One of the most important choices in constructing a scrapbook layout is what colors you should use. There are a lot of different factors that go into your color choices, but in the end you are only limited by your own imagination.
Here are some things to think about when you are choosing colors:
Your central image. Most layouts are constructed around one main picture, so your colors can also be chosen this way. If the child in the photograph is wearing a red shirt and standing against a field of blues and greens, you have a start right there. You could perhaps choose red matting, with a background page that reflects either the blue or green in the photo. Or you could choose a color that doesn’t appear in the photo at all, but complements each of them. A gold or cream matting or background would be ideal next to the darker, bolder colors.
Mood. Different types of colors cue different emotions or reactions in people, and you should consider that when using them in your layout. Lighter colors like pastels reflect softer emotions, such as care and gentleness. Bolder colors, such as primary colors or hot pink, neon orange, or sunny yellow make stronger statements about the events or the personalities involved. Darker colors, such as navy blue, hunter green, or burgundy convey both elegance and seriousness.
Theme. There’s a reason people use primary colors for back-to-school layouts and soft pastels for new baby layouts. Not only do they express the mood of the event, but they also carry a measure of cultural understanding with them. Nobody has to explain why they chose a soft pink and white for a baby girl. There are also colors that are given in the situation-if your football team’s colors are green and white, then the football team picture layout will reflect those colors. You didn’t choose them, but you can work with them.
