Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
Catalina Blue, with the hex code #103880, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes a sense of calm and sophistication. It falls under the broader category of dark blues, often associated with trustworthiness, stability, and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.27% red, 21.96% green, and 50.2% blue. This combination creates a rich, almost navy-like hue that is both elegant and versatile. The color is named after Catalina Island, a popular destination known for its clear blue waters and tranquil atmosphere. In color psychology, dark blues are often linked to feelings of serenity, security, and authority, making them a popular choice for corporate branding and professional settings. Its hex code, #103880, allows for precise color matching in digital design, ensuring consistent and accurate representation across various platforms.
Catalina Blue, represented by the hex code #103880, presents some accessibility challenges. With its deep, saturated hue, it offers limited contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring text and interactive elements are easily discernible. When using Catalina Blue for text, a very light color such as white or a pale yellow should be used as the background to meet accessibility standards. When used as a background color, the text should be a contrasting color like white or a light shade of yellow. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without proper text labels or other visual cues, as color alone should not convey important information. Consider providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with different visual needs and preferences, ensuring inclusive design practices are followed.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter, more accessible blue that still provides a sense of depth but is easier to read against white backgrounds.
- #6495ed
A softer, muted blue which offers better contrast and is suitable for text and user interface elements.
- #007bff
A vibrant and attention-grabbing color, ideal for highlighting important information or call-to-action buttons in user interfaces, due to its higher contrast ratio against light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Catalina Blue (#103880) can be used to create a sophisticated and calming aesthetic. Its deep hue works well for backgrounds, headers, and accents, particularly for websites in the finance, technology, or corporate sectors. However, designers must be mindful of accessibility when pairing it with text, ensuring sufficient contrast for readability. It can evoke feelings of trust and reliability, making it suitable for branding elements. Additionally, it's a great fit for interactive elements like buttons or hover states, especially when combined with lighter shades or complementary colors to create visual interest. Its use in website design should be deliberate, balancing visual appeal with user experience considerations.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, Catalina Blue can serve as a bold accent color or a dominant wall color in spaces aiming for a modern or nautical theme. It pairs beautifully with natural wood tones, crisp whites, and metallic accents. For fashion, Catalina Blue can be incorporated into evening wear or outerwear, adding a touch of sophistication and depth. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual and formal settings, lending an air of elegance and depth to any outfit. Additionally, it works well for statement pieces like handbags or scarves, providing a pop of color that complements neutral tones.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, Catalina Blue is a versatile color for creating logos, branding materials, and marketing collateral. Its deep hue can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication, making it suitable for businesses in various industries. The color can be used as a background, accent, or primary color, depending on the desired effect. The use of #103880 in graphic design projects should be strategic, considering the target audience and the message the design aims to convey. Furthermore, it can be used to create visually appealing infographics and data visualizations, lending a sense of authority and reliability to the presented information.