Tint vs Shade
The color spectrum includes three primary and three secondary colors, while the rest of the colors belong to the categories of tints, hues, or shades. These are formed by either adding or mixing two or more colors together. It is essential to understand the difference between a tint and a shade when working with colors.
What is Tint?
A tint, also known as Pastel, is created by lightening any color by mixing it with white. Adding any amount of white to a color can create the desired effect, from barely tinted to nearly white or extremely pale. Adding a touch of white to a pure pigment can give it some body, creating a smoother effect on the eyes. For example, adding a touch of pink to bright red can create a pleasing, soft pink that is easy on the eye.
Tints are often associated with feminine environments, as they create a soft, youthful, and soothing effect. They are commonly used in advertising and marketing targeting a female demographic, as well as in painting for focal points or entire paintings done in pastel colors.
What is Shade?
A shade is any color with black added to it, making it darker. The amount of black added is up to the user’s preference, offering the choice of a barely shaded pure hue, nearly black, or an extremely dark shade.
Black should be used sparingly, as its strength can overpower other colors and destroy the main color. Some artists use it carefully, while others avoid it altogether. Shades convey a message of mystery, power, and depth and work well in masculine environments. In marketing and advertising, shades are often used when conveying a powerful message or targeting a male demographic.
Key Takeaways:
– A tint is created by adding white to any color, making it lighter, while a shade is created by adding black to any color, making it darker.
– Artists often use their lightest pastels for focal points or create entire paintings in pastel, but tend to use black sparingly due to its overwhelming nature.
– Tints work well in feminine environments and convey softness, gentleness, and pleasantness, while shades are better suited for masculine environments and convey power, mystery, and depth.
