Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, colour communicates. Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is a tertiary colour? How can blue be a warm colour? What is a desaturated colour? How can colour affect our emotions, memory and even appetite? How does colour impact culture, art, design, fashion and advertising? What’s the difference between hue and tone? Tint and shade? What’s CMYK and RGB? What are Hex codes?
Learn all about colour! And, crucially, how to use it in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.
This course is designed for creatives across every field - from designers, illustrators, and makers to children’s book creators, florists, and everything in between (including fashion, architecture, and digital media). This is your chance to unlock the secrets of colour and use it to elevate your life and work.
What will we cover?
Colour theory, including colour wheels, primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colours
Hues, tones, tints and shades
Colour mixing – with traditional media such as pencils and paint
Adobe colour apps and guides
How colour can affect sensory perception – energy levels, memory, mood and even appetite
An introduction to the role of colour within fashion, advertising and branding
A general exploration of colour symbolism within art and culture
Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level.
In particular:
Create custom colour wheels, including tints, tones and shades
Mix colours with precision using traditional media
Master colour theory
Enhance your ability to conceptualise and analyse colour relationships
Create personalised colour mind maps and mood boards
Communicate colour concepts and theory through your creative practice
Build effective and beautiful colour palettes suited to any project
Translate these palettes into relevant (for your needs) software, so they are ready to apply to your work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of colour, just of a relevant creative field.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentations
Demonstrations
Practical work
Individual and group tutoring
Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our range of workshops in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
Maya Wild is an artist and arts educator with over 20 years of experience in Illustration and Graphic Design. She has a firm belief in the power of playful, creative visual communication and a deep appreciation of colour and hands-on making. Maya has collaborated with a wide range of clients, including Adidas, Dizzee Rascal, EMI, Dazed & Confused, Urban Outfitters, The Rolling Stones, New York Magazine, Burton Snowboards, and Channel 4. Her diverse portfolio includes projects such as product packaging, logo design, fashion illustration, music promotion, editorial illustration, advertising, and fabric pattern design. Her artwork has been exhibited worldwide, including in New York, San Francisco, Glasgow, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Maya has been teaching art and design for many years. She finds immense joy in nurturing students artistic growth and witnessing their development as confident and creative individuals.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/colour-communication-for-creatives2602149Colour communication for creativeshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz514-colour-comm-01.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Graphic design/Courses/Weird and wonderful City Lit228511321163117517451228511321163<p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz514-colour-comm-02.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz514-colour-comm-03.jpg2516149Colour communication for creatives239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz514-colour-comm-01_3.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJun 2026Art & designVZ514239239Colour communication for creatives191155239Maya Wildcolour-communication-for-creatives/vz514-2526<p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-18 00:00:00<p>What is a tertiary colour? How can blue be a warm colour? What is a desaturated colour? How can colour affect our emotions, memory and even appetite? How does colour impact culture, art, design, fashion and advertising? What’s the difference between hue and tone? Tint and shade? What’s CMYK and RGB? What are Hex codes? </p><p>Learn all about colour! And, crucially, how to use it in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible. </p><p>This course is designed for creatives across every field - from designers, illustrators, and makers to children’s book creators, florists, and everything in between (including fashion, architecture, and digital media). This is your chance to unlock the secrets of colour and use it to elevate your life and work.</p><p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p><ul><li>Colour theory, including colour wheels, primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colours</li><li>Hues, tones, tints and shades</li><li>Colour mixing – with traditional media such as pencils and paint</li><li>Adobe colour apps and guides</li><li>How colour can affect sensory perception – energy levels, memory, mood and even appetite</li><li>An introduction to the role of colour within fashion, advertising and branding</li><li>A general exploration of colour symbolism within art and culture</li><li>Personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Cultural meanings of colours</li><li>Colour schemes (or palettes): monochrome, analogous, complimentary, split-complimentary, triadic, square</li><li>Colour proportion</li><li>Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</li></ul><p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a <strong>competent </strong>skill-level. </p><p>In particular: </p><ul><li>Create custom colour wheels, including tints, tones and shades</li><li>Mix colours with precision using traditional media</li><li>Master colour theory</li><li>Enhance your ability to conceptualise and analyse colour relationships</li><li>Create personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Communicate colour concepts and theory through your creative practice</li><li>Build effective and beautiful colour palettes suited to any project</li><li>Translate these palettes into relevant (for your needs) software, so they are ready to apply to your work. </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of colour, just of a relevant creative field. </p><p>English-language competency is required: <em>you should be </em><em>able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p><em>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</em></p><p><em>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</em></p><p><em>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p> </p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.