Why I Hate the Color Wheel and How You Should Too

TLDRIn this video, I explain why I despise the color wheel and why you should too. The color wheel, while widely used by digital artists, has several limitations and drawbacks. I propose an alternative - the color slider - which offers more precision, variety, and creativity in color selection.

Key insights

💡The color wheel in digital art programs is based on the real-life color wheel taught in art classes.

🌈Complimentary colors, often promoted in color theory, may not be as complementary as they seem.

🔒The color wheel limits precision in color selection, especially when looking for incrementally different shades.

💡The color wheel can limit the use of hue variation and lead to monotonous color schemes.

The color wheel takes up a significant amount of space in art programs, limiting other essential features.

Q&A

Why is the color wheel so widely used if it has these limitations?

The color wheel has become the standard in digital art programs, and many artists use it without questioning its drawbacks. It is also convenient and familiar to most artists.

Can I still use the color wheel if I prefer it?

Absolutely! While the color wheel has its limitations, it can still be a useful tool for color selection. However, I recommend trying out the color slider for a more precise and varied color palette.

Why do you recommend the color slider as an alternative?

The color slider provides more precision, variety, and creativity in color selection. It arranges colors in a linear relationship, allowing for more accurate color choices and avoids the limitations of the color wheel.

What software or tools offer the color slider?

The color slider may vary depending on the software or digital art tool you use. For example, in Clip Studio Paint, the color slider arranges colors in three lines, allowing you to adjust hue, saturation, and brightness.

How can I learn to use the color slider effectively?

To use the color slider effectively, it's essential to understand how each aspect of color (hue, saturation, and brightness) influences the overall color palette. Experimenting and practicing with the color slider will help you develop a better understanding of color selection.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction and explanation of the color wheel in digital art programs.

04:16Discussion of the limitations of the color wheel, including precision, hue variation, and color relativity.

05:57Introducing the color slider as an alternative to the color wheel, explaining its benefits in terms of precision, variety, and creativity in color selection.

07:48Announcement of the Discord server and concluding remarks.