What Two Colors Make Blue? A Color Mixing Guide for Artists

As a passionate gamer and content creator, color theory is an important tool in my artistic toolkit. So when asked the question "what two colors make blue", I have a clear-cut answer: blue is a primary color that cannot be mixed from other colors.

Primaries are the core pigments that all other colors stem from. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. When you mix primary colors together, you get secondary colors:

• Blue + Red = Purple
• Blue + Yellow = Green
• Red + Yellow = Orange

Tertiary colors take things a step further by mixing a primary and a secondary. For example, red (primary) and orange (secondary) make red-orange.

So where does this leave blue? On its own as a pure, unmixable primary color.

The Fundamentals: How Color Mixing Works

Before we dive deeper into blue, let‘s build some core color theory knowledge.

There are two main color models artists use:

• RGB: Used for digital media like video games and graphics
• CMYK: Used for print media

Here‘s a comparison:

As you can see, the RGB primaries contain blue as a base, while CMYK does not.

Mixing Colors in RGB (Light)

In RGB color mixing, blue light combined with red light makes magenta light. Here, blue is the foundation that other colors build on.

Digital artists alter RGB colors by adjusting levels of the primaries:

• More blue = cool colors
• More red = warm colors
• Equal RBG = shades of gray

Since monitor screens emit light, RGB colors are called additive. Starting from black, you add more red, blue, and green light to build vibrant hues.

Mixing Pigments in CMYK (Paint)

With CMYK subtractive color mixing, cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments absorb certain light wavelengths. More pigment = less light reflected back.

For example, cyan paint absorbs red light. Since cyan is the complement of red, combining them results in gray or black.

The CMY primaries can‘t accurately replicate some shades, so black filler is added as a fourth pigment. For deep blues, cyan pigment gets enhanced with extra blue.

Why Can‘t Other Colors Make Blue?

Given these two color models, blue maintains an integral, standalone role. Across RGB and CMYK, it forms the foundation for secondary mixes but isn‘t created from other primaries.

Some may ask: "Why don‘t green and yellow make blue?" Logically, combining the other two primaries should allow blue. But our eyes don‘t perceive color mixing that way.

Instead, green and yellow form…well, greenish-yellow. Without blue pigment or light involved, it‘s impossible to simulate that hue.

Same goes for red and yellow making orange, purple and yellow making brown, or any other combo: no blue in = no blue out.

As a DIY crafter, I‘ve experimented endlessly with color mixing. Trust me, if another formula for blue existed, the internet would know! So whenever people ask "what two colors make blue," simplicity reigns:

Blue is blue, brilliant on its own.

Real-World Uses for Color Theory

Understanding primary, secondary, and tertiary colors holds practical value for us gamer-creators. That knowledge directly impacts graphic design for:

• Video games
• Stream graphics
• Character concept art
• Marketing materials
• Apparel decoration
• Promotional content

Getting color combinations wrong can mean the difference between polished aesthetics or messy visuals.

Let‘s walk through examples across these mediums:

Complementary Colors in Gaming Graphic Design

Say I‘m building graphics for a sci-fi first-person shooter game. The setting has a chill, icy mood.

To really accentuate that cold climate, I‘ll opt for a blue color scheme. Blues naturally read as cool and soothing.

Now to make elements pop, I‘ll add splashes of orange – blue‘s complement on the color wheel. Blue and orange collide boldly for energetic contrast.

I‘ll apply this combo aesthetically through:

• An icy blue interface with orange radar blips
• Chilly outdoor landscapes with orange laser gunfire
• Azure health bars above enemies that get whittled down to orange as damage increases

Vibrant clashes between blue graphics and orange effects will reinforce my central icy motif. This principle applies equally to fantasy, retro, arcade, or other game genres.

Image credit: preto3.artstation.com

Streaming Brand Colors

For my personal streaming brand, say I have a lighthearted, fun vibe I want to capture. What better color for that than…blue! Specifically, different tints provide variety:

• Navy logo and banner
• Sky blue backdrop
• Baby blue lower thirds

Deeper blue shades inject professionalism while softer tones keep things upbeat. Any blue conveys openness and friendliness – perfect for engaging audiences.

To prevent an all-blue overload, I balance it with passionate red accents:

• Cherry red font
• Crimson alerts graphic
• Pink social media icons

This adds energetic warmth and draws the eye to calls-to-action. Blue‘s trusted stability plus red‘s fierce boldness BA-BAM – cheerful streamer brand identity!

Image credit: avenga.com

Whether crafting game visuals, developing streaming assets, or other creative outlets, artful color use creates superior aesthetics and harmonious compositions.

Knowing essential color theory helps level up amateur efforts. So remember: blue doesn‘t mix from other hues – borrow it straight from the pure primary source!

Closing Thoughts: Mixing Up Color Knowledge

Next time inspiration strikes for a new gaming or streaming project, equip yourself with color mixing intel. Utilize blue‘s adaptable nature or contrasting combinations for graphics that wow.

And if asked again "what two colors make blue," you can flash that genius smile, wink knowingly, and respond:

"Nice try! Blue is a classic primaryacross all artistic mediums."

What about you – what‘s your go-to color for gaming/streaming designs? Share your insights in the comments!