Simultaneous Contrast

Simultaneous Contrast is only ONE of the many tools designers use to communicate an idea or solution visually. This method of juxtaposing two complementary colors on the color wheel together at the same time brightens both when placed next to or on top of each other…..see image here.


Why does this happen? It’s quite simple. When we see a color and look away, our brain automatically creates an afterimage of the colors complement in your field of vision. So if you stare at a red dot for 30 seconds and look away, your brain will project a green dot, still with me? Because we already have these natural afterimages, when you already place both complements together, their afterimages are strengthened and brightened, causing a SIMULTANEOUS CONTRAST.

I love using this effect not only in my designs, but also for my makeup designs. Here is a picture of my eyes using shades of bright electric on the lower waterline, and a hot red-orange on the lower lash line. By placing these right next to each other and achieving the right intensity of shade, they both enhance the others shade, adding some extra oomph to my eye color.