3 Simple Steps to Create a Minimalist Color Palette

Let’s talk about color—one of the most powerful tools in minimalist illustration. A well-thought-out color palette enhances your composition, strengthens your artistic style, and makes your work instantly recognizable. But with so many colors to choose from, where do you even begin?

If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking color choices, you’re not alone. The key to a strong minimalist palette isn’t about using more colors—it’s about choosing the right ones.

In this post, I’ll share the simple 3-step approach I use when creating a minimalist color palette. But remember, this is just the starting point! If you want to delve deeper into color theory and learn how to master minimalist illustration, I cover all of this in my Skillshare class (linked below!).

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Pick Your Base Color

Every illustration needs a foundation, and that starts with your base color.

Your base color is usually the background of your illustration or the dominant hue that sets the mood. There are two ways to pick a great base color:

🎨 Choose a color that represents you as an artist – Think about what best reflects your creative identity. Research color psychology for inspiration and find a shade that truly resonates with your artistic vision.

🌿 Choose a color that connects to your theme – If your artwork is inspired by nature, greens or earthy tones might be the perfect fit. If it’s about the ocean, shades of blue could be ideal.

💡 Pro Tip: A great way to test your base color is to fill your canvas with it before you start adding other elements. Does it feel right? If yes, you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Select a Neutral Color for Contrast

Your neutral color is just as important as your base color—it creates balance and harmony in your illustration.

A neutral color can be:

✔ A darker shade of your base color (created by adding black)

✔ A complementary opposite color (use Procreate’s Harmony tool to find one!)

✔ A classic neutral like deep blue, beige, gray, or black

I personally love using deep indigo blue for my linework—it contrasts beautifully with my dusty pink base while still feeling soft and cohesive.

💡 Pro Tip: If your neutral color competes too much with your base, try lowering the saturation or adjusting the brightness until it blends seamlessly.

Step 3: Add an Accent Color (or Two!)

Now comes the fun part—choosing your accent color. This is what gives your illustration energy, contrast, and personality.

Your accent color should:

✨ Stand out from your base and neutral colors

✨ Bring a pop of vibrancy to your design

✨ Be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the composition

For example, if my base is dusty pink and my neutral is indigo, I might pick an electric coral or vibrant mustard yellow as my accent. These small, intentional splashes of color make the illustration more dynamic without cluttering it.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to pick an accent color, use Procreate’s Harmony tool and experiment with different complementary and triadic color combinations!

Bonus Tip: Keep It Simple!

When working with a minimalist palette, less is more. If you feel like you need additional colors, try using tints or shades of your existing colors instead of introducing entirely new ones.

Here’s how:

✔ Create a tint by adding white to a color

✔ Create a shade by adding black to a color

✔ Adjust saturation and brightness to fine-tune your palette

This keeps your illustration looking cohesive and polished without losing the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Want to Learn More?

If this post got you excited about color palettes, I dive even deeper into creating successful minimalist artwork in my Skillshare class!

🎨 Join my class here → Minimalist Illustration Secrets: Creating Successful Minimalist Art in Procreate

I’ll walk you through step-by-step tutorials, Procreate tricks, and more strategies to help you develop your own signature minimalist color palette.

Let’s Connect!

I love seeing how other artists play with minimalist colors! If this post inspired you, tag me in your artwork:

📌 Follow me on Pinterest → @sanstaub for inspiration boards & resources!

📷 Join me on Instagram → @sandra.staub for behind-the-scenes creative content!

Can’t wait to see what you create! 💛