The Unspoken Language of Colours: Decoding Subliminal Brand Messaging
So, you think picking colours for your brand is just a random task? Think again! It's like a psychological chess game out there in the world of branding and design. When it comes to choosing your brand's colours, there are basically two teams. One dives deep into the psychology of colours, dissecting the impact of each shade on our minds. The other team is all about keeping it simple – as long as it makes you stand out, just roll with it! But hey, why not combine the best of both worlds and pick colours that not only catch the eye but also send a secret message that says, "Yep, we know what we're doing."
Let's zoom into one colour, shall we? How about a little chat about Red?
Alright, let's get the basics straight. Red is what we call a warm colour. It's the kind of colour you see on stop signs – the ones you absolutely must obey, sale stickers that scream at you, those intimidating negative financial reports, and those buttons that beg you to click on them. It's one of the most dazzling and provocative colours out there.
The Good Vibes Red Brings:
Power
Passion
Energy
Fearlessness
Excitement
So, when should you go all in with red in your branding? Well, take a look at the Coca-Cola logo, for starters. They use red like a wizard to conjure up feelings of power, passion, and energy. Red adds a dash of urgency, making it perfect for the flash sale ads – you know the ones that make you want to shop NOW. And guess what? It's a known fact that red can make you hungrier, which is why it's the favourite colour of fast-food giants like McDonald's.
The Drama Queen Side of Red:
Anger
Danger
Warning
Aggression
Pain
But, and here's the twist, red isn't all fun and games. It's got a dark side too. It can spark danger, fear, and even anger. It's so powerful that it can even make your brain switch off the logical thinking button. And don't forget, the meaning of red changes like a chameleon depending on where you are. In China, it's all about luck, joy, and happiness. In the US, it's like the Hulk – symbolizing hardiness and valour.
Brands That Wear Red Like a Boss:
Some of the big shots that proudly wear red include Coca-Cola, Netflix, Levi’s, Canon, H&M, Virgin, Adobe, and Target.
Time for a few colourful case studies:
Cadbury's Purple Magic: If you're in the UK, you'll know that Cadbury's purple (Pantone 2685C) is as iconic as the Queen's wave. Fun fact: the Cadbury brothers went with purple because it was Queen Victoria’s favourite colour. The colour purple is all about creativity and thinking outside the box, and Cadbury's advertising proves it – from dancing eyebrows to drumming gorillas!
Tiffany's Classy Blue: If a colour has its own Wikipedia page, you know it's a big deal. The "Tiffany Blue" is the pale, robin’s egg colour that's so iconic. But here's the kicker – it's not your usual shade of blue. The colour oozes elegance and luxury, matching Tiffany's image perfectly. Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder, picked this colour in 1845, inspired by the popularity of turquoise gemstones among brides. A colour that’s as light as a summer's day typically stands for tranquillity, openness, and innocence, but not for Tiffany's. It's all about luxury.
Strategies for Nailing the Colour Game:
So, how can you pick colours that'll make your brand shine? Here are four tips to keep you on the right track:
Learn the Colour Secrets: Dive deep into the psychology of colours. Understand the vibes each hue sends out and make sure it matches your brand's message.
Know Your Audience: Consider what your audience loves. Different colours work for different crowds, and you don't want to send mixed signals.
Stand Out and Stay True: Don't be a copycat. Your colours should make you stand out in the crowd. But remember, it's got to vibe with your brand's personality.
Keep It Consistent: Once you've picked your colours, stick with them. Use them in all your branding materials. Consistency is like the secret sauce that makes your brand unforgettable.
So, remember, picking colours for your brand is no child's play. It's like crafting a secret code that speaks to your audience without them even realising it. So, go ahead, paint your brand's canvas with the colours that'll leave a lasting impression! 🌈
