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Graphic Design- Colour Theory
One Education

Master Colour Theory for Graphic Design | CPD Accredited | Lifetime Access | Tutor Support | Free Certificate

Summary

Price
£19 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand
Duration
2.7 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
CPD
10 CPD hours / points
CPD What's this?
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students

Overview

Master the Power of Colour in Graphic Design – Create Striking Visuals That Speak Volumes!
Unlock the art and science behind colour theory to elevate your design projects and communicate with precision. Whether you're an aspiring designer or looking to sharpen your creative edge, this course teaches you how to use colour to influence perception and drive engagement.

Discover how colour transforms design. From understanding colour systems to mastering palettes and brand identities, this course is your guide to strategic and impactful visual communication. Learn through real-world examples, Adobe Illustrator techniques, and instructor-led support to gain practical, job-ready skills.

What is Included:

  • Comprehensive training in colour systems and interaction techniques

  • Practical learning with Adobe Illustrator CC 2020

  • Instructor-led curriculum with expert tutor support

  • Flexible online learning accessible anytime, anywhere

  • Eligibility to claim a CPD Accredited Certificate upon successful completion

What Makes This Course a Smart Career Move?

Colour theory is a foundational skill in graphic design, impacting branding, UI/UX, advertising, and digital content creation. According to Prospects.ac.uk and Glassdoor UK, the demand for skilled graphic designers remains high, with digital design roles showing consistent growth across sectors. In the UK, a Graphic Designer earns an average of £22k to £40k, while Senior Designers or Creative Leads with specialised knowledge in branding and visual communication can earn up to £60k.

This course equips you with essential colour expertise, helping you stand out in a competitive market and unlock opportunities in creative industries. Don’t just design—design with purpose.

Enrol now and start mastering colour theory for real-world design success.

Certificates

Reed Courses Certificate of Completion

Digital certificate - Included

Will be downloadable when all lectures have been completed.

CPD

10 CPD hours / points
Accredited by CPD Quality Standards

Curriculum

11
sections
66
lectures
2h 45m
total

    • 1: Colour Theory- Basic Terms 03:11
    • 2: Use Values to Establish Hierarchy in Photoshop CC 04:18
    • 3: Class Exercise- Value 00:29
    • 4: Colour Fundamentals- Colour Wheel 02:21
    • 5: Colour Combinations 05:12

    • 6: Colour Modes in Adobe Illustrator CC 01:24
    • 7: Working with Existing Colours 01:46
    • 8: Customising Colours 01:25
    • 9: Save Colour Swatches 00:41
    • 10: Global Colours 01:13
    • 11: Duplicate Global Colours 00:46
    • 12: Adobe Colour Themes 04:02
    • 13: Colour Guides 01:19
    • 14: Recolour Artwork 02:47
    • 15: Colouring the Line Art 02:46
    • 16: Save as Template 03:18

    • 17: CMYK Colour System 02:13
    • 18: RGB Colour System 01:02
    • 19: Pantone Colour System 01:21

    • 20: Colour Technique- The Subordinate, Dominant and Accent Technique 01:00
    • 21: Colour Technique- Meaning Based Technique for Harmonising Colours 00:55
    • 22: Colour Technique- Meaning Based Colour Technique Exercised 03:13
    • 23: Colour Technique- One Colour Palette Technique 01:04
    • 24: Colour Technique- Two Colour Palette Technique 00:46
    • 25: Colour Technique- Progressive Colour Technique 00:38
    • 26: Colour Technique-Repetition or Reoccurrence or Gradient Technique 00:56
    • 27: Colour Progression and Repetition Exercise 07:38
    • 28: Colour Technique- Black and White Technique 01:37
    • 29: Colour as Provocateur 00:27
    • 30: Excessive Colour Solutions 01:36
    • 31: Colour Overlap Technique 00:46

