Colour PSYCOLOGY

KAREN M HUGGINS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

It is well known when it comes to advertising and design that colour plays a major role in the success of a campaign. Colour influences perception, mood and emotion. As a designer it is important to understand colour psychology, as above all other factors that influence consumers to buy, colour ranks top.

Below is a listing of colours and the effects they may have on your audience.

BLUE

Positive

Tranquility, Security, Integrity, Peace, Loyalty, Trust, Intelligence

Negative

Coldness, Fear, Masculinity

turquoise

Positive

Spiritual, Healing, Protection, Sophisticated

Negative

Envy, Femininity

GREEN

Positive

Freshness, Environment, New, Money, Fertility, Healing, Earth

Negative

Envy, Jealousy, Guilt

YELLOW

Positive

Bright, Sunny, Energetic, Warm, Happy, Perky, Joy, Intellect

Negative

Irresponsible, Unstable

PURPLE

Positive

Royalty, Nobility, Spirituality, Luxury, Ambition, Wealth

Negative

Mystery, Moodiness

PINK

Positive

Healthy, Happy, Feminine, Sweet, Compassion, Playful

Negative

Weak, Feminine, Immature

RED

Positive

Love, Passion, Energy, Power, Strength, Heat, Desire, Sale

Negative

Anger, Danger, Warning

ORANGE

Positive

Courage, Confidence, Friendliness, Success

Negative

Ignorance, Sluggishness

BROWN

Positive

Friendly, Earth, Outdoors, Longevity, Conservative

Negative

Dogmatic, Conservative

TAN

Positive

Dependable, Flexible, Crisp, Conservative

Negative

Dull, Boring, Conservative

GOLD

Positive

Wealth, Wisdom, Prosperity, Valuable, Traditional

Negative

Egotistical, Self-righteous

Silver

Positive

Glamorous, High-tech, Graceful, Sleek

Negative

Indecisive, Dull, Non-commital

WHITE

Positive

Goodness, Innocence, Purity, Fresh, Easy, Clean

Negative

Isolation, Prestine, Emptiness

GREY

Positive

Security, Reliability, Intelligence, Solid

Negative

Gloomy, Sad, Conservative

BLACK

Positive

Protection, Elegance, Dramatic, Classy, Formal

Negative

Death, Evil, Mystery