<br/><br/>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing <a href="mailto:info@londongraphics.co.uk">info@londongraphics.co.uk</a> with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- <a href="https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/">https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/</a></p><p>We recommend looking at our range of workshops in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/</a></p>Graphic design & illustrationGraphic designvirtual3030277Colour communication for creatives259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz514-colour-comm-01_5.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-12T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersNov 2026Art & designVZ370259259Colour communication for creatives207168259Maya Wildcolour-communication-for-creatives/vz370-2627<p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-12 00:00:00<p>What is a tertiary colour? How can blue be a warm colour? What is a desaturated colour? How can colour affect our emotions, memory and even appetite? How does colour impact culture, art, design, fashion and advertising? What’s the difference between hue and tone? Tint and shade? What’s CMYK and RGB? What are Hex codes? </p><p>Learn all about colour! And, crucially, how to use it in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible. </p><p>This course is designed for creatives across every field - from designers, illustrators, and makers to children’s book creators, florists, and everything in between (including fashion, architecture, and digital media). This is your chance to unlock the secrets of colour and use it to elevate your life and work.</p><p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p><ul><li>Colour theory, including colour wheels, primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colours</li><li>Hues, tones, tints and shades</li><li>Colour mixing - with traditional media such as pencils and paint</li><li>Adobe colour apps and guides</li><li>How colour can affect sensory perception - energy levels, memory, mood and even appetite</li><li>An introduction to the role of colour within fashion, advertising and branding</li><li>A general exploration of colour symbolism within art and culture</li><li>Personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Cultural meanings of colours</li><li>Colour schemes (or palettes): monochrome, analogous, complimentary, split-complimentary, triadic, square</li><li>Colour proportion</li><li>Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</li></ul><p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying - at least to a <strong>competent </strong>skill-level. </p><p>In particular: </p><ul><li>Create custom colour wheels, including tints, tones and shades</li><li>Mix colours with precision using traditional media</li><li>Master colour theory</li><li>Enhance your ability to conceptualise and analyse colour relationships</li><li>Create personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Communicate colour concepts and theory through your creative practice</li><li>Build effective and beautiful colour palettes suited to any project</li><li>Translate these palettes into relevant (for your needs) software, so they are ready to apply to your work. </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of colour, just of a relevant creative field.</p><p>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</p><p>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).</p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p></p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.<br><br>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing <a href="mailto:info@londongraphics.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">info@londongraphics.co.uk</a> with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- <a href="https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/</a></p><p>We recommend looking at our range of workshops in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/</a></p>Graphic design & illustrationGraphic designvirtual191,207239,259155,168VZ514,VZ370NONEThu18/06/26 - 16/07/2614:00 - 17:0014:0017:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMaya WildBeginnersAvailable courses2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00,2026-11-12T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026,Nov 2026Art & design239239,259Colour communication for creativescolour-communication-for-creatives/vz514-2526,colour-communication-for-creatives/vz370-2627<p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-18 00:00:00<p>What is a tertiary colour? How can blue be a warm colour? What is a desaturated colour? How can colour affect our emotions, memory and even appetite? How does colour impact culture, art, design, fashion and advertising? What’s the difference between hue and tone? Tint and shade? What’s CMYK and RGB? What are Hex codes? </p><p>Learn all about colour! And, crucially, how to use it in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible. </p><p>This course is designed for creatives across every field - from designers, illustrators, and makers to children’s book creators, florists, and everything in between (including fashion, architecture, and digital media). This is your chance to unlock the secrets of colour and use it to elevate your life and work.