How To Make Yellow

In subtractive color systems, which are used for painting and printing, yellow is considered a primary color. In the RGB model of color, however, yellow is a secondary color.

White Scribbled Underline
White Scribbled Underline

Positive Associations

Yellow is commonly associated with pleasure, warmth,  and optimism.

White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner

Negative Associations

Somewhat ironically,  an excess of yellow  can also create  feelings of distress.

If you want to create yellow, you will have to mix two additive primaries. But what two colors make yellow?

White Scribbled Underline
White Scribbled Underline

When you mix red and green in equal parts,  the colors balance one another out and draw out the aspects that create yellow.

White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner

You can create warm and cool yellows, dark and light yellows, or  dull and vivid yellows just by mixing it with other colors.

For a cooler shade of yellow, mix yellow and blue.

White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner

For a warmer shade of yellow, mix yellow and red.

Mix yellow with white, grey or green to get a lighter shade of yellow.

White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner

Mix yellow with darker colors like black, brown or purple to get a muted yellow shade.