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When it comes to creating a custom chapter, how to make a Space Marine color scheme that is unique and distinct is important. A well-designed color scheme not only makes your chapter stand out on the tabletop, but it also helps to convey their identity and history. In this blog post, we will explore the steps involved in creating a custom color scheme for your Space Marine chapter.

Researching Color Theory

I know, if you’re anything like me, that this is going to be the section that you just skip over. Color theory is hard, isn’t it? It’s something for art majors, not workaday miniature painters, right? Actually, it’s super simple, and we’re going to explain with some easy-to-follow examples.

Color theory is a crucial aspect of any design, and it’s especially important when it comes to creating a custom Space Marine chapter. A well-designed color scheme not only looks great on the tabletop but also helps to convey your chapter’s identity, themes, and history. So, before you start picking colors for your chapter, it’s essential to understand some basics of color theory.

The Basics of the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a fundamental tool for understanding how different colors relate to each other. There are three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors. When you mix two primary colors, you get a secondary color: green (blue and yellow), purple (blue and red), and orange (red and yellow). Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and a secondary color, such as blue-green or red-purple.

Complementary, Analogous, and Triad Colors

When choosing colors for your Space Marine chapter, it’s essential to keep in mind how different colors complement each other. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red and green, blue and orange), and using them together can create a striking contrast. Analogous colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and purple, red and orange), and using them together can create a harmonious, cohesive effect. Triad colors are three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as the combination of red, blue, and yellow.

In the example shown here, my custom Space Marine chapter, The Inferno, a successor to the Salamanders, uses a reddish orange for the bulk of their armor, and then brilliant blue heads. This is using complementary colors, because orange and blue are opposite each other on the color wheel. 

Using Color Theory and How to Make a Space Marine Color Scheme

When you paint Space Marines, you can use color theory to create a color scheme that fits with your chapter’s themes, tactics, and history. For example, if your chapter specializes in stealth and infiltration, you might choose a green base color, as green is often associated with nature and adaptability. You could then add a secondary color like black or dark gray to create a contrast and reinforce your chapter’s stealthy themes.

Another way to use color theory is to convey different emotions or moods with your color scheme. For example, red is often associated with aggression and strength, while blue is associated with loyalty and honor. If your chapter is focused on combat and conquest, you might choose a red base color to convey their aggressive nature. If your chapter values duty, loyalty, and honor above all else, you might choose a blue base color to reflect these traits.

In summary, color theory is a vital aspect of designing a custom color scheme for your Space Marine chapter. Understanding the color wheel, complementary and analogous colors, and the emotional associations of different colors can help you create a color scheme that fits with your chapter’s themes, tactics, and history.

Space Marine Color Scheme Generators

There are several very good color scheme generators available if you’re wondering how to make a Space Marine color scheme. One of my favorites is Coolors.co, where you can either get random color schemes, refining by color as you find things you like, or you can look at trending color schemes, and find pre-made and well-liked color schemes. Another, even better one, using everything we’ve talked about with the color wheel, is Adobe’s Color Wheel Generator. From there you can pick a color you like, select analogous or complementary or triad, or a dozen other settings, and get a custom scheme.

How to Make a Space Marine Color Scheme: Choosing a Base Color

The base color is the primary color that will define your chapter’s identity and theme. There are many different base colors to choose from, each with its own meaning and associations. Some popular base colors for Space Marine chapters include:

Blue: Blue is often associated with loyalty, duty, and honor. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that prioritize defense, protection, and upholding the law. Examples include the Ultramarines and the Crimson Fists.

Red: Red is often associated with aggression, strength, and courage. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that prioritize offense, conquest, and glory in battle. Examples include the Blood Angels and the World Eaters.

Green: Green is often associated with nature, stealth, and adaptability. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that specialize in guerrilla warfare, infiltration, and ambush tactics. Examples include the Raven Guard and the Salamanders.

Black: Black is often associated with mystery, death, and mourning. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that have a darker, more ominous theme, such as those that specialize in assassination, sabotage, or dealing with the supernatural. Examples include the Night Lords and the Black Templars.

When choosing a base color for your chapter, it’s important to consider not only what fits with their tactics and beliefs, but also what stands out on the tabletop. Avoid using colors that are too similar to other established chapters (e.g., don’t make a blue and white chapter if you’re already playing Ultramarines), as this can lead to confusion and detract from your chapter’s uniqueness.

How to Make a Space Marine Color Scheme: Adding Secondary Colors

Once you have chosen your base color, it’s time to consider adding secondary colors to complement and enhance the color scheme. Secondary colors can be used for trim, details, or other elements of the chapter’s armor. Some popular secondary colors for Space Marine chapters include:

Gold: Gold is often associated with wealth, power, and honor. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that prioritize nobility, chivalry, and glory. Examples include the Ultramarines and the Celestial Lions.

Silver: Silver is often associated with purity, technology, and sophistication. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that specialize in defense, fortifications, and advanced weaponry. Examples include the Iron Hands and the Silver Skulls.

White: White is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and order. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that prioritize discipline, cleanliness, and precision. Examples include the White Scars and the Apothecaries.

Yellow: Yellow is often associated with caution, honor, and determination. It’s a popular choice for Space Marine chapters that prioritize defense, vigilance, and honor. Examples include the Imperial Fists and the Lamenters.

When choosing secondary colors, it’s important to consider how they will complement and contrast with the base color. Avoid using too many secondary colors that may clutter the color scheme or detract from the overall effect. Instead, focus on using one or two secondary colors that enhance the chapter’s identity and theme.

How to Make a Space Marine Color Scheme: Incorporating Details

Once you have chosen your base and secondary colors, it’s time to consider incorporating details into the color scheme. Details can include insignia, markings, patterns, or other elements that help to reinforce the chapter’s identity and history. Some popular details for Space Marine chapters include:

Chapter symbol: Every Space Marine chapter has a unique symbol that represents their identity and history. Incorporating this symbol into the color scheme can help to reinforce the chapter’s identity and make them instantly recognizable on the tabletop.

Heraldry: Many Space Marine chapters have a rich history of heraldry, including family crests, battle honors, and other symbols of honor and glory. Incorporating these symbols into the color scheme can help to convey the chapter’s history and legacy.

Iconography: Some Space Marine chapters have a distinct iconography that represents their beliefs, tactics, or role in the Imperium. Incorporating these icons into the color scheme can help to convey the chapter’s identity and purpose.

When incorporating details into the color scheme, it’s important to consider how they will fit with the overall design. Avoid using details that clash with the base and secondary colors, or that detract from the chapter’s overall identity. Instead, focus on using details that enhance the chapter’s history and legacy, and that help to make them stand out on the tabletop.

Testing the Space Marine Color Scheme

Once you have developed a color scheme for your Space Marine chapter, it’s important to test it before committing to it. There are several ways to test a color scheme, including painting miniatures, using online tools, or creating mockups in a paint program. Testing allows you to see how the colors look together in different lighting conditions, and how they will look on the tabletop.

If you find that the color scheme needs adjustment, don’t be afraid to make changes. Adjusting the base or secondary colors, or tweaking the details, can make a big difference in the overall effect. Once you are satisfied with the color scheme, it’s time to start painting your miniatures and bringing your Space Marine chapter to life on the tabletop.

Conclusion

Creating a custom Space Marine chapter can be a fun and rewarding experience, and designing a color scheme is a key aspect of this process. By researching color theory, choosing a base color, adding secondary colors, incorporating details, and testing the color scheme, you can create a chapter that is distinct, memorable, and true to their identity and history. So, pick up your paintbrushes and start creating your own custom Space Marine chapter today!