher to show this to the art class, it's really helpful.

[SeekerSett]

Thanks!!!! I've tried to use the color theory with my characters and my friend keep asking me if they are from the 80s lol ps I love your voltron merch :)

[lioedevon]

No clue if anybody will see this but I am feeling nostalgic and wanna throw out a quick shoutout to this video. I remember in middle school stumbling across this when I was new and became aware that I was really bad with color. Fast forward to 2024 and I’m now working as a somewhat professional freelance colorist. I’m glad I found this channel and it’s been such a help with my art journey!

[tvoovm]

I love how you used the coloring technique and value that applied to Unity & Variety.

[thesapphirenight]

Hey, Voltron's in the corner, cool 😁

[REALponzinomics]

its like only needing one analogy but for some reason giving every analogy