A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Unique Color Palette

Creating a new watercolor palette - Part 2

In my last post, I shared some fun tips on how to create a personal color palette. This week, I want to take you along on my step-by-step journey as I build my own color palette. I’ll be using watercolor as my example since it’s my favorite, but don’t worry! The thought process can apply to other art mediums as well. If watercolor is your favorite, too, I hope you have fun with this post!

The palette that I used to build my new palette.

STEP 1 - Getting the right tools

Building your own watercolor palette can be a fun project! To get started, you'll need to choose the right tools.

1. Empty Palette

There are so many lovely palettes out there, made from metal, plastic, or wood—and each has its own charm!

• Metal - Metal palettes are super durable, which is great! Just keep in mind that the hinges might get a bit rusty or stiff if you use it for a long time.

• Plastic - Plastic palettes are fantastic too! They're easy to clean and maintain. They're usually a bit thicker than metal ones, but their lightweight design makes them super convenient to carry around.

• Wood - If you want something that looks really cute, wooden palettes are the way to go! I’m trying a wooden palette for the first time, so I can’t say much about how long it will last, but I have to admit, they look absolutely stunning—especially on camera!

2. Pans

Most store-bought empty palettes come with pans included, which is super convenient! But if you find yourself needing extra pans or if you're looking for a different size, don’t worry, you can get those separately.

3. Paints

Tube paints & pan paints

Since we're making a new paint palette, we'll need some paint! You can use tube paints and squeeze the colors into the pans yourself, or you can go for individual pan paints - both options are great! If you don't have tube paints already, pan paints might be a more budget-friendly choice for you. Plus, you can test out the colors before committing to a whole tube!

🎨 If you're on the hunt for some great art supplies or want to see what I personally use, check out my Art Supplies Amazon link!

STEP 2 - Select and design your unique color scheme

This step is the most crucial part of the process. The colors you choose can greatly influence your artwork. A distinctive color palette can elevate your signature style and enhance your brand image. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when selecting and arranging your colors: