International Klein Blue

General Information about International Klein Blue

International Klein Blue, often abbreviated as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. IKB's visual impact comes from its heavy reliance on ultramarine, as well as Klein's matte, synthetic resin binder, which suspends the color pigment and allows the pigment to maintain as much of its original qualities as possible. The color is a specific shade of blue achieved by mixing ultramarine pigment with a special binder. Yves Klein registered this mixture as a trademark under the name International Klein Blue (IKB) in 1957. It is renowned for its purity and intensity, making it visually striking and memorable. The pigment ultramarine is derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli and thus is not a color humans can create on their own. This color is commonly used in artworks.

The color #0526AF, also known as International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text or interactive elements, it necessitates a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Due to its dark nature, #0526AF may fail to provide sufficient contrast with many common background colors. Designers should carefully evaluate the color combinations and consider using a color contrast checker to ensure compliance. Alternatives such as lighter shades of blue or employing a different color scheme altogether may be necessary to enhance readability and usability for individuals with visual impairments. It's also important to consider users with color blindness, who may not be able to distinguish this color effectively against certain backgrounds. Providing alternative cues, such as text labels or icons, can improve accessibility for these users.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Branding and Marketing

  International Klein Blue is often used in branding and marketing to convey a sense of trust, reliability, and sophistication. Its intense and captivating nature makes it suitable for logos, website headers, and call-to-action buttons. When employed strategically, it can draw the viewer's attention and leave a lasting impression. In web design, the color is best used sparingly as an accent color to avoid overwhelming the user. It can also be effective in data visualization to highlight important trends or insights. In print, this color offers exceptional vibrancy, making it suitable for high-impact designs. This can also be suitable for use in interior design, such as in art pieces.

• Fashion and Beauty

  In the realm of fashion, this deep blue shade exudes confidence and sophistication, making it a popular choice for evening wear, statement pieces, and accessories. It can be used as a complementary color or the main focus of an outfit. When paired with neutral tones, it creates a striking contrast that draws attention to the design. In the world of beauty, this blue is often featured in eye makeup and nail polish to create a bold and dramatic look. From vibrant eyeshadows to striking nail art, this color adds a touch of intrigue and style to any look, making it stand out from the crowd.

• Web and App Development

  International Klein Blue is a good choice for website development as it can convey a sense of trust and security. It is important to ensure sufficient contrast with background colors. The color can also be used in mobile app user interfaces. The color may be used in accent elements, such as buttons and progress bars. In summary, the color can be used in several different environments, so long as there is sufficient accessibility.

Complementary color

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