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Getting Chromatically Inspired with the Color Muse

The Color Muse is a pocket-sized device designed to capture and explore colors from the world around you. Equipped with advanced camera technology and built-in lighting, it ensures accurate color readings by standardizing white balance with its cap. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or DIY enthusiast, the Color Muse seamlessly integrates real-world colors into your digital workflow.

Putting the Color Muse to the Test

My first experiment with the Color Muse was finding towels to match the pinks and olive greens of my shower curtain. I began by using the device to sample colors directly from the curtain and saved the results in the app. With those precise matches in hand, I headed to a local store to compare them with their towel selection.

I quickly learned that using the Color Muse on soft, textured materials like towels requires a gentle touch. The key is to press the device lightly against the fabric, ensuring secure contact without compressing the material. Pressing too firmly can create wrinkles or shadows, leading to inaccurate or overly dark readings—or sometimes no reading at all.

Towels at the store

Next, I wanted to find shoes to complement a hat my partner, Reba, knit for me. Sampling the hat in several spots gave me a range of matching colors to compare with store options. Shoes, with their smooth and uniform surfaces, proved to be ideal for sampling, yielding highly accurate results.

Shoes at the store

Finally, I used the Color Muse to find complementary shades for yarn my partner is using in a large project. The device’s built-in colorways feature made it easy to explore harmonious palettes that worked beautifully with the yarns we’d already selected.

Navigating the Color Muse’s Features

Pairing the Color Muse with my phone was straightforward, though it required a couple of calibration sessions to get it ready. Once calibrated, the device worked reliably and was ready to use immediately after waking up.

One feature that took some adjustment was the shutter button on top of the device. It requires a firm grip to press, which can make steady sampling challenging. I found it easier to use the “Scan Now” button within the app instead. This method eliminates the need to press the physical button, resulting in more stable and consistent sampling.

Tips for Best Results

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of the Color Muse:

  1. Choose the Right Surface
    The Color Muse performs best on hard, flat surfaces. While it can be used on softer materials like towels or fabrics, the results may appear darker than the actual color. Press gently to avoid creating wrinkles or shadows that could distort the reading.
  2. Mind the Angle
    For optimal accuracy, place the object flat on a stable surface, parallel to the ground. Sampling at odd angles may introduce inconsistencies due to lighting variations.
  3. Save Colors Effectively
    Before saving a color sample, make sure you’ve created at least one folder in the app. Without an existing folder, the app won’t offer the option to save your sample. If necessary, you can easily create a new folder while saving.

The Color Muse is a versatile and powerful tool for anyone who wants to explore and match colors with precision. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be ready to take on your next creative project with confidence and ease.

Whether you’re working on a design project or simply exploring the world of color, the Color Muse is your perfect companion for chromatic inspiration.

About Author
Josh Eklow, Technology & Learning Specalist