Whenever a Graphic design is to be done, it is important to consider elemental sides of the design which must include essentially, the THEME and RELATIVITY to COLOURS in use.  

A Design Theme is the idea behind a given design work in which the Graphic Artist must be able to graphically represent with a communicative aim. Themes, even though allowed to be textually written must be easily identified in the other elements of the design including background, colours and pictures.

A good Graphic Artist must therefore be able to create a design in such a way that speaks volumes of the theme at hand. This does not mean that the entire work of art must be seen from side to side or top to bottom with the theme elements. The representation must be sparsely distributed but I recommend a single representation of the theme in individual designs.

Particular attention must be given to the colour combination which is the first element that welcomes or attracts your viewers. Colours have relativity factors and must be used in that regard. For instance, when designing a theme that has to do with the Nigerian Government, Colours in mind must certainly be the National Green sparsely toned with White and combined with Gold or Silver. Also, if designing for “Love” related theme e.g Valentine, Friends Night Out, Party, etc, a combination of Magenta, Fire Red, Orange and White must be well harnessed.

What colours would be very effective in designing a “Traditional” related theme? This is a question you must answer with apt accuracy. First, it will be important to identify within the context of the theme, which ‘culture’ is embedded within the theme. A culture here talks about the nativity of the tradition which will guide your colour choice. Let’s consider a Traditional Theme like “African Festival”- the last and incoherent colours to use here would be Deep blue, Sky Blue or Purple. The most suitable colours would be Coffee Brown (African Soil), Forest Green and Lemon Green (African Vegetation), Orange (the equatorial Sun) and Red (Sunset).

In summary, you must practically follow the following recommended tips in achieving signature-bound designs which clearly identify you as a good Graphic Artist;

1. Think ahead of the design


2. Identify the theme of your design first before beginning the design


3. Define or analyse that Theme


4. Use colours that completely speak of the theme and exist within it


5. Represented Pictures of the Theme must completely communicate the theme


6. Scale your final design through your mind’s eye as the beholder.

Please write back to me or post comment/questions or contributions.
Enjoy.