Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
with a difference in color can force greater separation between them. For example, if
the information at the top of a hierarchy is set in a deep, vibrant orange-red, while the
secondary information is set in a cool gray, the two levels of the hierarchy will be sep-
arated visually to a much greater degree. Although the values of the colors are similar,
the saturated orange type will advance in space, and the cool gray type will recede.
The application of color to the ground within a composition can further enhance the
hierarchy. Type of one color, set on a field of another color, will join closely with it or
separate aggressively, depending on their color relationship. If the colors of type and
background are related, the two elements will occupy a similar spatial depth. If they are
complementary in nature, the two will occupy very different spatial depths. It is import-
ant to maintain considerable contrast between the type color and the background color
so that the type remains visible. Color can also be used to link related informational
components within a composition. In a poster for an event, for example, all the inform-
ation related to the time and place of the event might be assigned a particular color,
which may relate to the color assigned to the title of the event. The color relationship of
the two components creates a meaningful link for the viewer and serves to clarify the
information.
