International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue (IKB), also known as #001BB4, is a deep ultramarine blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. Klein sought to create a color that embodied his concept of pure space and boundless energy. He patented the color in 1957, ensuring its unique status in the art world. IKB achieves its remarkable vibrancy through the use of a synthetic ultramarine pigment suspended in a clear, matte synthetic resin. This combination allows the pigment to retain its luminosity and intensity, setting it apart from traditional blue paints. The color is often associated with depth, transcendence, and the infinite. In the RGB color model, #001BB4 consists of 0% red, 10.6% green, and 70.6% blue. Its distinctive quality and historical significance make it a striking and memorable color in various creative applications.
The hex color #001BB4, also known as International Klein Blue (IKB), presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against typical light backgrounds, such as white. This low contrast can make text and other elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. For standard text (size 14 regular or 12 bold), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended. For large text (size 18 regular or 14 bold), a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 is advised. Given the darkness of #001BB4, achieving these ratios requires using very light text colors, and even then, careful consideration is needed. It is crucial to test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance and provide an inclusive experience for all users. Furthermore, providing alternative styling options for users to customize their viewing experience can greatly enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accents
International Klein Blue can be used to create strong focal points in web design, but should be used sparingly. Consider using it for headings, buttons, or accents on a predominantly light webpage to draw the user's attention. Due to its boldness, it pairs well with neutral colors like white, light grey, and beige to avoid overwhelming the user. Be mindful of accessibility, and ensure sufficient contrast with text and background elements. If using IKB for text, pair it with a very light color such as white or a very light yellow to ensure readability. Consider providing alternative themes to give users more control.
Art and Fashion
IKB is well-known for its use in Yves Klein's monochrome paintings, where the artist sought to create a sense of pure color. Its unique ultramarine pigment enables artwork to be both impactful and deeply contemplative. For digital art, IKB may also be applied in a monochrome context, or to make color gradients and other visual displays. Similarly, it may be used in fashion design to add an unusual and visually striking aesthetic to clothing. Its versatility makes it a highly valuable element in both fashion and art.
Brand Identity
In branding, IKB can be used to convey a sense of innovation, intelligence, and sophistication. It's a color that stands out and can make a brand appear modern and forward-thinking. Due to the strong color, companies can use this for logos and brand names. However, it's crucial to ensure the brand guidelines take into account readability when printing logos on darker backgrounds. For example, using reverse colors to increase the visibility for the audience.