Color palettes for storytelling, characters & illustration
A collection of bold & playful palettes
Color is where my ideas usually begin. Before a character has a name or a story, it already has a palette. This collection brings together bold, playful, and slightly weird color palettes created as part of my illustration and character design process.
Each palette on this page is designed to feel like a tiny visual world. Some are inspired by illustrated characters, others by fake ads, surreal scenes, retro packaging, or personal sketchbook experiments. Rather than generic swatches, these palettes are built to support visual storytelling, mood, and personality.
A curated color resource for illustrators and designers
These palettes are created for:
-
Illustrators and character designers
-
Graphic designers and art directors
-
Animators and motion designers
-
Creatives who enjoy expressive, narrative-driven color
Whether you’re working on character design, branding, editorial illustration, packaging, or personal projects, these color combinations are meant to spark ideas and help you move past the blank canvas stage.
From illustration to palette
Most palettes start as an illustration. I design characters, scenes, or objects first, then extract and refine the colors into a usable palette. Because of that, each set already works in real-world compositions, not just theory.
You’ll find:
-
High-contrast palettes for bold characters
-
Softer combinations for playful storytelling
-
Retro-inspired color schemes
-
Creepy-cute and quirky color moods
-
Unexpected color pairings that still feel balanced
This approach makes the palettes especially useful for character art, comics, zines, posters, and playful brand visuals.
Downloadable palettes & creative inspiration
Each palette can be explored individually, and many include downloadable PDFs for easy reference while working. You’re welcome to save them, share them, collaborate with them, or simply browse for inspiration.
Think of this page as a living color library, one that grows alongside my illustration work, tutorials, and experiments.
Color as part of my creative process
These palettes are closely connected to my wider practice as an illustrator, character designer, and paper artist. They often link back to:
-
Illustration tutorials
-
Character design projects
-
Handmade 3D paper art
-
Motion flipbooks and animation studies
If you enjoy bold visuals, playful storytelling, and color with personality, you’ll feel right at home here.
A playful, retro-inspired color palette built around sun-bleached tones, and surf culture energy.
A bold retro color palette inspired by 1980s pop culture, neon highlights, and dreamy gradients.
A vibrant, summery color palette inspired by street life, signage, and playful characters.
