How to Pick the Perfect Color and Use it Anywhere

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Graphic designers need to understand color. But there are some basics we all need to know. We should remember: a little bit of color theory, how to pick colors, and how to use them. This three-part video series will help you learn the basic color theory and tricks you'll need to use great colors together in Microsoft Office.

Graphic Design Video 1: Understanding Color Theory

This video from the Artist Block explains basic color theory better than I could. (Plus, he's cool.) The important thing for students to understand is the primary colors and that certain colors go well together. Once they are a tad overwhelmed or at least convinced that this is complex, then they are ready to get the help given in videos 2 and 3.

Graphic Design Video 2: How to Pick and Use the Perfect Color in Desktop Publishing

My Google Plus connection Penny Cristensen added this note to the video today (and shared a cool resource) after it went live:

Vicki, I've been using this extension for a couple years now & love the Color Picker. Thank you for adding Color Schemer Online to my toolbox! I like to show others where that hex code can be used: Picmonkey, Google Draw, Canva. I also include the tools Adobe's Kuler and the Kuler app for picking colors from your real life surroundings and point out how to use palettes curated on Pinterest. Feel free to check out my post on the topic: hotlunchtray.com/color-me-happy-technology-thursday/ I have added your link to the comments of the original post – thanks!

Graphic Design Video 3: How to Pick the Perfect Color and Put it into Microsoft Office

In Microsoft Office, you will probably want to change the color in three ways: the background, the borders, and the font color. Learn how to take the “perfect colors” and color in Microsoft Excel. This technique also works in all Microsoft Office Programs: Microsoft Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint.

[callout]Graphic design doesn't have to be difficult. Learn the tools that help you do it better. Please share your tips in the comments. [/callout]

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Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis is a full-time classroom teacher and IT Director in Georgia, USA. She is Mom of three, wife of one, and loves talking about the wise, transformational use of technology for teaching and doing good in the world. She hosts the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast which interviews teachers around the world about remarkable classroom practices to inspire and help teachers. Vicki focuses on what unites us -- a quest for truly remarkable life-changing teaching and learning. The goal of her work is to provide actionable, encouraging, relevant ideas for teachers that are grounded in the truth and shared with love. Vicki has been teaching since 2002 and blogging since 2005. Vicki has spoken around the world to inspire and help teachers reach their students. She is passionate about helping every child find purpose, passion, and meaning in life with a lifelong commitment to the joy and responsibility of learning. If you talk to Vicki for very long, she will encourage you to "Relate to Educate" or "innovate like a turtle" or to be "a remarkable teacher." She loves to talk to teachers who love their students and are trying to do their best. Twitter is her favorite place to share and she loves to make homemade sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls and enjoys running half marathons with her sisters. You can usually find her laughing with her students or digging into a book.

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