If you are a creative person or a student of any kind in the visual or cinematic arts, you have probably already heard of the most well-known universal color systems in current color theory. Color spaces, or more commonly known as color models, are tools for classifying and reproducing color ranges that are governed by the level of light that falls on the primary color tones that make up each system, each of which has different primary colors.
Color spaces have evolved over the years. They have not always been the ones detailed in this section. Some have become obsolete over time, but their evolution has gone hand in hand with advances in physics and also in technology.
We talk about RGB and CMYK systems, two color models that are understood by the way they work with light and the ways in which they materialize.
RGB model
The RGB model works by the additive system of light. That is, by superimposing its three primary colors, the result is white. Its primary colors are red, green and blue ('red', 'green' and 'blue' make up the acronyms). Its operation is based on the emission of light, which is why this system is used in PC screens, monitors, LED lights, televisions, mobile phone screens, etc. They are always lighter and more vibrant colors.
CMYK model
The CMYK model works by the subtractive light system. That is, by superimposing its three primary colors, the result is “black” (it is represented this way, but if you have ever tried to do the test with paints at home, you will have been able to verify that the result is never completely black). Cyan, magenta and yellow + black make up the primary colors by which it is governed (“cyan”, “magenta” and “yellow” correspond to its acronyms). Its operation is based on the opposite system to the RGB model, since by subtracting light it is used in mechanisms that add layers of ink to create other colors. It is found in printing systems and ink production, and due to its subtractive nature it always results in more opaque and sober colors than the RGB system.
You may find other systems, such as RYB. Although these are models that have been part of learning color theory for centuries, they are not currently used as color models in education, so you can learn about them in the following article.
