If you want to include some 70s charm in your graphic design, you’re in the right place. We’ll go through some popular 70s styles and guide your graphic, literature, and web design. Let’s get started!
What Kinds of Colors Can You Find in a 70s Color Palette?
The colors you’ll find in a typical 70s color palette range from earthy tones to vibrant hues. You might see muted shades of brown, green, and orange and brighter colors like yellow, pink, and purple. While the exact colors will vary depending on the specific palette, you can expect to find a wide range of hues in most 70s color schemes.
Pros of 70s Colors for Your Web Design or Graphic Design
There are many benefits to using 70s colors in your web or graphic design. Here are some of the key benefits.
• Invokes Nostalgia
One of the main benefits of using 70s colors is that it can invoke nostalgia. If you grew up in the 70s or were influenced by that decade, these colors can bring back memories.
• Makes a Statement
Another great thing about 70s colors is that they make a statement. These colors are bold and attention-grabbing, which can help you really make your site or design pop.
• Creates a Retro Feel
If you’re going for a retro feel, 70s colors are the way to go. These colors will give your site or design an old-school vibe that will stand out.
• Fun to Work With
Another pro of using 70s colors is that they’re just fun to work with. These colors are so vibrant and lively, and they can really help bring your designs to life.
Cons of 70s Colors for Your Web Design or Graphic Design
While there are many benefits to using 70s colors, there are also a few potential drawbacks. Here are some things to keep in mind.
• Can Become Dated Quickly
One potential downside of using 70s colors is that they can become dated quickly. These colors were popular 40+ years ago, so they may not have the same appeal as more modern color schemes.
• Can Be Overwhelming
Another thing to keep in mind is that 70s colors can be overwhelming. If you use too many of these colors in your design, it can be pretty jarring. To avoid this, it’s essential to use these colors sparingly and pair them with more muted colors.
• May Not Be Suitable for All Brands
Finally, it’s important to note that 70s colors may not be suitable for all brands. These colors may not be the best fit if you’re going for a more modern or minimalistic look. Before using any 70s colors in your design, ensure they align with your overall brand identity.
• Bucks Trend of Modernism and Minimalism
Many brands have been moving toward a more minimal and modern look in recent years. When you use a 70s color palette, it definitely bucks this trend. This can be a benefit, but it can also mean that you don’t have the same audience as competitors.
Brands Inspired by the Retro Colors
Now that we’ve gone over some of the pros and cons of using 70s colors let’s look at some examples of brands that have successfully used this retro style.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson. has been around for over 100 years, so it definitely has a retro feel. Its designs use earthy tones, which helps capture that classic look.
Pepsi
Another great example is Pepsi. This soda company has been around for over 100 years and has a retro feel. Its use of color is very similar to Harley-Davidson’s, with a lot of earthy tones and muted shades.
Kraft
Kraft is another company that uses a retro color palette. This food company has been around for over 100 years, and its use of color definitely reflects that. Kraft uses a lot of muted shades, as well as some brighter colors like yellow and red.
Popular 70s Colors With Hexes
Below are some of the most popular colors from the 1970s, along with their Hex and RGB codes.
Color | Brown | Green | Orange | Yellow | Pink | Purple |
Hex | 964B00 | 00FF00 | FFA500 | FFFF00 | FF69B4 | 800080 |
RGB | 150, 75, 0 | 0, 255, 0 | 255, 165, 0 | 255, 255, 0 | 255, 105, 180 | 128, 0, 128 |
Are 70s Colors Coming Back Into Style?
While they never really went out of style, colors associated with the 70s definitely have a moment right now. Designers and professionals are incorporating these retro hues into their work, giving them a modern twist. You should feel confident incorporating these colors into your custom branding identity, as people find them very desirable once again.
70s Colors for Branding and Logo Design: Things to Consider
Once you’ve decided on the feel you’re going for, look at some popular color schemes from the 70s. See if they match the vibe you’re going for. You can start working with those colors in your design and create your own unique color palette. Choose colors that work well together and convey the message you want to send.
Once you have your color palette finalized, it’s time to start working on your design. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a template. This will give you a professional starting point, and you can always customize it to make it your own.
Are 70s Colors Good for Web Design?
Yes! In fact, 70s colors are perfect for web design, and they can help you create a retro-inspired website that’s both stylish and modern. Plus, with so many great color schemes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your brand perfectly.
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing colors for your website. First, consider the overall tone and feel you want your site to have. Then look at your brand identity and see if there are any specific colors you need to use. Once you have a good idea of direction, you can look at 70s color palettes for inspiration.
Once you’ve found a color palette you like, it’s time to start working on your design. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a template. This will give you a professional starting point, and you can always customize it to make it your own.
Are 70s Colors Good for Logo Design?
Several brands have been successful in using 70s-inspired colors for their logo design. If you want to create a retro-inspired logo, consider using one or more of the following colors:
- Brown
- Green
- Orange
- Yellow
- Pink
- Purple
These colors can help you create a unique and stylish logo that perfectly represents your brand. When choosing colors for your logo, you must consider the overall tone and feel you want it to have.
You’ll also want to look at your brand identity and see if there are any specific colors you need to use. Once you have a good idea of the direction you want to go in, you can start looking at 70s color palettes for inspiration.
70s Color Palettes for Graphic Design
When it comes to graphic design, there are endless possibilities. You can use any colors you want, as long as they work well together. That said, if you’re going for a 70s vibe, you’ll want to use popular colors during that time.
To help you out, we’ve put together a few color schemes that are perfect for graphic design. Feel free to use them as is or mix and match to create your own unique palette.
Warm and Inviting: | Cool and calming: | Fun and playful: |
Hex: #964B00 RGB: 150, 75, 0 | Hex: #00FF00 RGB: 0, 255, 0 | Hex: #FF69B4 RGB: 255, 105, 180 |
Hex: #FFA500 RGB: 255, 165, 0 | Hex: #008000 RGB: 0, 128, 0 | Hex: #800080 RGB: 128, 0, 128 |
Hex: #FFFF00 RGB: 255, 255, 0 | Hex: #0000FF RGB: 0, 0, 255 | Hex: #FF0000 RGB: 255, 0, 0 |
Which 70s Color Palette Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing a 70s color palette, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Consider the overall look and feel you’re trying to achieve, and then select a palette that best suits your needs. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
Let’s Recap
You shouldn’t shy away from using 70s-inspired colors in web and graphic design. These colors can help you create an exciting design that perfectly represents your brand. Just be sure to keep the overall tone and feel of your project in mind when selecting a color palette.
Now that you know about 70s colors, it’s time to start working on your next project. If you’re not sure where to start, consider looking at several 70s-inspired palettes to see if there’s something that you like.
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