About This Site's Design

#002FA7 is the hex code for International Klein Blue (IKB) – the legendary color that inspired the creation of this site.

My first idea for this portfolio was to create a minimalist, monochromatic design. I've been drawn to blue since childhood, though I rarely use it in my work now. Perhaps from that early fascination and my art history studies, I recalled Klein's Blue: a color with a powerful identity and story. I wanted to use it as a background color to give the page a striking base that would boldly stand out.

But here's the challenge: IKB is undeniably anything but minimalism. As writer Maggie Nelson describes in fragment 78. of her book Bluets:

“Standing in front of these blue paintings, or propositions, at the Tate, feeling their blue radiate out so hotly that it seemed to be touching, perhaps even hurting, my eyeballs, I wrote but one phrase in my notebook: too much.”

Despite this contradiction, I was determined to work with Klein's blue while maintaining minimalism. The result was ironically sterile and, frankly, boring. I tried subtle gradients, different accent colors, and borders, but the page remained lifeless and lost direction with all the additions. Maybe IKB was a bit too much for me too?

My HTML/CSS Style Guide for the original page.

Searching for a solution, I delved deeper into Klein's work and rediscovered his Anthropometry series. The organic and dynamic forms in these paintings led me to completely rethink the site's background and current design. The site still strives for simplicity, but the Klein-inspired background makes it considerably more alive and gives it stronger character.

The Technical Story

The story behind Klein's blue proved more fitting for my work than I initially realized. Contrary to common misconceptions, Klein didn't patent the color itself—you cannot patent a color. Instead, he patented a revolutionary production method. Before International Klein Blue, achieving such intense blue saturation on canvas was impossible. Working closely with a paint chemist, Klein experimented with new binding agents that wouldn't diminish the vibrancy of ultramarine pigments. Traditional binders dulled the color's intensity, but their innovation preserved the pigment's full luminosity, creating that famous "radiating" blue.

What resonates with me most is Klein's belief that this blue captured the immaterial essence of the color itself, its pure idea made manifest. Through artisanal craftsmanship and technical innovation, Klein and his collaborator found a way to translate abstract vision into tangible reality.

I think there's beauty in code too.

This is what I want to aspire to in my approach to design and development: combining conceptual thinking with technical problem-solving to bring ideas to life. Klein's story is a perfect example of how ideas and material solutions together create something capable of enduring meaning.

Reflection

I began creating this site during a short web development course, and it's been evolving ever since. Like Klein's pursuit of the perfect blue, I'm constantly refining my approach to balance bold ideas with clean execution.

If you've explored my site this far, thank you for your time and curiosity. I'd love to hear what you're working on! Perhaps we can create something meaningful together.

— Jarmo Venäläinen, September 2025

If you're interested in learning more about Klein's blue, you can read more [here].