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The Psychology of Colors

Does sitting in a fast food restaurant make you feel uncomfortable? Feeling relaxed and sleepy at the office?  Well, it may all come down to colors. Colors that we are exposed to daily can have a great effect on the way we feel.  Each color has a different connotation, hence, brands use it to appeal to our emotions.

Blue

Blue has a relaxing effect on the human eye. It is used to comfort us and give us a sense of security.

Brands that use blue: Facebook/ Twitter

source: www.imagekb.com

source: retaildesignblog.net

Red

Red is scientifically proven to increase our blood pressure and heart rate. Sitting in a room surrounded by red causes an increase in energy. This is why most fast food chains use red in their restaurants to make the customer feel uneasy in order to allow a fast flow of customers (hence the name “fast food”).

Brands that use red: Pizza Hut/ KFC

source: wishurhere.wordpress.com

Orange

Orange is a vibrant color associated with energy. It is used to display a fun and lively atmosphere.

Brands that use orange: Nickelodeon/ Fanta

source: nickelodeon.wikia.com

source: www.iconographystudios.net

Yellow

Seeing yellow alerts the viewer and draws attention. That is why it is used heavily in road signs. It is also a cheerful color, often associated with happiness, which explains why the “smiley face” emoticon is in color yellow.

Brands that use yellow: Subway/ McDonalds

source: commons.wikimedia.org

Green

Green is used mostly in spas and hospitals since it conveys a sense of healing and peace. It is also associated with ecology and is used mostly by brands that want to display, or be labeled as, organic and eco-friendly products/entities.

Brands that use green: Land Rover/ Vicks

source: www.irononsticker.com

Purple

Purple is the color of royalty and spirituality. Using purple gives a sense of supremacy, and importance.

Brands that use purple: Hallmark/ Cadbury

source: cvilleshop.com

 Black

Although black is associated with sadness, mourning and depression, it is also recognised as a classy and timeless color. Black is definitely the color of sophistication, which is why it is used by most luxury brands.

Brands that use black: Chanel/ Elie Saab

source: blogs.uoregon.edu

source: www.oracleinteriors.co.uk

Gray

Gray is a neutral color that can go well with anything. It is scientifically proven to enhance creativity, which is why most offices choose gray for their walls or tables.

Brands that use gray: Apple/ DELL

source: www.brandprofiles.com

source: retaildesignblog.net

Brown

Brown is a trustworthy color and most brands use it to show credibility and display their history and heritage.

Brands that use brown: UPS/ Louis Vuitton

source: pursuitist.com

source: wheels.blogs.nytimes.com

White

White is a calm color that is associated with cleanliness and purity.

Brands that use white: Dove/ Kleenex

source: mktwithoutborders.wordpress.com

In short, we are surrounded by colors and it is no surprise that brands use colours to their advantage.
I bet the next time you see a brand logo, you will be thinking twice about the message this brand is trying to portray!

source: www.paulaschoice.com


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