Color Image Scale

I really like this book. The author created a standard color grid, red on the right, blue on the left, all the others in between, dark on the bottom, light on the top, except he used 3 color "patterns" rather than a single color in each box. Then he "inputted into our computer 180 image words that relate to the ways in which people percieve color, and also data on which words were associated with which colors." What his method is isn't expounded onThey linked the images to the words, and voila, you get sort of bubbly outline areas on the grid - these color combinations are elegant, these colors are fun, these colors are feminine or masculine, etc.Since this book was first published in Japan in 1990, there are bound to be cultural discrepancies, and since this book is about the psychology of color, the 'conclusions' can be contested, though on the whole i think they're accurate.My criticism stems from the fact that Blue in my book is missing. There's a page for "Red" and a page for "Yellow" and on, but no page for "Blue." There's a "Cerulean Blue" which is sort of turqoisy, and a "Light Blue" which looks like a darker Cerulean blue, and an "Ultramarine" which is closer to blue, but with a bit of violet in it. Who stole my blue?A lot of the colors seem to have gone through a bad printing process as well, making me question whether or not I'm seeing the actual values. Ultramarine, for example, if you look closely (not that close, it's fairly obvious) is made up of lots of other colors. Am I supposed to hold it at arm's length to get an idea of what the color is?Perhaps it was a bad printing.

This book allows the designer/artist to personalize color choices for each client in a nontraditional way. By choosing "favorite words" a quick sketch of someone's preferences can easily be obtained. The book is simple to use, and allows clients to easily visualize what type of colors they prefer. I have used it in a multitude of design situations: painting and interior design, clothing design and sewing, and quilting. I have never been a fan of the conventional "color wheel," and I use this book as a reference and illustrative source when working with clients -- almost all of whom are amazed at the effect different color combinations can have on their everyday lives.

This book provides an elaborate color theory that makes the color wheel look like stupid hippy frisbee. Colors are arranged in groups of three, and then grouped based on their overall feeling- it sounds preposterous, but you really will be attracted to certain regions more than others, and so will everyone else you show the book to. The three color arrangements are particularly nice for Web page design, even though the CMYK nor RGB values are given. But this is forgivable, since this book was not intended for that purpose.An excellent resource for anyone working with color, and a great tool for any web designer.

Have you ever wondered what color to use with another? This guide book shows - in very easy terms - a range of possible combinations using one particular color and shade as a starting point. For anyone who cares about color, this book is a MUST! I wish the author would publish a more extensive guide. No other book matches this wonderful little guidebook.

As a graphic designer it is important to establish colour boundaries objectively. This book adds to the process significantly. Over time it adds a dimension to the consultative process of design giving weight to yourself as a professional who can find unique solutions to the business environment.