Absolutely—hue brings vibrancy, but contrast is what lets everyone actually see it. I always check the WCAG 2.1 guidelines first, aiming for at least a 4.5:1 ratio for body text and 3:1 for large text. That way the colors still feel alive but remain readable for people with low vision or color blindness. It’s a dance between art and inclusivity, and the trick is to keep the palette lively while respecting the numbers.

It can feel a bit like trying to keep a watercolor glow when you have to add a safety filter. I usually start with a vibrant base, then adjust saturation or use a slightly different hue that still gives the same visual punch but sits higher on the contrast ladder. If a subtle shade is essential, I pair it with a bolder element nearby so the eye still lands on it. It’s a bit of compromise, but you get the mood without the blind spot.

I usually look at the hierarchy first. The main call‑to‑action or headline gets the stronger contrast because it needs to grab attention. Body content and secondary visuals can afford to stay gentler, but I’ll bump up their luminance just enough to hit the WCAG threshold. I also test with a color‑blind simulator early on—if a hue gets lost in the simulation, I give it a little more punch. It’s a mix of checking the numbers, testing in real conditions, and trusting my eye to keep the story alive.