Color is one of the most powerful tools in design. It evokes emotions, establishes brand identity, and creates harmony in a design. But how do you choose the right colors to create balance and appeal? Enter the 60-30-10 rule—a simple but highly effective guideline used by designers to create well-balanced color palettes for logos, websites, interiors, and more.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 60-30-10 rule in color theory, explain how it works, and show you how to use it in your design projects for a cohesive and visually pleasing result.
What is the 60-30-10 Rule?
The 60-30-10 rule is a color theory principle that helps create a balanced and harmonious color palette. The idea is to divide the color palette into three parts:
60% Dominant Color: This is the main color of the design, making up the largest portion. It’s the color that sets the tone of the design.
30% Secondary Color: The secondary color complements the dominant color and adds contrast and depth. It should be used less frequently than the dominant color but still plays an important role.
10% Accent Color: The accent color is the smallest portion, used sparingly to add vibrancy, emphasis, and visual interest. This color typically stands out and is used for highlighting specific elements in the design.
The rule helps ensure that the design feels balanced and not overwhelmed by any one color, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
How the 60-30-10 Rule Works
60% Dominant Color
The dominant color is the foundation of your design. It’s the color that represents the brand, the setting, or the mood you’re trying to create. In logo design, this color should be the most prominent and align with the brand’s core values.
For example, if you’re designing a logo for a tech company, a cool blue might be used as the dominant color, symbolizing trust, reliability, and innovation.
30% Secondary Color
The secondary color complements the dominant color and helps break up the monotony. This color adds depth and visual interest without overshadowing the primary color. Typically, the secondary color will have a neutral or contrasting hue that enhances the overall design.
For instance, in a logo design, a gray or silver secondary color could work well with a blue dominant color, providing balance and sophistication.
10% Accent Color
The accent color is used sparingly to create contrast and draw attention to specific elements in the design. It’s the color that makes certain details pop, such as buttons on a website or an icon in a logo. The accent color should always be bold, vibrant, and impactful to create focal points.
An accent color could be a bright yellow or red used to highlight a call-to-action button or important design element within the logo or website.
How to Apply the 60-30-10 Rule in Logo and Brand Design
In logo and brand design, applying the 60-30-10 rule can help create a logo that is visually appealing and aligned with the brand’s identity.
1. Choose Colors that Reflect the Brand’s Values
Before applying the 60-30-10 rule, you need to choose the right colors that represent your brand. For example:
Red: Energetic, passionate, bold (used in the food or entertainment industry)
Blue: Trustworthy, calming, professional (used in finance or healthcare)
Yellow: Optimistic, cheerful, attention-grabbing (used in creative or youth-focused industries)
2. Create a Balanced Color Palette
Using the 60-30-10 rule, allocate your colors in the following way:
60% Dominant Color: Choose a color that best represents the brand’s personality. Use this color across large design elements such as the main logo, website background, or main brand color.
30% Secondary Color: Select a complementary color to enhance and contrast the dominant color. This will work well for smaller elements like text, secondary icons, or backgrounds.
10% Accent Color: Use the accent color sparingly to highlight key details like buttons, key callouts, or parts of the logo that you want to stand out.
By balancing your colors this way, you ensure that your logo or brand design isn’t overwhelming and that it feels well-organized and harmonious.
Examples of the 60-30-10 Rule in Action
Here are a couple of examples where the 60-30-10 rule has been successfully used:
Tech Startup: A tech company might use a blue as the dominant color (60%), a gray as the secondary color (30%), and a vibrant green as the accent color (10%) for their logo. This combination suggests trust and professionalism while adding a hint of innovation.
Creative Agency: A creative agency might use black or dark gray as the dominant color (60%), a light gray as the secondary color (30%), and a bright yellow as the accent color (10%). The yellow will draw attention to key design elements like the agency’s name or slogan, making the logo modern and bold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the 60-30-10 rule, keep these tips in mind to avoid common mistakes:
Avoid Using Too Many Colors: Stick to the rule of three colors. Using more than that can create visual confusion and take away from the simplicity of the design.
Don’t Overuse the Accent Color: The accent color should be used sparingly to create contrast. Overusing it can overwhelm the design and reduce its impact.
Ensure Balance: Make sure the dominant color truly dominates, and that the secondary and accent colors work harmoniously with it.
Conclusion
The 60-30-10 rule in color theory is an easy and effective way to create a balanced, visually appealing design. Whether you’re designing a logo, building a website, or developing brand materials, this rule helps ensure that your colors work together in a harmonious and impactful way.
Ready to create a logo with a perfectly balanced color palette? Visit LogoFarmer’s Studio today to start designing a logo that reflects your brand’s identity with the right mix of colors!
