A purple palette runs through almost everything I make. It’s in the name, Purple Parlo, and it’s in the work: deep violets, soft lilacs, bright electric purples. A single colour family can do a lot for an artist. It makes work recognisable at a glance, ties together very different projects, and carries meaning of its own.
What purple suggests
Colour meanings vary by culture, but purple is often linked with imagination, mystery, creativity and transformation. Historically, purple dye was rare and expensive, which is why it became associated with royalty. You can read about its long history on Wikipedia’s purple article. Today it often signals something a little unusual, which fits the outsider view behind my work.
Why one colour helps
- Recognition: people can spot your work in a feed before reading your name.
- Cohesion: a children’s book page and a therapy illustration feel like one body of work.
- Fewer decisions: a limited palette speeds up work and keeps it consistent.
- Mood: purple can feel calm, dreamy or intense depending on the shade.
This is part of what I call consistency of theme: one clear thread across varied subjects.
Working with a single colour family
A purple palette isn’t one purple. It’s a range of values and temperatures:
- Dark violets for shadows and heavy feelings
- Mid purples for main shapes
- Pale lilacs for space, light and calm
- One accent, like blue or white, for contrast and focus
Strong value contrast, light against dark, keeps the images readable even with a narrow colour range.
Purple and emotional subjects
Much of my work deals with difficult feelings: anxiety, trauma, dissociation. Purple helps here. It’s less alarming than red, less cold than grey, and less cheerful than yellow. It can hold heavy themes gently. For examples, see Trauma Illustration and The Alien Dictionary.
Purple in print and on screen
Purple is tricky to print. Bright screen purples often come out dull in CMYK printing. I check key colours with printed swatches and adjust files for each print method. For accessibility, I also check contrast between text and purple backgrounds using tools based on the WCAG contrast guidelines.
Choosing your own signature colour
- Look at your favourite pieces. Which colour keeps appearing?
- Test a limited palette on a few new works.
- Check it works for your main subjects and audiences.
- Use it on your website, shop and social media too.
Frequently asked questions
Doesn’t one colour get boring?
Not if you vary shade, contrast and accents. Limits often make work more inventive.
Can clients ask for other colours?
Yes. Brand colours come first in client work, but the style and approach stay recognisable.
See the palette across my portfolio, or contact me.
Wish You a Purple Day!