out of the blue

Understanding the meaning of color as well as the cultural use of color and how colors interact is important in print and electronic design in order to convey the right tone, message, and evoke the desired response to the brochure, newsletter, ad, Web site, or other publication. Colors are non-verbal communication. They create a physical and emotional reaction.  From Jacci Howard Bear,

The Meaning of Cool Color: Cool colors tend to have a calming effect. At one end of the spectrum they are cold, impersonal, antispectic colors. At the other end the cool colors are comforting and nurturing. Blue, green, and the neutrals white, gray, and silver are examples of cool colors.

Postive Attributes of Cool Colors:

• The Meaning of the Color Blue - strong, important, peaceful, intelligent
• The Meaning of the Color Green - growth, health, environment, harmony

Attributes of Warm Colors:

• The Meaning of the Color Red - love, passion, heat, joy, power
• The Meaning of the Color Pink - sweet, nice, romance, playful, delicate

• The Meaning of the Color Yellow - happy, joy, cheeful, remembrance
• The Meaning of the Color Gold - riches, extravagance, bright, traditional
• The Meaning of the Color Orange - energy, warmth change, health

The Meaning of Mixed Warm and Cool Color: Colors with attributes from both the warm and cool colors can calm and excite. These are colors derived from a mix of a cool and warm color such as blue and red or blue and yellow. Typically considered cool, green is really more of a mixed warm and cool color.

Positive Attributes of Mixed Warm and Cool Colors:

• The Meaning of the Color Purple - royal, precious, romantic, sacred
• The Meaning of the Color Lavender - grace, elegance, delicate, feminine
• The Meaning of the Color Green - growth, health, environment, harmony
• The Meaning of the Color Turquoise - feminine, sophisticated, retro
• The Meaning of the Color Beige - conservative, relaxing

The Meaning of Neutral Color: Neutral colors help to put the focus on other colors or serve to tone down colors that might otherwise be overpowering on their own. To some extent blacks, browns, tans, golds, and beige colors are considered warm. While white, ivory, silver, and gray are somewhat cooler colors. Yet these warm and cool attributes are flexible and more subtle than that of reds or blues.

Positive Attributes of Neutral Colors:

• The Meaning of the Color Black - conservative, mysterious, sophisticated
• The Meaning of the Color Gray - formal, conservative, sophisticated
• The Meaning of the Color Silver - sleek, glamorous, rich
• The Meaning of the Color White - purity, innocence, softness
• The Meaning of the Color Ivory - quiet, pleasant, understated elegance
• The Meaning of the Color Brown - earthiness, wholesomeness, simplicity, friendliness
• The Meaning of the Color Beige - conservative, relaxing

What’s Your Favorite Color?:
Vote in the poll and see how many others share your color preference.
Red | Green | Gold | Turquoise | Blue | Purple | Pink | Black | Orange | Yellow
View Results for Your Favorite Color Poll