“What color will compliment my dog's coat?”
A little bit of color theory goes a long way in backdrop selection!
Most dog parents wonder which color to pick for their pup’s session. Even without seeing your dog, I can help you pick which color will best compliment their coat with color theory. Let’s delve into the details before we get to picking colors!
There are multiple elements to color theory to consdier. Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) cannot be created from other colors. Secondary colors (green, orange, violet) are created from primary colors. Tertiary Colors (red-orange, red-violet, yellow-green, yellow-orange) are created when a primary and a secondary color are mixed.
Color has 3 main qualities—
Hue refers to a color in its pure state. It also denotes a color’s position on the color wheel.
Value describes the degree of lightness or darkness in color.
Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a color based on saturation.
While there are multiple levels of color harmony (how color is used to create visual interest), we’ll just be focusing on one!
Complementary — uses colors that are opposite each other on the wheel
Monochromic, analogous, and complementary color harmony is what we’ll focus on!
To start, let’s take a look at a color wheel, highlight complementary colors across the wheel from each other.
You’ll notice that following complementary patterns:
Blue complementary orange (and vice verse)
Violet complements yellow (and vice verse)
Red complements green (and vice verse)
Keep backdrop colors in mind while considering the complementary color wheel, and your pet’s coat!
Black
Black is a timeless choice that is flattering on all coats and creates drama through contrast. Looking for something extra striking? Pair a black backdrop with a black doggo.
Blue Mist
Blue Mist is a poppy, yet soft, light blue option that is flattering on all coats and creates drama through contrast. It’s also a perfect option if you plan to make any custom pup swag. Warm-colored coats (red, orange, caramel tones) look especially great on Blue Mist.
Lavender
Lavender is a deceivingly flattering color on all pups. It’s a nice gender-neutral option too. Pups with warm undertones in their coat (golden highlights) look especially beautiful on Lavender. It’s also a perfect option if you plan to make any custom pup swag.
Lemonade
Lemonade does not get the love it deserves! This bold backdrop is pleasantly surprising in the way it pops off the wall (or screen) and truly highlights your pup as the focal point.
Analogous colored dogs (yellow, orange, reds) are stand outs on yellow because of the monochoromatic effect that’s created.
Mint Green
Mint Green is quickly becoming one our most popular options (right after Blue Mist). It’s flattering on neutral coats (black or white/cream), but especially beautiful with any warm undertones— think extra warm… if not red! It’s also a perfect option if you plan to make any custom pup swag.
Pale Pink
Pale Pink is charming way to bring out your pup’s feminine side. Bubblegum pink vibes look great on all coats. It’s also a perfect option if you plan to make any custom pup swag.
White
Timeless. Soft or dramatic. Serious or silly. A white backdrop is a perfectly clean slate to let your pup’s personality shine through. It’s also a perfect option if you plan to make any custom pup swag, especially if you like the “cutout” look of having your pup on your tee without a colored backdrop. White is a perfect option for any pup or if you’re unsure. White gives you many options.