For those of us attuned to the impact of visuals, color plays a central role in our lives. Color can convey emotion, emphasis, preference, and multiple levels of meaning — even, some argue, personality or gender.
Imagine an orange rose and a blood-red orange. Yes, they each exist, but they stray from our natural stereotypes of what a rose or an orange typically looks like. Chances are, as you read that first sentence, you made a mental trip to the last time you saw an unusually colored rose, or revisited a recent stop at the grocery produce aisle. Such is the power of color to transport us.
This issue features a bold graphic that draws attention by its simplicity and color blocks. And if the thought of browsing color palettes on a February day sounds appealing, this week's resource will give you moments of delight. Enjoy the world of color!
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Welcome to my digital postcard filled with 3 things related to Visual IP*. It's designed to quickly inform, then get you on your way. In each issue you'll find an inspiring quote, an image, and a link to an essay or resource.
* Visual IP (intellectual property) = proprietary frameworks, diagrams, and drawings based on your ideas, which help you explain, influence, and persuade
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"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."
― Oscar Wilde
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Image
Blood Types in the USA
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Even boring spreadsheets come to life in color. This image is based on data of blood types in the United States, and its striking simplicity and clarity of communication make it very appealing.
When first posted on Instagram by @fanmaps, the image generated a long discussion thread about different blood types, and what makes one more rare than another. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the image primarily from a visual perspective.
Whether you're a medical professional or someone who appreciates design, this image sings. Four blood types, each in a strong color. Clever use of lighter and darker shades to indicate positive and negative. And it communicates its basic message easily — and much more effectively than a tedious graph of detailed numbers.
Thanks to Carol Montgomery for sending this my way. If you've found an image you think I should highlight, let me know.
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Coming up with appropriate colors for websites and visuals can be challenging, even for professional designers. There are dozens of palette generators on the web, but here's one that is fast, intuitive, and has a great user interface. Plus, it has apps (both iOS and Android), plugins, and extensions to make your digital life even easier and more fun.
Coolors.co was created over a weekend in October 2014 by Italian web designer and software developer Fabrizio Bianchi. He's enhanced it over the years and last week announced several exciting new features and updates — including a plugin for all you Figma fans.
Browsing the AI-generated palettes can be mesmerizing, and is sure to inspire. You can also begin with a specific color in mind and instantly see appropriate matches. Or upload a favorite photo and get a palette based on the colors in the image.
Coolors is free, with a modest paid option ($3/month on the annual plan) that allows you to collect, manage, and export your palettes from a dashboard. Subscribing also makes the experience ad-free.
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Authority By Design course coming Spring 2022
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As my essay-writing odyssey continues, I'm also at work creating my new online course and community, Authority By Design. This 3-week cohort-based class is for those who want to increase their visibility, credibility, and revenue. So if you're a consultant, coach, creator, speaker, or other professional who makes your living selling services, this course is for you.
You'll walk away with a portfolio of proprietary frameworks and diagrams and other tools of visual persuasion that you can put to use in your business immediately. And yes, you can have zero art skills and still take part!
I'll be sharing more information here soon, and you can also sign up for my "Keep Me Posted" email list. (And for readers on my Authority By Design Feedback Team, an update is coming soon!)
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Thanks for joining me. May your week be filled with the joy of color.
As always, if there are others you think might enjoy these types of ideas and resources, please forward this on.
Until next time: Make something happen!
Terri
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PS: Was this email forwarded to you? You can sign up to get your own copy on my website.
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