Beat the Monday blues with the Monday Hues! Today's color inspiration comes from a set of marble magnets I made using Marvel hero images - just in time for father's day next Sunday! The color library also includes a secret coordinating color which you can see when you download the free ASE file for this post. 

If you aren't familiar with ASE color files, you can learn about them in this post and tutorial.

Adobe Swatch Exchange (ASE) files are a convenient way to save and share color swatches (also referred to as color libraries, or color palettes) that can be easily loaded into Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop swatch palettes. This makes it very easy to access specific colors when switching back and forth between any of the three software applications. 

Video tutorial for loading ASE color files into Illustrator
In the second half of the video you can see me using the freshly loaded swatches to change the color of my puppy illustration. 

When and how can I use ASE color files?
ASE color files can be created for technical use or simply for reference/inspiration, such as:

• Branding - send out the ASE files along with your company logo to ensure that only those select colors are used on all print/web projects related to your business. 
  
• Party Inspiration - use them as reference for mood boards and party decor
  
• Fashion - use them as a reference guide to mix and match pieces of your wardrobe
  
• Surface Pattern Design - experiment with different color palettes when creating patterns
• Graphic Design - avoid busy and distracting layouts by adhering to a few preselected colors
• Custom Stationery - create consistency with all your stationery pieces, from invitations to menus, place cards, programs, signage, etc. 

Below are the before and after shots of the puppy illustration. On the left is the original image, and to the right you see the new version featuring colors from my new "Pepper Berries on Gravel" color palette, available as a free ASE file download in my Monday Hues library.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If so, please share. 
~ Dio Perez, Design & Illustration

Beat the Monday blues with the Monday Hues! Today's color inspiration comes from a mural on the side of a building in Desert Hot Springs, California. The mural happens to be on the side of the building where my daughter practices Tae Kwon Do, so I get to enjoy this view twice a week. I must admit, it wasn't love at first sight, but the more I looked at it, the more I learned to appreciate everything about it. I mean, here we are in the middle of the desert, and one day I pull into the parking lot and see orcas. I was like "Huh? Well that seems out of place." I dropped off my child and walked out to the side of the building to take a closer look. The more details I observed, the more fascinated I became by this wonderful piece of art and the way the desert sand creates the illusion of an ocean floor, which actually gives the mural a sense of belonging. And just like that, after a few minutes I went from "huh?" to "WOW!"

Above is a full view of the side of the building. Wouldn't you agree that this is much nicer to look at than a beige wall? And this my friends, is why I created the Monday Hues series, where I post pictures of things I encounter in my daily life as a reminder that inspiration is everywhere. We just have to stop for a moment and pay attention to the details. 

Happy Monday! 
~ Dio

Once we made our way to shore, we setup our little picnic area and the kids began to play in the sand. As most kids, my daughter is fascinated by sea shells. She spent hours playing in the water, bringing handfuls of her findings for me to see.

Luckily, there were plenty of adults in our group so I was able to take a little nap. There's nothing like laying at the the beach with your eyes closed, enjoying the breeze, breathing the fresh air, allowing the sounds of the waves to transport you into a total state of relaxation. 

But, it's back to reality now. Let's get working, gotta get that pay check so that we're able to enjoy a few more getaways this summer. Happy Monday y'all! 

Xoxo, 
Dio

I took this picture last month at the La Quinta Civic Center Park where I attended a wedding. It was our first time there, so after the ceremony we went for a little walk in the park and my daughter spotted these vibrant colored fish in the pond. We saw ducks as well, flowers and a few people walking their dogs. Color inspiration was abounding, from the navy blue bridesmaid dresses and hot pink bouquets, to the different colors in our surroundings provided by nature. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and here's but a glimpse of it. 
Next time you're in need of color inspiration for a project or event, step outside and take a look at the what nature has to offer. If you can't, check back here on my blog. Every Monday I post a new image from my everyday life and draw color inspiration from it with the purpose of creating an archive of endless color combinations that we may access for future design needs. 

Today's color inspiration comes from the McCallum Theatre stage, during the Open Call talent competition dress rehearsal. As always, the lighting was absolutely phenomenal! There were so many acts I enjoyed, but The Yip Yops were one of my favorites. They totally livened up the room with their energy.

Today's color inspiration comes from a handmade gift enclosure I created a couple of years ago. I am big on recycling, especially when it comes to beautiful paper. I have boxes filled with scraps from back when I had my custom invitation studio. I saved every bit of usable stock and up to this day I continue to give them new life as I pair them up with other complimentary paper bits and embellishments to create tiny little treasures in the form of gift tags and gift enclosures.

~ Dio

Beat the Monday blues with the Monday Hues! Today's color inspiration is courtesy of my afternoon snack...a handful of trail mix - YUM!

If these colors inspire you, click the button below to access the Monday Hues color library and download your favorite color swatches to use on future projects.