Cyan and pink are two colors that do not typically go together. Cyan is a bright blue-green color while pink is a pale red color. However, when mixed together they can create a new, interesting shade. So what exactly is cyan pink?
Cyan pink refers to a mix of the colors cyan and pink. It results in a pale pastel color that has both a blue-green and pinkish tone to it. Some describe it as a pale robin’s egg blue with a hint of blush pink. The exact hue can vary depending on the ratio of cyan to pink used in the mixing.
The combination of colors may seem unusual at first, but cyan pink can actually create a soft, soothing pastel palette. The cooler cyan balances out the warmth of the pink, while the pink simultaneously softens the brightness of the cyan. This makes cyan pink an intriguing choice for anything from art and graphic design to fashion and interior decor.
While cyan and pink are exact opposites on the color wheel, that contrast is part of what makes their blend so eye-catching. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you mix these two shades.
Mixing Cyan and Pink
When blending colors, the mixture inevitably trends toward a middle ground of the two hues. With cyan and pink, the resulting color ends up as a pale pastel halfway between both. How exactly it shifts depends on the ratio used.
If more cyan is used than pink, the outcome will be a pale blue-green pastel. With more pink than cyan, it becomes a soft blush pastel. Using an even 50/50 split results in the truest cyan pink right in the middle – a light robin’s egg blue-pastel pink.
You can mix cyan and pink in either the RGB or CMYK color models:
RGB
In the RGB model, cyan is made by mixing green and blue light, with the hex code #00FFFF. Pink is made by combining red and blue light, with a hex code of #FFC0CB.
To make a cyan pink, simply mix suitable amounts of those colors. For example, a 50/50 split would have a hex code of #80C0D4. Tweaking the ratio results in subtle shifts of the pastel color.
CMYK
In the CMYK model, cyan is one of the primary colors with 100% cyan ink. Pink is created with mostly magenta ink and smaller amounts of yellow and black ink.
Blending the two involves layering the cyan and magenta/yellow/black mixes. A cyan pink made from 70% cyan and 30% magenta results in a pale blue pastel. Reversing the amounts to 30% cyan and 70% magenta makes a pinker tone.
Again, adjusting the quantities of each ink changes the balance of blue-green and pink in the final pastel mixture. This gives you complete control over the cyan pink hue.
Cyan Pink Color Variations
While all cyan pinks share that light blue-green and pink pastel quality, there is still variation in the exact shade. Here are some examples of different hues that can result:
Robin’s Egg Blue-Pink
A 50/50 cyan/pink split creates this quintessential cyan pink reminiscent of robin’s eggs. It’s a pale blue-pastel pink perfectly between the two colors. The hex code is #80C0D4.
Seafoam Green-Pink
With more cyan than pink, such as a 70/30 split, the result is a seafoam shade of cyan pink closer to blue-green. It has a hex code around #66CCCC.
Blush Pink-Blue
Reversing the ratio to 30% cyan and 70% pink creates a warmer, blush-toned cyan pink. The hex code is #FF99CC.
Pale Aqua-Pink
Lightening a robin’s egg blue cyan pink with some white results in a gorgeous pale aqua pastel pink. This has a hex of around #CCE0EC.
Dusty Rose-Blue
Adding a touch of gray to a blush pink cyan creates a beautiful dusty rose blue combination. Its hex code might be #CCAECC.
As you can see, small tweaks to the cyan and pink amounts result in lovely variations on the cyan pink theme. Generally, more cyan shifts it cooler and blue-green, while more pink creates a warmer, peach-pink tone. The options are endless for this pretty pastel palette.
Uses for Cyan Pink
What are some ways to incorporate this uncommon color combination into designs? Here are a few examples of how cyan pink can be strikingly used:
Web Design
Cyan pink works beautifully for websites, helping text stand out against the soft background. Its soothing hue is easy on the eyes, especially paired with contrasting dark text. Cyan pink also looks modern and whimsical, perfect for creative sites.
Packaging and Branding
The blend of cool and warm makes cyan pink extremely versatile for packaging and branding. It’s refreshing for summer products yet warmly inviting for the winter. Both feminine and unisex, cyan pink suits a wide range of audiences.
Nurseries and Children’s Spaces
Cyan pink evokes pleasant memories of childhood with its nostalgic pastel qualities. Use it in nurseries, children’s rooms, and daycares to create a comforting, youthful feel. Pair with bright colors for a cheerful look.
Weddings
For brides seeking an alternative to traditional wedding colors, cyan pink provides a unique twist. Use it for bridesmaid dresses, invitations, decorations, and cake icing. Cyan pink especially suits beach and spring weddings.
Apparel and Accessories
Add a pop of cyan pink to uplift any outfit. It works for all seasons in clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags. Try pairing it with neutrals like white, gray, and brown for a sophisticated look.
Cyan Pink Palette Ideas
One of the best ways to use cyan pink is by combining it with other colors in a full palette. Here are some examples of appealing color schemes:
Cyan Pink, White, and Gold
| Cyan Pink | #80C0D4 |
| White | #FFFFFF |
| Gold | #D8A742 |
This luxe combo pairs cyan pink with crisp white and shimmering gold. It’s perfect for upscale packaging and accessories.
Cyan Pink, Sage Green, and Brown
| Cyan Pink | #80C0D4 |
| Sage Green | #9DC183 |
| Brown | #7A402D |
Earthy sage green and brown enrich the soft cyan pink in this organic palette. Use it for nature-inspired designs.
Cyan Pink, Charcoal, and Periwinkle
| Cyan Pink | #80C0D4 |
| Charcoal | #54524F |
| Periwinkle | #C3C0EA |
Contrasting the cyan pink with dark charcoal and vivid periwinkle creates a bold, modern look.
The options for color schemes with cyan pink as a base are endless. Have fun playing with different hue combinations and ratios to find your perfect palette.
Conclusion
Cyan and pink may seem an unlikely pairing, but when blended they produce a gorgeously soft pastel color. Cyan pink encompasses a range of hues from robin’s egg blue-pink to seafoam green-pink depending on the ratio used. It provides a refreshing alternative to traditional colors for designs. Use cyan pink alone or in creative color schemes for websites, branding, events, apparel, and more. Just keep in mind that a little of this uncommon shade goes a long way before it becomes overwhelming. When used carefully, cyan pink can really make for a beautiful, modern visual statement.
