..//Creative Studies//..: January 2011

Step 1 : Logical Mind Map

The First mind map - Mind map of "Creative Multimedia"

Second mind map - Mind map of "Colors"

Step 2 : Essay

COLORS IN CREATIVE MULTIMEDIA

   Color is the most universally appreciated element, appeals to children and adults instantly. Colors are always appealing to people at any age. A person might question art for many other reasons but seldom objects to the use of color, provided that it is harmonious with the character. So what is color? Color is the visual perceptual property corresponding in humans to the categories called red, green, blue and others. Color derives from the spectrum of light interacting in the eye with the spectral sensitivities of the light receptors. Color categories and physical specifications of color are also associated with objects, materials, light sources, etc., based on their physical properties such as light absorption, reflection, or emission spectra. By defining a color space, colors can be identified numerically by their coordinates. So what does color have to do with Creative Multimedia?

First of all, colors are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Primary colors, namely red, blue and yellow, are sets of colors that can be combined to make a useful range of colors. For human applications, three primary colors are usually used, since human color vision is trichromatic. As for secondary colors, it is the combination of two primary colors while tertiary colors is by mixing one primary color and a secondary color, each to create a different tone and mood of color.

     Color plays a major role especially in the Creative Multimedia field. As creative multimedia is mostly based on designs and expressing ideas, colors give a boost to it. It is capable of swaying one’s thinking, change actions, and cause reactions from the viewer. It is also can be used as a medium for visual communication; a form of communication through visual aid and is described as the conveyance of ideas and information in forms that can be read or looked upon. Visual communication solely relies on vision, and is primarily presented or expressed with two dimensional images includes: signs, typography, drawing, graphic design, illustration, color and electronic resources. It also explores the idea that a visual message accompanying text has a greater power to inform, educate, or persuade a person or audience.

Color scheme can also convey different message and also give people different feel just by looking at them. For example there are warm and cold colors, just like the name suggested, giving the viewer a warm or cold feeling respectively. Complementary color schemes have a more energetic feel. The high contrast between the colors creates a vibrant look, especially when used at full saturation. It is useful to give focus to a certain element in a design. The use of color schemes is essential in every design as it affects the one’s perception and thought towards the design. A good design is often associated with good color usage besides being simple, functional and economic.

   Any form of media associates with colors most of the time. Different color models are used for different media. One of the color model is the RGB model. The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue.

   The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing, representation, and display of images in electronic systems, such as televisions and computers, though it has also been used in conventional photography. Another model is the CMYK model. The CMYK color model is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some color printing, namely cyan, magenta, yellow, and key black. Though it varies by print house, press operator, press manufacturer and press run, ink is typically applied in the order of the abbreviation.

     Back to the essence of the colors in design, colors has a multitude of function depending on the design itself. Color can be used to express certain mood in an artwork. For instance, a gloomy low key colored theme or grayish for a sad mood, bright colors represents cheerfulness. It also creates a visual impact on the viewers. Colors can leave a deep impression in people even at one glance. Colors attracts attention even from far. A wise usage of color can make the design stands out and catches attention easily so that people notice it.

   In conclusion, color is a very essential element in the field of Creative Multimedia as it plays such a major role in designs. It expresses thoughts and also creates mood. Without color, the world of multimedia will be dull and not as interesting as it is in the present day.

(800 words)