bright colors. im stuck

okay ive been trying and trying to get bright colors
like this one


made by the icon goddess calixa

however i have failed in each attempt. many other people have been able to conquer this but i have not. is it color burn or what? i tried just putting something on screen but it didn't come out right....

any help would be appreciated since all my icons have that "dusty" look i want to go for more of a bright look.