</p>,<p>What is a tertiary colour? How can blue be a warm colour? What is a desaturated colour? How can colour affect our emotions, memory and even appetite? How does colour impact culture, art, design, fashion and advertising? What’s the difference between hue and tone? Tint and shade? What’s CMYK and RGB? What are Hex codes? </p><p>Learn all about colour! And, crucially, how to use it in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible. </p><p>This course is designed for creatives across every field - from designers, illustrators, and makers to children’s book creators, florists, and everything in between (including fashion, architecture, and digital media). This is your chance to unlock the secrets of colour and use it to elevate your life and work.</p><p>Colour influences mood, meaning, even decision-making! In short, <em>colour communicates.</em> Learn how to use colour in your creative work, to make it as communicative and influential as possible.</p><ul><li>Colour theory, including colour wheels, primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colours</li><li>Hues, tones, tints and shades</li><li>Colour mixing – with traditional media such as pencils and paint</li><li>Adobe colour apps and guides</li><li>How colour can affect sensory perception – energy levels, memory, mood and even appetite</li><li>An introduction to the role of colour within fashion, advertising and branding</li><li>A general exploration of colour symbolism within art and culture</li><li>Personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Cultural meanings of colours</li><li>Colour schemes (or palettes): monochrome, analogous, complimentary, split-complimentary, triadic, square</li><li>Colour proportion</li><li>Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</li></ul>,<ul><li>Colour theory, including colour wheels, primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colours</li><li>Hues, tones, tints and shades</li><li>Colour mixing - with traditional media such as pencils and paint</li><li>Adobe colour apps and guides</li><li>How colour can affect sensory perception - energy levels, memory, mood and even appetite</li><li>An introduction to the role of colour within fashion, advertising and branding</li><li>A general exploration of colour symbolism within art and culture</li><li>Personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Cultural meanings of colours</li><li>Colour schemes (or palettes): monochrome, analogous, complimentary, split-complimentary, triadic, square</li><li>Colour proportion</li><li>Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</li></ul><p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a <strong>competent </strong>skill-level. </p><p>In particular: </p><ul><li>Create custom colour wheels, including tints, tones and shades</li><li>Mix colours with precision using traditional media</li><li>Master colour theory</li><li>Enhance your ability to conceptualise and analyse colour relationships</li><li>Create personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Communicate colour concepts and theory through your creative practice</li><li>Build effective and beautiful colour palettes suited to any project</li><li>Translate these palettes into relevant (for your needs) software, so they are ready to apply to your work. </li></ul>,<p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying - at least to a <strong>competent </strong>skill-level. </p><p>In particular: </p><ul><li>Create custom colour wheels, including tints, tones and shades</li><li>Mix colours with precision using traditional media</li><li>Master colour theory</li><li>Enhance your ability to conceptualise and analyse colour relationships</li><li>Create personalised colour mind maps and mood boards</li><li>Communicate colour concepts and theory through your creative practice</li><li>Build effective and beautiful colour palettes suited to any project</li><li>Translate these palettes into relevant (for your needs) software, so they are ready to apply to your work. </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of colour, just of a relevant creative field. </p><p>English-language competency is required: <em>you should be </em><em>able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p>,<p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior knowledge of colour, just of a relevant creative field.</p><p>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p><em>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</em></p><p><em>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</em></p><p><em>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).</em></p>,<ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</p><p>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).</p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p> </p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.<br/><br/>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing <a href="mailto:info@londongraphics.co.uk">info@londongraphics.co.uk</a> with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- <a href="https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/">https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/</a></p>,<p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p></p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.<br><br>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing <a href="mailto:info@londongraphics.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">info@londongraphics.co.uk</a> with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- <a href="https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/</a></p><p>We recommend looking at our range of workshops in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/</a></p>,<p>We recommend looking at our range of workshops in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/</a></p>Graphic design & illustrationGraphic designconfigurable
