Color psychology is just one of many complex areas of the broader subject of design psychology, and stems from the subject of color theory. It is too complex of a topic to cover in-depth, but I want to give a basic overview of it for those unfamiliar.  The colors used in any design have a powerful, if even unknown, effect on the design’s viewers. It is vastly important to select the right colors in order to project the desired image and message to a viewer.

Here is a core list of colors with their meaning. Keep in mind that the precise hue and combination of colors used also has an affect on the overall meaning.

Red

Red is an intense color denoting passion, and can represent both love and anger.

Orange

Being a combination of red and yellow, orange takes on attributes of both. It isn’t as intense as red, and creates a feeling of warmth and energy

Yellow

Yellow is a cordial and happy color, and can denote both joy and shyness.

Green

Green is a refreshing color, signifying nature, growth, and renewal. Depending on how it is used, green can also be associated with envy.

Blue

Blue has a cool, calming quality to it. Like with any good thing, though, too much blue can appear cold and depressing. Blue is frequently used in corporate images.

Violet

Violet/purple is a spiritual color that has long been associated with wealth.

Black

Black can be all kinds of things, both conservative and edgy. Depending on how it’s used, it can be sexy and modern, or more traditional and safe.

White

White is a soft color that denotes purity and innocence, and meshes well in combination with any other color.

Gray

Gray is the most neutral color of all, being conservative and balanced. It is generally more sophisticated, but can also appear moody.

Brown

Brown is a wholesome earth tone that creates a sense of reliability and stability.

Tags: color theory, psychology of color, what colors mean  |  Posted under Blog, Design  |    No Comments