Colorplan Playbooks

GFSmith's Play 1, 2, 3 is an inspirational and educational piece designed to celebrate both the pleasure and practical use of colour contrasts within the Colorplan range. It is made to be explored, taken apart and enjoyed.

GFSmith's 50 Colorplan shades form a rich palette that can be played with in any number of ways. But should our chosen colour combinations be random, instinctive or informed?

MadeThought investigated the work of Bauhaus colour theorist, Johannes Itten, who identified Seven Methods of Contrast in Colour in which different colours can be juxtaposed to make compelling contrasts, or balanced to create harmony. He realised that when colours combine, the results can affect perceptions and emotions. It is this power of colour that is valuable in design. Colour combination is a tool that can be played with to enhance visual interest and aesthetic appeal, it can also be used to emphasise and create order.

Taking Itten's theories as a starting point, MadeThought devised an architectural, Escheresque three-part format that presents colour and shape in an arresting and interactive way. Play 1 features die-cut holes that reveal contrasts from successive page layers. Play 2 uses haphazardly cut angles to reveal slivers and shards of other colours beneath. Play 3 is the containing format that houses the other two, here the 'magic wallet' fold technique is used to unbalance preconceptions in a playful way.

In the spirit of GFSmith's new approach to promotional pieces, Play 1, 2, 3  communicates through quiet design, educates with explanatory words and engages with its ingenious formats and practical demonstrations.  

Play 1, 2, 3 was launched at GFSmith's Beauty in the Making event in April this year.