Permission to Clash: A Guide to Bold Maximalist Colors
By Sarah Liken
Color is one of the most powerful tools in an artist’s toolkit. Obviously. Can you imagine if all artists only used black and white—or clear? See-through art. Wild. Wait, is that an idea, actually? Okay, not the point. The point is colors.
For me, I like colors. Big fan. Colors that feel like they shouldn’t go together. Colors that pop. Colors that contradict. These mixtures grab attention, but they also tell a story, evoke emotion, and bring a sense of play to my work. If you’ve ever felt drawn to a maximalist color palette but didn’t know where to start, this guide is for you.
Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash
Why Bold Colors Matter
Bold colors are the exclamation points of the visual world—they slap ya and shout, “Look at me!” but in a wake-you-up kind of way. Like an old friend yelling your name across a bar: surprising, warm, and energizing. They grab your attention, yes, but they also have this incredible ability to set a mood and create an energy that says, we’re here to have a good time. Whether you’re creating art or sprucing up your space, bold color choices can turn the ordinary into something more interesting. Period.
Think about it: colors influence us in ways we don’t always notice. Reds can make you feel passion (or hunger—literally, fast-food logos), blues can calm you down, and yellows can feel like sunshine. Using strong colors doesn’t just look good—it speaks, sets a tone, and makes people feel something. And feeling is the best (and worst) part of being HUMAN, baby.
Tips for Choosing Colors
If diving into bold colors feels overwhelming, here’s my secret: embrace the clash. The magic happens when you put colors together that feel a little rebellious, a little unexpected. Is it kinda ugly? Perfect.
Photo by Kostiantyn Vierkieiev on Unsplash
Find Your Inspiration
Look to the world around you for color combos that stand out—nature is full of them. Think the obvious, like sunsets and wildflowers (God really went off with those). Or the unobvious, like an overflowing dumpster or a crowd of people. Snap photos of colors that make you go “whoa,” and keep them handy for reference.
Photo by the blowup on Unsplash
Start with a Pop
Not ready to go full-blown maximalist palette? That’s cool. That’s fine. I won’t judge you. I won’t. I’m not. Stop. Seriously, you’re doing great, sweetie. Just start with one bold color as a focal point and pair it with neutrals or softer tones. Dip the toesies. Don’t dive in and bonk your head.
Embrace the Clash
Forget what you learned about the color wheel for a second. Do you even remember your color wheel? Pop quiz: how do you make purple? Doesn’t matter. No one is the boss of colors. Who says pink and orange can’t hang out? Or that teal and mustard shouldn’t sit next to each other? Some of the most striking palettes come from putting “wrong” colors together and letting them exist in opposition.
Test Before You Commit
Paint swatches, digital mock-ups, or even paper cutouts can help you visualize how bold colors will interact in your work or space. Trust your instincts—if it feels fun, go for it.
Here is an example of me playing with colors.
Artwork by me :)