1. an artist who specializes in applying color to drawings, paintings, or illustrations
Usage: common in comics, animation, and graphic design
2. a person who colors hair professionally; a hairdresser specializing in hair color
Usage: chiefly British
3. a writer or artist known for vivid, striking use of color in their work
Usage: literary or art criticism

Examples

• The comic book colourist carefully selected shades to match the inker's line work.
• She trained as a colourist and now works in a high-end salon.
• The Renaissance painter was celebrated as a master colourist for his brilliant palette.
• The animation studio hired a new colourist to speed up production on the film.
• A skilled colourist can transform a simple sketch into a vibrant illustration.
• He consulted with the colourist about the best tones for the character's costume.