    • 32: Introduction 00:27
    • 33: Colour Interaction 01:15
    • 34: Different Colour Types 04:06
    • 35: Class Exercise- Colour Interaction 02:56
    • 36: How Light Affect Your Colours 01:14
    • 37: Interaction and Proximity 01:20
    • 38: Colour Proximity Exercise 01:51
    • 39: How to Make that Geomatric Grid Design to Practice Your Colour 08:14

    • 40: Colour in Images, Illustrations and Type 00:20
    • 41: Colour and Imagery 01:24
    • 42: Best Royalty-free Images Websites 01:55
    • 43: Apply Colour to Your Images in Photoshop CC 06:08
    • 44: Images as Element of the Composition 04:00
    • 45: Proofing Colours 05:01
    • 46: Save for Printing 01:48
    • 47: Class Project- Colour and Texture 03:21

    • 48: Colour and Illustration 01:50
    • 49: Best Resources to Get Customizable Illustrations 02:20

    • 50: How to Use Colours and Type 00:56
    • 51: Colour and Hierarchy 00:56
    • 52: Display text 01:54
    • 53: Specific Fonts 00:30
    • 54: Body Text and Colour 01:30
    • 55: Apply Effects to Display Text in Adobe Illustrator 03:47
    • 56: Best Fonts Resources Websites 01:50
    • 57: Class Project- Magazine Mock-up 06:41

    • 58: Colours in Data Visualisation 03:11
    • 59: Different Ways to Import Charts 04:27
    • 60: The Process of Decluttering 09:08
    • 61: Introduction to Colours in Data Visualisation 00:15

    • 62: Introduction to Colours in Branding 00:20
    • 63: Colours in Brand Identity- Part 1 09:59
    • 64: Colours in Brand Identity- Part 2 05:40
    • 65: Class Project- Logo 00:30

    • 66: Leave a Review 01:00

Course media

Description

Gain a deep understanding of how colour affects perception, emotion, and communication in graphic design. This course will guide you through the principles of colour theory, teaching you how to apply those principles to real-world design projects in branding, illustration, and digital communication.

Through instructor-led modules, practical Adobe Illustrator tutorials, and hands-on assignments, you’ll develop the ability to create compelling visuals that align with client goals and brand identities. Whether you're designing a logo, a marketing campaign, or an infographic, this course ensures your colour choices support your message and captivate your audience.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand and apply the fundamentals of colour theory in design
  • Use Adobe Illustrator CC 2020 to implement colour techniques
  • Develop effective colour palettes and visual hierarchies
  • Analyse the impact of colour in branding, type, and illustrations
  • Apply colour theory principles to data visualisation and design systems

Why should you take this course?

Colour isn’t just about aesthetics—it's a language. This course gives you the tools to speak that language fluently. Whether you're looking to enhance your freelance design portfolio, boost your employability, or expand your skills in branding and digital media, mastering colour theory is an essential step forward in your creative journey.

Course Curriculum:

  • Module 01: Introduction
  • Module 02: How to Work with Colours in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020
  • Module 03: Colour Systems
  • Module 04: Different Techniques to Develop Successful Colour Palettes
  • Module 05: Colour Interaction and Proximity
  • Module 06: Colour and Imagery
  • Module 07: Colours and Illustration
  • Module 08: Colour and Type
  • Module 09: Colours in Data Visualisation
  • Module 10: Colours in Brand Identity Basics

Who is this course for?

  • Aspiring graphic designers
  • Marketing and branding professionals
  • Freelancers and creatives
  • Students studying design or visual communication
  • Anyone interested in the psychology and application of colour

Requirements

  • No experience required
  • Internet connection and compatible device
  • Willingness to learn and apply colour theory in real design contexts

Career path

  • Graphic Designer – £22k to £40k
  • Visual Designer – £28k to £45k
  • Brand Designer – £30k to £50k
  • UI/UX Designer – £32k to £55k
  • Creative Director – £50k to £80k

Questions and answers

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Reviews

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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