A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had purchased a used copy of the Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color.
I chose this book largely because the reviews were positive and copies could be had for cheap. I needed a basic color reference book and I think I found a good one.
I received it last week. I don't love the layout particularly as I'm not fond of books that are wider than they are long. But the information is excellent.
The table of contents:
Basic color terminology:
What different colors communicate, and why:
The best part is the color combinations, organized by mood. The book gives examples, primarily from contemporary advertising and product design, of how these color combinations have been used commercially. There's a definite method to the madness!
For the price, I think this is a great little reference book, whether you're planning an outfit or an entire wardrobe. And if you're redoing the living room, it would a great tool for that too!
I believe this Pantone color book will inspire me. I look forward to using it in the future.
Have a great day, everybody!
Very interesting. I just purchased a copy. I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased a copy also.
ReplyDeleteDid you know there are Pantone color books for children too? Just in case you're looking for a Christmas present for Simplicity.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Think this could be a great tool to use with my students, will have to go do some research in to its availability in the UK. Thanks x
ReplyDeleteI'm in UK. I just bought a new copy but used ones also available. Posting from US - did via Amazon UK third party. Postage £2.80. Looks good.
DeleteInteresting but (without wanting to spoil anyone's fun or to politicize matters) I feel like I just have to point out that the texts about what colours communicate are a bit eh... centered on modern North American/European notions.
ReplyDeleteWhite is a colour for mourning in much of East Asia (and was has a history of the same in some parts of Europe) and I don't think Tibetan monks wear orange because it's the 'hottest' colour. And yellow has meant very different things in different times and places as well: In Byzantium, prostitutes had to wear yellow while in Imperial China it was reserved for the Emperor.
Those points are addressed in this book too.
DeleteI think that I'll purchase a copy as well. It looks really good. I don't care about what color symbolizes but the visual looks usable. Where did you buy it?
ReplyDeleteI just picked one of the cheaper used copies on Amazon (less than $1 before shipping).
DeleteMy favorite go-to book about color is Joen Wolfrom's Magical Effects of Color. It's a quilting book, but it's a great short explanation of both color theory and composition. Try to get a used one, if you want one, because the Amazon copies are print on demand and the colors may not be true.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter, now I have to get a copy just when I was trying to reduce my book stash. Looks like a great tool for wardrobe planning. I envy the time you have to work on your garments. Ciao!
ReplyDeleteKinda funny, a book on color, does that even remotely apply to menswear that is done in, denim, tan, beige, brown, black and blue .. and not to forget grey ... where would this come in wrt menswear, .. i remember byblos from the late 80's early 90's use to do menswear in color, i don't really see it in menswear at all ... its all dull .. but home sewing you can venture into color, it would be nice to see you make a shirt out of a stretch silk charmeuse in a really strong color, like chartreuse, or some other intense color.
ReplyDeletedid you japanese pattern book show up? i order about 7 japanese pattern books including the one that you are expecting,
My hubband used to shop at a menswear shop by the university in our fair city (Bluebeard's) and still has some fine and shiny things from there. He was wearing one of the shirts recently, and another guy came up and, pointing at his shirt, identified the when, the where and the label (WilliWear). Turns out he used to work there. Ah, still some of the best stuff he owns (and I borrow shamelessly) is over 30 years old and multihued or made by me (and multihued). You poor men who do not sew.
ReplyDeleteI need a book like this, so I just bought it.
ReplyDeletei hate it when you review/demonstrate a book, Peter, because i really don't even have to read your blog, i just need to click and go to Amazon....
ReplyDelete