gawck's FUNNY SIGN FRIDAY™: No matter what you are wearing, have a good long weekend! Image from: www.signsfunny.com/tag/very-funny-signs/

gawck's FUNNY SIGN FRIDAY™: Thanks Lauren Brown for forwarding this great sign from Toronto Dance Industry!

gawck's FUNNY SIGN FRIDAY™: In case you forget the sunscreen. Image from: theinspirationroom.com/daily/2010/take-a-break-from-the-sun/

For years psychologists have studied the effect that colour can have on an individual’s physical and mental state and have found a strong link between colour and emotional response. Colour is a powerful communication tool that can signal action, influence mood and cause physiological reactions. When selecting a colour for your design, it is important to consider that your choice may affect how your brand is viewed and whether you will get the response you intended.

Researchers have found that each colour can trigger certain feelings, effects or messages. That said, personal experience, preference, age, gender and cultural background can also alter the typical response. For example, in some cultures black is considered to be a colour of mourning, while in others, it is white. Another thing to consider is the shade of a given colour. For instance a pale blue can be associated with infancy and babies, while a dark blue may be associated with power and stability.

Below are examples of typical emotions, effects and messages that relate to a given colour:

RED
-Danger
-Important
-Strength
-Anger
-Love
-Energy
-Bold
-Stimulates appetite

Uses  
-To draw attention to important elements as an accent colour
-For bold statements and to create urgency in a retail environment, eg: Sale!

ORANGE
-Lighthearted
-Young
-Courageous
-Fun
-Warm
-Friendly
-Movement
-Health

Uses
-Often used as a call to action when red is too strong
-Relays a friendly, positive message


YELLOW
-Happy
-Energizing
-Stimulates the brain
-Optimism
-Creative
-Hope
-Curiousity

Uses
-To inspire happiness
-Often used for children’s products


BLUE
-Calming
-Power
-Trust
-Established
-Loyalty
-Security
-Cooling
-Peace
-Masculine

Uses
-Popular colour for logos
-People often describe it as their favourite colour
-Curbs appetite
-Encourages productivity
-Used to establish feeling of trust and loyalty


PURPLE
-Creativity
-Royalty
-Success
-Wisdom
-Spiritual
-Calming effect

Uses
-Encourages creativity
-Sometimes used for luxury brands

​
GREEN
-Nature
-Fertility
-Health
-Growth
-New beginnings
-Tranquility
-Abundance
-Reduces anxiety and conveys balance

Uses
-Frequently used for environmental messages
-Health related messages


BROWN
-Earth
-Wood
-Dependable
-Simple
-Warmth
-Utility
-Longevity
-Stability
-Approachability

Uses
-Often used as a neutral background colour
-Conveys feeling of wholesomeness


PINK
-Romance
-Fun
-Youthfulness
-Beauty
-Friendship
-Sweet
-Femininity
-Reduces aggression
-Increases sugar cravings

Uses
-Sometimes used to encourage action
-Often used in messages directed towards women


GREY
-Neutral
-Stable
-Conservative
-Corporate
-Practical
-Timeless
-Calm

Uses
-Works well with other colours
-Communicates longevity
-Often used as a background colour


WHITE
-Clean
-Peace
-Innocent
-Simple
-Purity

Uses
-Creates negatives space in logos
-’White space’ helps other colours and message stand out
-Works well with all other colours


BLACK
-Bold
-Simple
-Evil
-Classic
-Traditional
-Mysterious

Uses
-Messages of sophistication
-Is the standard for text colour
-Often used in modern, bold design
-Works well with other colours


References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-honigman/psychology-color-design-infographic_b_2516608.html 

https://www.verywell.com/color-psychology-2795824

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/28/color-theory-for-designers-part-1-the-meaning-of-color/

http://sbinformation.about.com/cs/advertising/a/colors.htm

© Cathy Vandergeest, RGD, gawck group inc.

gawck's FUNNY SIGN FRIDAY™: A useful sign! Image from: ​http://www.frederiksamuel.com/blog/images/pedigree_bus_bag.jpg

Love the new signs and whole ad campaign for The Vancover Aquarium! Hope Toronto has something fun up their sleeves for the new Ripley's Toronto Aquarium! http://www.buzzfeed.com/copyranter/the-brilliant-ads-of-the-vancouver-aquarium