Understanding the psychology of company Logo colours
The human mind is highly responsive to visual stimuli, and colour is one of the major defining factors in that response. On both a conscious and subconscious level, colours convey meaning – not only in the natural world but also within the artifice of our culture. Graphic designers need to harness the power of colour psychology to bring resonance to their designs – and in no field is this more important than that of company logo design.
Business logo designThe use of business colour can bring multiple layers of meaning, from primitive responses based on millions of years of evolved instinct to the complex associations we make based on learned assumptions. |
startup logo design Every startup colour, including black and white, has implications for logo design. As a designers you need to pick your colours carefully to enhance specific elements of the logo and bring nuance to your message with the use of shade and tone. |
company logo designCompanies can use these responses to underline and accent their branding messages. And your success as a logo designer will be boosted if you have a thorough understanding of colour psychology. |
In general terms, bright and bold colours are attention-grabbing but can appear brash. Muted tones convey a more sophisticated image, but run the risk of being overlooked. More specifically, particular meanings are ascribed to different colours in society...
This diagram shows themes commonly associated with particular colours
Logo design Niche websites to follow:
barrettpruitt93 logo rediff logo wikidot logo webnode logo forrestdwyer60424 logo inube logo portfolik logo page logo pruittdwyer40 logo wallinside logo anobii logo blackplanet logo gaiaonline logo diigo logo shutterfly logo wordpress logo professional logopruittbryant73 logostorify logo gpugrid logo zotero logo h30434 logo lhcathomeclassic logo voki logo niume logo google logo youtube logo pro logo company logo logo planetanalog logo eetimes logo profile logo ebnonline logo miarroba logo paper logo clker logo goo logo dead logo backgroundsarchive logo beginnertriathlete logo dreamwidth logo wikidot logo strikingly logo vk logo instapaper logo sina logo blog logo podbean logo fc2 logo pearltrees logo studiopress logo ted logo good logo great logo penzu logo weebly logo dougerz logo elphamearts logo contardo logo gladiacoins logo apfelschnitz logo averagearcher logo briana9 logo chickenxvxyouth logo crissamper logo eselsbruecke logo m0ther0fdragons logo meaningportfolio logo miaosteredesigns logo mrsmichaelmyers logo rogergabriela logo snapcircuitsjr logo torilopes20 logo under3cash logo wendynguyen logo admibr logo angelfrommynightmare19 logo cadeschmidt logo dearzoemrphy logo handypixelcom logo sweetcharlies logo otabek logo nolimits logo
- Red implies passion, energy, danger or aggression; warmth and heat. It has also been found to stimulate appetite, which explains why it is used in so many restaurants and food product logos. Choosing red for your business logo can make it feel more dynamic.
- Orange is often see as the colour of innovation and modern thinking. It also carries connotations of youth, fun, affordability and approachability.
- Yellow requires cautious use as it has some negative connotations including its signifying of cowardice and its use in warning signs. However it is sunny, warm and friendly and is another colour that is believed to stimulate appetite.
- Green is commonly used when a company wishes to emphasise their natural and ethical credentials, especially with such products as organic and vegetarian foods. Other meanings ascribed to it include growth and freshness, and it's popular with financial products too.
- Blue is one of the most widely used colours in corporate logos. It implies professionalism, serious mindedness, integrity, sincerity and calm. Blue is also associated with authority and success, and for this reason is popular with both financial institutions and government bodies.
This diagram shows themes commonly associated with particular colours
- Purple speaks to us of royalty and luxury. It has long been associated with the church, implying wisdom and dignity, and throughout history it has been the colour of wealth and riches.
- Black is a colour with a split personality. On the one hand it implies power and sophistication, but on the other hand it is associated with villainy and death. More mundanely, most logos will need a black and white version for use in media in which colour is not available – and there is currently a trend for bold monochrome logos and word marks.
- White is generally associated with purity, cleanliness, simplicity and naiveté. In practical terms, a white logo will always need to stand in a coloured field to make it show up on a white background. Many companies will choose to have a coloured version and a white version of their logos; for example, the Coca-Cola word mark appears in white on its red tins and brown bottles but is used in red when needed on a white background.
- Brown has masculine connotations and is often used for products associated with rural life and the outdoors.
- Pink can be fun and flirty, but its feminine associations means it is often avoided for products not specifically targeted at women.
Logo design Niche websites to follow:
barrettpruitt93 logo rediff logo wikidot logo webnode logo forrestdwyer60424 logo inube logo portfolik logo page logo pruittdwyer40 logo wallinside logo anobii logo blackplanet logo gaiaonline logo diigo logo shutterfly logo wordpress logo professional logopruittbryant73 logostorify logo gpugrid logo zotero logo h30434 logo lhcathomeclassic logo voki logo niume logo google logo youtube logo pro logo company logo logo planetanalog logo eetimes logo profile logo ebnonline logo miarroba logo paper logo clker logo goo logo dead logo backgroundsarchive logo beginnertriathlete logo dreamwidth logo wikidot logo strikingly logo vk logo instapaper logo sina logo blog logo podbean logo fc2 logo pearltrees logo studiopress logo ted logo good logo great logo penzu logo weebly logo dougerz logo elphamearts logo contardo logo gladiacoins logo apfelschnitz logo averagearcher logo briana9 logo chickenxvxyouth logo crissamper logo eselsbruecke logo m0ther0fdragons logo meaningportfolio logo miaosteredesigns logo mrsmichaelmyers logo rogergabriela logo snapcircuitsjr logo torilopes20 logo under3cash logo wendynguyen logo admibr logo angelfrommynightmare19 logo cadeschmidt logo dearzoemrphy logo handypixelcom logo sweetcharlies logo otabek logo nolimits logo