Mixing colors to create good color ways takes a lot of practice. I mean anyone can throw together red yellow and green yarns and get a color way. But is it awesome? Does it convey a color story that reflects an emotion? Sure you can copy colors from nature, and nature sure does have some great ideas. But even copying nature is really just using your left brain to match a visual. Why not trust your creative genius as an artist? Color is just one of the languages of your creative subconscious, and as an artist it is a very important step in finding your visual language. So aside from not being afraid to experiment and make mistakes. today, I want to share with you my top 5 tips for coming up with unique(big emphasis on unique…), impactful color ways.

Memorize the color wheel.

I have to admit, I have had a long history working with the color wheel. I often take it for granted that working with primary, Secondary, contrasting and analogous colors are second nature thanks to 2 careers in art. However your milage may vary. I have been guilty of assuming you know the rules. If you don’t it is pretty important to understand how colors work together and against each other on a basic level. There are a ton of resources on Google and You tube. Get familiar with the concepts.

Notice all the variations.

Within each color on the wheel, there are thousands of possible shades and variations. For example if I say think of a green, I guarantee no two people will think of the same shade of green. From lime to forest, there is a whole range of colors that we can call green. Being aware of this is at the core of breaking beyond boring colors.

Get clear about what colors you really love.

Okay this is the easy fun part. What colors do you love. And by colors, I mean dive into different hues, values, and saturations. For example, I like blue, but not all blues. I love love love sky blue, deep turquoise, and a good inky cobalt. I am not a fan of navy and steel blue.

Get clear about what colors your really hate.

Working with colors that you hate is also just as important as working with colors you love. When you add a color you hate, the tension between the ones you favor and the ones you dislike adds drama to you color story. For example, I hate the color peach. But next to my favorite deep inky cobalt, creates something crazy harmonious, and the peach actually highlights through contrast, the color I love even more. I also want to point out that peach and cobalt are contrasting colors on the color wheel, which makes the way they work together predictable.

Never settle for meh, go for polarizing reactions.

Go through your stash and pull out all the yarn and fibers that you sort of like. Either get rid of them or overdye them. Seriously. It is kind of like making a meal with mediocre ingredients. If you use bland flavors together, they will not equal a spectacular dish, it will just be a collection of bland. You are not obligated to take up space in your stash with yarn that will water down your results. Make room for better yarn.

So my question for you is, what are your rules for creating color ways you love. Leave me a comment below.