Seeing the Bigger Picture: Designing Canvas Prints for All Visual Perceptions

Did you know that millions of people worldwide see colors differently—and no, we’re not talking about the infamous "blue and black or white and gold dress" debate? For individuals with colorblindness, color-focused art and décor, like canvas prints and wall art, can become tricky to interpret. But guess what? That doesn't mean they should be left out of the beauty and magic of visual art.

If you love canvas wall art or create designs yourself, this article will spark an essential conversation. We’ll peel back the layers to discuss how colorblindness shapes visual perception, why inclusive design matters, and how you can make canvas prints accessible and appealing to everyone?

What is Colorblindness, Anyway?

Colorblindness—or, more accurately, color vision deficiency (CVD)—is a condition where individuals perceive colors differently due to issues with the cones in their eyes. Fun fact (or not so fun if you ask someone with CVD): it’s not all one-size-fits-all. There are different types of colorblindness:

  • Protanopia (red blindness): Difficulty distinguishing red from similar shades like orange or brown.
  • Deuteranopia (green blindness): Confusing greens with reds and other colors.
  • Tritanopia (blue-yellow blindness): Trouble differentiating blues, yellows, and greys.
  • Achromatopsia (total colorblindness): Seeing the world in black, white, and shades of gray. Think of it as the ultimate Instagram filter (but, realistically, not as fun).

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Globally, one in 12 men and one in 200 women are affected by some form of colorblindness. That’s—wait for it—roughly 300 million people who navigate the colorful world in muted tones.

Now imagine designing a canvas print filled with rich reds and greens, but to someone with protanopia, it looks like two bland shades blending together. The struggle is real, folks.

Common Challenges

For those with CVD:

  • Red and green traffic lights? That’s a guessing game.
  • Pie charts or bar graphs relying only on color? Please, no.
  • Art with subtle color layers blending into one another? Say goodbye to detail. 

This is why designers have to stop thinking “color is king”—because, for some, it’s not.

Why Inclusive Design is a Work of Art 

Visual art and design are more than pretty pictures on walls. They’re expressions of culture, identities, and emotions. Plainly put, art communicates, and if your design is only speaking to people with "normal" vision, you're excluding a massive group of people. That's uncool—and also avoidable.

When Inclusivity Is Ignored

There are slipups in the design world that unintentionally exclude individuals:

  • Infographics that rely on a red/green spectrum (nope, bad idea). 
  • Wall art with camouflaged details in similar tones. 
  • Prints with text that blends into the background—it’s like trying to read a ghost. 

The result? Gorgeous art that some people literally cannot see properly.

Why It Matters

When you make inclusive design choices:

  • You’re essentially opening your art to everyone. The more people who can experience and appreciate it, the better! 
  • It reflects care, thoughtfulness, and accessibility. You’re saying, “Hey, I thought of you,” without actually saying it. 

Design Principles for Inclusive Canvas Prints 

Here’s where you level up your canvas prints and wall art game. Curious how to make your designs more inclusive while still looking fabulous? Here’s the tea:

1. Choose a Colorblind-Friendly Palette 

Colors like red and green can be tricky. Instead, try these steps:

  • Stick to contrasting colors like blue and orange that work across most spectrums. 
  • Use shades of gray or neutral tones to supplement color differentiation. 

Tools like ColorBrewer and Coblis (Color Blind Simulator) can help test how your design looks for different types of colorblindness.

2. Leverage Shapes and Patterns 

Don’t rely solely on color—use shapes, lines, or textures to create contrast. For example:

  • Add polka dots, stripes, or hatching patterns for extra clarity.
  • Think about outlines or borders to separate elements subtly.

3. Crank Up the Contrast 

Contrast amplifies visibility.

  • Dark text on light backgrounds or vice versa works wonders. 
  • Avoid placing similar colors next to each other (Yes, “50 shades of beige” is not a vibe). 

Accessibility Is For Everyone 

Here’s a secret sauce of inclusive design—it doesn’t just benefit people with colorblindness. Everybody gains:

  • Higher clarity for people viewing your wall art in low light. 
  • Greater visual appeal, making canvas prints pop for all audiences. 
  • A welcoming atmosphere for anyone who encounters your art. 

Appealing to everyone also means growing your audience. Cause more people loving your work equals... well, winning.

Conclusion

Inclusive design isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to make art and design meaningful, impactful, and accessible to everyone. By choosing thoughtful color palettes, integrating patterns and shapes, and testing for colorblind accessibility, you can create canvas prints and wall art that truly resonate with all audiences.

This not only amplifies your work’s reach but also sends a powerful message that art is for everyone, regardless of how they see the world. Remember, the heart of great design lies in empathy, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.



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