Perception of color is a personal,
even intimate experience. How we identify color may vary from person to person.
One thing that can and has been tested, though, is the psychological response
that certain colors evoke.
Color is such an immense part of art
whether in abundance, lacking, or displayed in a harmonious pairing. The
mindful use of color should be used to an artist’s advantage. For example, when
customers are scanning the aisles of a grocery store for a healthy snack,
their eyes are attracted to packaging with variations of green hues because of
the color’s subtle suggestion of wellness. Certain wall colors, such as pale
blue or yellow, can bring feelings of peace or happiness or help ease
anxiety. An ensemble can leave distinct impressions of passion if there are
shades of red or of grandeur with purple hues.
When it comes to the topic of color,
the possibilities are as infinite as its variations. For now, we will break it
down into its influence in the most simplistic way.
•Red
Representations: passion, power, energy, love, desire, aggression, heat,
danger, violence, intensity, strength
Reds tend to grab attention, encourage conversation and appetite, and often
appeal to men. It is used on fire trucks and extinguishers to gain immediate
attention for the same reason it is used on warning labels and call-to-action
buttons and links. It is often used in restaurants and dining rooms to entice
appetites and stimulate conversation. When worn, it can exude a sense of power
or trigger sensuality. In short, red is all things passionate and intense.
•Blue
Representations: serenity, positivity, loyalty, trustworthiness, friendliness,
sweetness, charm, harmony, unity, stability
There is a reason why blue is so often used in political campaigns. Politicians
want to be trusted and seen as charming. Blue is a calming color, so it is
frequently seen in places of peace and rest most likely because of its
relationship to the ocean and a clear sky.
•Yellow
Representations: happiness, optimism, enlightenment, wisdom, cheer, idealism,
hope, clarity
Because of its relationship to sunshine and light, yellow is the most joyful of
colors. It is highly visible on the correct background or as a background
color, so it is often used to not only attract attention, but also to make its
message stick because it isn’t easy to ignore.
•White
Representations: purity, cleanliness, sterility, innocence, cold, simplicity
Although white is the lack of color, it still belongs on this list because of
its usage. Often linked to winter because of snow, it gives the sense of
coldness. When worn, it shows purity and innocence in most cases. When used in
design, it symbolizes simplicity and sterility, hence the term “white-space.”
•Orange
Representations: creativity, enthusiasm, fun, energy, vigor, audacity, healing,
immunity, success, balance
Depending on its hue, orange can portray several different things. Bright
orange is linked to originality and vivaciousness. Like its counterpart, red,
it triggers appetite and draws attention which is why it is used in
construction sites, on clothing, signage, and in restaurants. Its more muted
tones are related to the fall season, representing balance, healing, and
immunity.
•Green
Representations: life, health, growth, soothe, renewal, refresh, calm, freshness,
generosity, jealousy, envy, inexperience
Like many colors, green has both positive and somewhat negative implications.
It is refreshing and represents youth and spirit. At the same time, as with
adolescence’s dual implications of both vitality and inexperience, green can
also depict jealousy because of the cliché “green with envy.”
•Purple
Representations: extravagance, royalty, spirituality, romance, luxury, wisdom,
mourning, ceremony
Purple’s likeness has a lot to do with its use in history. The color was
expensive and took a long time to create, therefore only royalty or the wealthy
could afford purple-colored fabrics. Its ceremonious usage, such as the Purple
Heart (awarded to those killed or wounded in the military), also gave shades of
purple its representation. When lighter shades are used, it is quixotic and
sweet.
•Pink
Representations: optimism, calm, nurture, love, romance, femininity, softness
Pink is often used in situations which require calmness or optimism. The color
pink recalls well-known phrases such as “rose-colored glasses” and “tickled
pink.” It is also undeniably related to young girls. Since it is a more watered
down version of red, it has a lot of the same qualities as that color, just not
as intense. Red is passionate, whereas pink is romantic.
•Brown
Representations: earth, nature, simplicity, comfort, rugged, sincerity,
reliability, dependable, stability
In design, brown is often linked to the environment. In packaging, it implies
natural ingredients. In interior design, it brings the outdoors inside. When
worn, it can sometimes represent sincerity or dependability, but can sometimes
give a sense of lack of authority.
•Black
Representations: sophistication, elegance, formality, authority, depth, fear,
evil, mystery, sadness, anger, mourning, death
Because of its use in ceremonious clothing such as graduation gowns and
tuxedos, black is seen as a formal color in fashion. Black’s relation to night
and darkness also gives it a sense of mystery with a touch of evil that relates
to the fear of the unknown.