Comments on: Color Isn’t Always Better

By: Cecila Debella

Cecila Debella — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:25:21 +0000

loved this post!

By: Merry

Merry — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:57:31 +0000

For my part, I think that black and white like other colors should be used appropriately. I mean we all associate certain attributes to colors, so if you like people to think about no-nonsense and serious, you go for black and white. If you want whimsy or diversified, you go for a google logo knock off.

But David, you make an interesting point of using black and white to highlight other elements of the page, particularly those that are in color. I guess it’s all a matter of what exactly it is you’re creating at the moment, whether it’s logos, web pages, portfolios, business cards and other stuff.

By: Isaiah H. Ware

Isaiah H. Ware — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:35:59 +0000

I definitely love your own posting style, very informative Don’t give up and also keep posting as it just simply that is worth to read it,excited to looked over far more of your articles, have a good one.

By: Webtwist - Webdesign/Bamberg

Webtwist - Webdesign/Bamberg — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:21:33 +0000

I really love black and white layouts. A great round up tip for your layouts: a combination between black/white and one color tone (for example: red or blue tone) looks awsome.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:00:32 +0000

Black and white designs can be very effective when used for sites with plently of text such as blogs and as mentioned photography sites. Wedding photographs in-particular look great within a black and white design. Pitty you didn’t find any good examples on a black background showing contrasting designs.

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:28:13 +0000

I really like black and white sites… especially for portfolio or showcase sites as they really make the imagery and content stand out..

Also most colors go with a black and white color scheme do its easy to use accent colors..

Thanks..

By: Chuck Lasker

Chuck Lasker — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:30 +0000

I just did a blog post about color blindness and website usability that I believe applies to this conversation.

http://www.chucklasker.com/are-you-alienating-the-color-blind/762/

By: Selene M. Bowlby

Selene M. Bowlby — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:42:08 +0000

Well this is definitely an interesting read! I’m in the process of re-designing my web site, and (so far, anyway) it’s entirely in black and white (more like various shades of grey). Possibly because of a few very bright colors on the current design, I’ve steered away from color entirely on this new version (also thinking of the portfolio, because what better way to be sure the work samples stand out well).

Of course, I keep second guessing myself and wondering if I should add a pop of color here and there. Time will tell, LOL, but so far I’m happy with the minimalistic approach that I’m working with.

By: Chris Brown

Chris Brown — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:40 +0000

I agree with this philosophy. Right now, I’m engaged in a project at the opposite end of the spectrum. The client wants a site presence that conveys energy and passion but the designs (provided by a graphic designer) are all black/white with a limited color palette of two heavily desaturated/dark colors. All photos are black/white too. So the site design screams dull and lifeless. So, this article will be helpful in explaining when its appropriate to use black/white and when to effectively use color.

I use black and white designs quite a bit but use it in a approach similar to David Airey’s site in allowing the design to exist quietly in the background while the imagery stands out in the foreground through color. It does lend itself to a clean, minimalist and sophisticated design.

By: ToughTomato Web Design

ToughTomato Web Design — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:59:54 +0000

Thanks for the article. I like to use black and white tones to portray businessness (if that’s such a word) much like you mentioned above about the Wall Street Journal.

By: Graphic Design Blog

Graphic Design Blog — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:11:55 +0000

Hey Jennifer…thanks for mentioning the Graphic Design Blog’s paint-spattered header and I totally agree with the beauty of “Black and White” but still I think colors can’t be so easily omitted or ignored from graphic design world. B&W has its own beauty and charm but as it is said:

“The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.”

Anyhow…it was a good read :)

By: David Airey

David Airey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:49:44 +0000

Hi Jennifer, thanks a lot for the feature. I use black and white for just the reason you state — it allows the imagery to stand out, which is ideal when you want to showcase portfolio pieces. Plus, there’s something very clean about black and white that appeals to my design tastes. I hope you’re well.

By: Marnie B

Marnie B — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:13:22 +0000

Black and white can be just as beautiful as a bright colour. I actually adore clean, black and white sites like those listed above, and have been tempted to only submit black logos to clients! :D

PS. Hadn’t seen David’s new site design, so thanks!