Color theory is a difficult concept for many people to grasp fully. Aside from the complex physics of color (which confuse the average mind by stating that which is seen as red is every color but red), perhaps the most intangible element of color is how it affects us on an emotional level. Color symbolism and color psychology are constructs of cultural set, the time and place, and the age of the person making the association, and as such it is difficult to distill any absolute rules about color. Having said that, here are some useful guidelines for dealing with color and web design.

Select a simple and complimentary palette of colors and stick to them. Color should be used judiciously to attract the eye and inspire action, and to support the content and theme of the site. More than four colors on a page and they become a distraction rather than an aid. Here are a few examples of poor color choices.

- White text on a black background

- Colored text on any dark background

- Bright colors overlapping or butting up to other bright colors

For logos and other iconic elements 2 colors are really all that are needed, especially for smaller icons.
Don’t place text over a background color that is similar in tone. If you have a page you expect people to print, don’t use any color at all. Black text on a white background is the easiest for most people to read should be the default selection for most sites. Have a reason to use color, rather than using it because you can.

Choosing a graphic design company can be a major hurdle to any business, but choosing the wrong design company can be more than a hurdle, it can spell doom for you and your company. So what are the main criteria you should look for when picking a graphic design company? There are probably enough guidelines and principles to fill a book, but the design articles in this section cover the primary ones you should consider.