Contrast

Effective Use of Contrast

Design by Luca Barcellona.

In this promotional design by Luca Barcellona, a good use of contrast is used with his gold lettering against black background. At a glance, it is a simple white on black design that provides visual contrast for the letter's readability. This example stood out because of the design work within the background. The black background contains multiple designs and logos, and typography that is displayed subtly. The highlighted message now applies to the content in the background, which is poorly contrasted — purposefully and effectively. Layers of design, layout, and lettering exemplifying an effective use of contrast. The black background can be seen to provide context and make the gold lettering even lighter in tone than it may seem against a white background.

Poor Use of Contrast

Unknown designer.

In this image, we see a yellow sign, with a black line within providing a clear contrasting border. The contrast in yellow and black catches one's eye to read the message in the center, however, in this example white text on a yellow background shows poor use of contrast to deliver a message. If you were to drive past this sign, you would notice the sign and not the intended message of warning. White and yellow are harmonious colors because they are generally light, but they are terrible when used for legibility or contrast because they are of similar tones. These two colors lack any type of "pop out" effect that the black lines provide.