Designer's Dictionary of Colour [UK edition]

Designer’s Dictionary of Colour [UK edition] is an inspiring reference book for anyone who wants to understand colour more deeply in creative work. Published by Abrams, this English-language book explores 30 key colours used in art and graphic design, showing how each hue can shift in meaning and effect across different contexts.

A practical colour reference for designers and makers

Organised by spectrum, the book makes it easy for you to move between colours and their variations. Each chapter looks at the origins of a colour, its cultural associations, and the ways it appears in art and design. With 256 pages of colour charts, range studies and real-world examples, it offers both useful information and fresh inspiration.

Colour theory that supports your creative process

This is more than a book to browse. It helps you use colour deliberately as part of your design thinking, whether you are building palettes, exploring mood, or shaping visual communication. The examples range from artistic applications to everyday objects, showing how strong colour choices can support styling and design decisions.

Why you might like this book

• 30 important colours for art and graphic design
• 256 pages of practical colour knowledge and inspiration
• Clear spectrum-based structure for easy navigation
• Includes creative and cultural context for each colour
• Ideal for designers, students and other creative makers
• A useful English-language reference for your studio or bookshelf

If you enjoy working with colour in any creative project, Designer’s Dictionary of Colour [UK edition] is a thoughtful and useful addition to your collection.