The Designer's Dictionary of Color

The Designer's Dictionary of Color by award-winning educator Sean Adams offers an in-depth exploration of 30 essential colors in art and graphic design.

​Designed for graphic designers, interior designers, artists, and anyone who uses color to express themselves, this book is both a practical resource and an inspirational tool. With astute descriptions and ideas for pitching colors to clients, The Designer's Dictionary of Color opens up the world of color for all who seek to harness its incredible power.

Organized by spectrum, this comprehensive guide provides detailed charts showing color ranges and palette variations, making it easy to navigate and reference during creative projects.

Each chapter delves into the creative history and cultural associations of a specific color, from the artistic to the utilitarian. Whether it's the turquoise on a Reid Miles album cover or the avocado paint on a 1970s Dodge station wagon, Adams provides insightful context and practical applications for each hue.

“The descriptions are astute and succinct and even offer ideas for pitching particular colors to clients. . . . Edges are lined in the color of each chapter, so you can flip to the right chapter for quick reference during a meeting and while doing research.” —Communication Arts