in design, connotations and marketing. analogous colors appear next to each other usually work well...
TRANSCRIPT
in Design, Connotations and Marketing
Analogous Colors
• Appear next to each other
• Usually work well together UNLESS they are too close in value then will appear washed out
Complimentary Colors
• Separated by another color
• Printed side by side can cause vibration
• Separated on page work well
Clashing or Contrasting Colors
• Appear opposite each other
• May have great contrast and visibility
Color Meanings
Click on a color to find out more…
Neutrals
RedLove & War…Cupid & the DevilFire, blood, courage, determinationPower, happiness, passion, angerUse Red to…grab attention
get people to take actionto suggest speed and confidence
Small doses go a long way scarlet, crimson, ruby, rust, maroon, flame, rouge
Marketing Red Evoke erotic feelings…red lips, nails, etc. Energy…energy drinks, games, cars, items
related to sports and high physical activity Perfect color for “Click Here” or “Buy Now”
buttons
“Good” Red Red Carpet treatment Red Letter Day Red Eye (overnight
flight) Paint the Town Red
(celebrate)
“Bad” Red Seeing Red (angry) In the Red
(overdrawn, money loss)
Red Flag (danger, warning)
OrangeEnergy, warmth, sun, playfulOften associated with autumnStimulating…emotions and appetiteVitamin C and good healthOrange “pops” with blue
Pumpkin, copper, brass, peach, tangerine, citrus
Marketing OrangeUsed to promote food items or toysUsed in promotion of citrus products or fall
productsLiked by youth, disliked as adults get older
YellowHope, happiness, sunshine, cheerfulCowardice and deceitUsed to for hazards signs, emergency
vehiclesWorks best a companion color
lemon, golden, saffron, cream, topaz,
Marketing YellowUsed to promote products and items
related to leisureGets attention on printed pageMen view it as a childish color—avoid
using yellow in promoting expensive products to men
“Good” Yellow Yellow Ribbon (hope,
support, remembrance)
Mellow Yellow (laid back, relaxation)
“Bad” Yellow Yellow Streak or
Yellow-bellied (cowardice, coward)
Yellow journalism (irresponsible reporting)
GreenLife, renewal, nature, calming, fertility,
harmony, moneyJealousy, envy, inexperienceIreland, Spring, military
emerald, olive, grass, forest, lime, kelly, pine, jade, sage, chartreuse, seafoam, apple
Marketing GreenUsed to market safety in drugs and
medical products“Green” environmental productsMoney, finance, banking, Wall Street
“Good” Green Green Light-go,
proceed Green thumb-good
with plants Greenback—US
dollar, money Green room—where
performers go to relax Green pastures—
something newer, better
“Bad” Green Green eyed monster-
jealousy Greenhorn—novice,
trainee, beginner Green with envy—
jealous Green around the gills
—pale, sickly
BlueCalm, universal color, natural, peace, faith,
confidence, unity, conservative, intelligence
Sky, ocean, water, Sadness, depression, dk blue is often
stodgy, old fashioned or nautical sapphire, cobalt, navy, royal, cyan, slate, azure,
indigo, baby blue
Marketing Blue Promote products related to cleanliness, air, sky,
water High tech products Masculine color Avoid with cooking and food—can suppress
appetite
“Good” Blue True Blue—someone
loyal & faithful Blue Ribbon-first rate,
top prize Out of the Blue—
unexpected Bluebook/blueblood-
noble birth, royalty The Blues—music
type Baby blues--eyes
“Bad” Blue Feeling blue—
depressed Baby Blues—
postpartum depression
Blue Monday—feeling sad
Singing the blues-bemoaning one’s circumstances
Into the blue—entering the unknown
PurpleRoyalty, spirituality, flowers, imaginative,
luxury, wealth, magicDark colors—richness, light colors--
delicate violet, plum, lavender, lilac, orchid, mauve, magenta,
wine, amethyst, mulberry, eggplant
Marketing PurpleAccent colorLight purple often good for femine designBright purple for promoting children’s
productsMay be viewed as an artificial color—
artificial item promoted
“Good” Purple Purple Cow—
unusual, eye-catching, remarkable
Purple Prose—exaggeration, highly imaginative
“Bad” Purple Purple Speech—
profanity, raunchy language
Purple Prose—exaggeration, lies
White Light, goodness, purity, perfection,
innocence Safety, coolness, clean, simplicity,
softness Angels, hospitals, dairy products, low-fat,
bath papers
Black Power, elegance, death, evil, mystery Fear and unknown, negative Used for prestige (black tie, black
expensive car) Makes things look smaller Can be neutral or aggressive in a color
scheme
Grey Neutral, conservative, boring, dreary, rain,
cold, stormy, sophisicated Works well with black and white Often used with pastels Not a commonly used marketing color
Brown Neutral, often old fashioned, earthy, nature Ranges from tan to dark brown Used to market camping, scouting, fishing
related items. Chocolate products