Fundamentals of Psychology of Colors

When was the first time you were introduced to colors? Probably when you were just a toddler. But when was the first time you realized that you want a yellow umbrella, or a red dress, or a black car? Are you trying to recollect? Then it’s great because colors play a very important role in how you present yourself. 

 

Psychology of colors is actually very helpful because if you are running a business it’s important for you to know which colors attract your potential clients. For example, for me, I like my things to be either black or gray. Sometimes red, but mostly black. And that actually makes me feel more inclined to buy products which are black. 

 

My cosmetics are mostly black, electronic gadgets are black and grey, my bed, wardrobe, table are all black. So, in a way websites with black background color will attract me more than a website with colors like green, orange, etc. 

 

Therefore, it’s very important that you know what kind of colors attract your customer base to get the most out of it. Moving on.

 

 

What do you understand by Psychology of Colors?

 

Color is a very effective communication tool that may be used to convey action, alter emotion, and even affect physiological reactions. Certain colors have been linked to higher blood pressure, higher metabolism, and eyestrain.

 

As explained in the article,  the history of colors says a lot, when Albert Einstein proved that white light emits all colors but the most prominent ones are Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red. That’s why when a ray of sunlight passes through a droplet of rain, we see a beautiful rainbow formation in the sky. 

 

While you are reading this article, probably you are at your home, office, or maybe just in a park. Now just think, that the color you are seeing around you, does it affect your mood somehow? 

 

Because as I mentioned before, color can surely affect your physiological reaction. If you were at a party, you would obviously want a lot of lights of different colors to give you a party vibe. 

 

Other than that, why do you think that Holi, the festival of colors, makes us happy? Is it because you get a day off from your work? Well obviously, but another reason is the colors. When you see different colors in the air, some on our face, some on our hair, and colors on our white dress, it makes us happy. It’s the same psychological reaction our brain has when we see a rainbow. 

 

Check out the video on Psychology of Colors in Marketing. 

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Colors and their effect 

 

Since my favorite color is black, I’ll start briefing with Black, followed by Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Orange, White. So let’s dive into the world of colors as described in Very Well Mind.

 

1. Black

 

Scientifically speaking, we know that white emits different colors, whereas black absorbs all colors. That’s why we have a Black Hole in the universe, which sucks up everything that’s near him. Though it’s a dark color and it sounds very negative, actually it’s one of the most sophisticated colors. 

 

Why do you think, that robes of lawyers or judges are always black? Also, when it comes to fashion, black has been a promising color. Whether it’s a party or gala, people will choose Black as their desired outfit color. 

 

Even one of the most well-known business tycoons wears a black turtleneck. Does the name Steve Jobs ring a bell? Also, Batman and Black Widow wear black outfits, which are really cool and classy. 

 

On the other hand, black also shows remorse. Because according to western culture, people often wear black when they are at a funeral. The color is considered to be unlucky in most regions. It varies from culture to culture. 

 

And often something bad is related to black like black magic, black market, blackmail, etc. Although in the end, it depends on you about perceiving your choice of color.

 

2. Blue

 

It is one of the most preferred colors by people because scientists say that blue color has a calming sense to your nerves. Why do you think that when you are underneath the sky on a clear breezy morning, looking up in the sky, makes you feel at peace? 

 

The sky is blue, and because of reflection, the water bodies look blue. That’s why Earth is often called the blue planet. It is one of the safest colors to use when you are promoting your business. 

 

The conservation and safety of water bodies are represented by the color blue. Even the technology is represented with the color blue. Here’s an article for you to learn about the role of technology in business.

 

Among all the positive notes of blue, we sometimes feel blue. This means that we are feeling low and kind of exhausted. That’s why after a fresh weekend we often face Monday blues, and we refrain from doing something productive. It’s a stereotype, but often blue is associated with men which I don’t think many of us will agree. 

 

3. Green

 

Wow, Green makes me happy. Indian Flag has the color green which represents the greenery we found on our land. This color represents a lot of things. Whenever we see something affirmative we think of the color green. 

 

On roads, the color green would always mean to go forward which is a damn positive thing about the color. Other than that, our plants and trees are all green which makes us really close to our nature. 

 

It’s just a phrase, but we have heard about turning “green with envy”. That’s why in Spiderman, we have a villain named the green goblin because of his envious acts. Stan Lee didn’t just name it because it’s a comic. He named it because of the phrase. Isn’t that interesting?

 

4. Red

 

It is one of my favorite colors, so I can go on and on about all the positive things it denotes. For example, we all look damn bold, when we wear something in red. Why do you think Scarlet Witch aka Wanda looks damn cool wearing her red outfit? 

 

Even the logo of Marvel Cinematic Universe is red. I do refer a lot to superhero movies. But in reality, we see red everywhere. Most importantly, the color of our blood is red. Roses are red and it is considered one of the most beautiful flowers. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a Wedding Anniversary, red denotes the color of love.

 

That’s one part, but psychologically speaking red often causes people to get angry. The danger is denoted by the color red. As red has a high wavelength, so to denote urgency in a case of danger, people tend to use red to alert everyone. So, it is kind of both. 

 

5. Yellow

 

Yellow's impacts may, of course, be quite diverse and complicated. This hue does not elicit the same reaction in everyone. Some may find it bright and joyful, while others may find it annoying and obnoxious. Some may identify it with a nice summer day, while others may connect it with negative memories or connotations.

 

Yellow, as the lightest color in the spectrum, is uplifting and bright, bringing optimism, pleasure, and joy. It's a cheery and pleasant hue that lifts people's moods by instilling a sense of brightness and fun. Too much yellow, on the other hand, can generate worry, uneasiness, fear, agitation, and conflict, especially in persons who are already upset.

 

6. Orange

 

It is crucial to realize that the color orange's meaning and connections are not universal. Cultural variations frequently influence how individuals see color. People in the United States may connect orange with prison clothes, yet in other nations, the hue is associated with monarchy and spirituality.

 

It is an eye-catching hue that stands out visually, which is why it is frequently used for traffic signs and advertising. Longer-wavelength hues, such as orange and red, have been found in studies to increase arousal.

 

7. White

 

Evening when I am writing about white, I already feel at peace. White has a really calming effect on us. It can emit different colors, that’s what makes it so special. Cleanliness, purity, and elegance are just a few of the good ideas that white may express. White appears to be a blank slate, representing a new chapter or a fresh start.

 

In Hindu culture, white is often worn to symbolize funerals. White, on the other hand, might appear harsh, frigid, and solitary. Consider how a vast, white, empty space might appear monotonous, bland, and harsh. 

 

Also Read | All About Green Marketing

 

 

Conclusion

 

Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams. - Paul Gauguin

 

Of course, the colors we choose are frequently impacted by variables such as pricing, selection, and other practical considerations. Furthermore, color preferences might shift over time.

 

When a person is younger, they may favor brighter, more attention-grabbing hues, but as they become older, they are drawn to more conventional colors. Color choosing can be influenced by the buyer's persona.

 

As an influencer or a businessperson look into top digital marketing tools.