The Yin and Yang of Colors - how to calculate the exact Complementary Color to a specific chromatic Brand Color

摘要

This paper will test a research question about whether or not it is possible to calculate the exact Complementary Color to a specific Brand Color in different color systems. A method is proposed and tested in five different color systems: CIELAB, RGB, CMYK, Spectrum and HSB including device independent, device dependent, additive and subtractive color systems. In each color system, it is attempted to calculate the Complementary Color to an orange Brand Color (Pantone 151 C). The results are compared to the results from an online Adobe Creative Cloud Service, Adobe Kuler which was chosen because it seems to be widespread among design professionals when finding Complementary Colors. It is concluded that it is possible to calculate a Brand Color's exact Complementary Color by using the technical specifications of the Brand Color as a starting point for this paper's method. Adobe Kuler's suggestions for Complementary Colors are far from this paper's calculated Complementary Colors and it is proven that Adobe Kuler's Complementary Colors are not technically correct according to this paper's methods. The color difference between this paper's calculated Complementary Color and Adobe Kuler's Complementary Color is △E_(ab)~* 62.5, △E_(00)43.5 and △H_(ab)~* 12.6.