The Psychology of Color Usage In Branding

Each of us has a color or color palette that particularly appeals to us. The favorite shade varies from person to person, and often, it’s easy to assume that choosing a color is purely an aesthetic decision, without significant psychological weight. However, upon closer examination, you’ll notice that many companies in specific industries tend to gravitate toward similar hues. Coincidence? Lack of originality? Science suggests otherwise: 

Green

Symbolizes freshness, balance, and is often associated with environmental brands. Green is also linked to growth and wealth. Similar to the “go” signal in traffic lights, it naturally encourages positivity. 

Associations: Freshness, organic, nature, calmness, positivity. 

Blue

Represents responsibility, reliability, loyalty, and even calmness. Blue is an excellent choice for financial institutions, large corporations, and social media companies. 

Associations: Calm, serenity, reliability, harmony, loyalty. 

Yellow

Bright and energetic! Yellow symbolizes warmth, optimism, and a sense of encouragement. It leaves an impression of happiness and excitement, making it suitable for all age groups. 

Associations: Bright, positive, warm, joyful, exciting. 

Purple

Known for evoking creativity and luxury. Darker shades of purple are typically associated with luxury brands, while lighter shades convey femininity. 

Associations: Calm, vibrant, regal, luxurious. 

Orange

Energizing and at the same time friendly, inviting, and non-intimidating. Orange is playful and fun, conveying high energy while avoiding an overly forceful appearance. 

Associations: Warmth, playful, encouraging, friendly, dynamic, powerful. 

Red

A dynamic and powerful color that stimulates appetite and grabs attention. It’s great for brands that evoke passion, but it should be used wisely as it can also suggest aggressiveness.

Associations: Love, passion, drama, dynamism, power, strength.

Black

Symbolizes power, elegance, and authority. Timeless and often used by fashion companies, magazines, and luxury brands.

Associations: Power, authority, elegance, luxury.

If it’s important to you that your brand identity aligns with your company’s values and is crafted professionally by experts, contact us today.