Color is considered one of the most useful and powerful design tools you have. People respond to different colors in different ways, and these responses take place on a subconscious, emotional level.
In the American culture, black has long been associated with death, while white is believed to signify life and purity. In the orient, however, white is the traditional color of mourning.
In the United States, black has also come to suggest sophistication and formality. Americans generally associate trust an stability with the color blue, while Koreans have this reaction to pink and other pastel colors.
The Color Theory In the Western Culture
Purple and gold are often associated with Royalty, wealth and opulence.
Red, White and Blue reminiscent of the American flag, immediately convey notions of patriotism and, to some extent, conservatism.
Green has taken on a very strong connotation as the color representing ecology and concern for the environment, however, it also conveys meanings associated with money and the suggestion “to go ahead” which is obviously derived from traffic lights.
Colors represent holidays and seasons of the year.
The Fall foliage colors of Red, orange, yellow, and brown are clearly expressive of Thanksgiving. Halloween: Orange and Black. Red and Green represent Christmas. Purple and Yellow and other pastels colors represent Easter.
- Blue, Red, White and Grey = Stability, Power, Trustworthiness, Conservatism
- Yellow, Brown, Orange, Green = Nature, earthiness, warmth
- Red, Orange, yellow = more warmth
- Blues and Aquas = water and coolness
- Primary colors (Red, Blue, Yellow) = Convey fun
The Color Theory in Asia
- Red: Happiness, prosperity
- Pink: Marriage
- Yellow: Against evil, for the dead, geomantic blessings
- Green: Eternity, family, harmony, health, peace, posterity
- Blue: Self-cultivation, wealth
- Purple: Wealth
- White: Children, helpful people, marriage, mourning, peace, purity, travel
- Gold: Strength, wealth
- Gray: Helpful people, travel
- Black: Career, evil influences, knowledge, mourning, penance, self-cultivation
The Color Theory on Therapy and the Brain
As we can see, specific colors have different effects.
- Black: self-confidence, power, strength
- Blue: calming, lowers blood pressure, decreases respiration
- Green: soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness
- Violet: suppresses appetite, provides a peaceful environment, good for migraines
- Pink: used in diet therapy as an appetite suppressant, relaxes muscles, relieves tension, soothing
- Yellow: energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite
- Orange: energizes, stimulates appetite and digestive system
- Red: stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respirations and blood pressure
At the end of the day you won’t be able to make everyone happy but you can tweak your brand and message to target your audience in all levels. Once you know what color you should use you can use the following resources to tell your webmaster what you want.
