Aug 10, 2023

In Search for Colour: Exploring colour applications in graphic design and in the built environment

Udo Schliemann RGD

About this video

Description

Besides form, lines, movement and typography, colour is part of the toolbox of a graphic designer. It is even the medium that triggers the strongest emotional response in the viewer. Yet, the use of colour, which colour to choose, is a constant battle for many designers and insecurities in the strategic use of colour, especially in environmental graphics, leads to approved, but repetitive colour patterns and combinations. Colour psychology often just delivers superficial explanations about the meaning of colours, that often even contradict, e.g. red stands for love but also for aggression. Everything depends on context and how colour is combined with other colours. In this talk Udo shows examples of nuanced colour applications in the built environment as well as in print that will help designers to experiment with colour and therefore try to find new colour combinations that can help to create a unique brand awareness.

Udo Schliemann RGD

Udo Schliemann RGD RCA graduated from the Technical College for Design in Würzburg in 1982 and began his career at Stankowski+Duschek in Stuttgart. In 1999, he joined Gottschalk+Ash International in Toronto, contributing until 2011, before serving as Principal Creative Director at Entro until 2025.

His career spans more than 40 years, blending free and applied art to create corporate work infused with artistry. His projects focus on simplicity, geometric composition and the emotional resonance of colour.

Udo has received numerous international awards, including Red Dot, SEGD, Applied Arts and RGD Awards and in 2017 became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.