Introduction
Colour theory explores how colour interacts, blends, and affects human perception.
In this article, we deep dive into colour theory; the basics, the uses, and the psychology behind it all.
Objectives
- The basics of colour theory
- What do we use colour theory for?
- The psychology behind colour theory
The basics of colour theory
Colour theory begins with the colour wheel, a diagram that organises colours based on their relationships.
At the centre of the diagram we have our primary colours; red, yellow, and blue. These are foundational colours that cannot be created by mixing other colours.
From the primary colour we get the secondary colours; orange, green, and purple. We get these by mixing the primary colours.
Then we have the tertiary colours; these come from mixing a primary and secondary colour together. For example, mixing blue and purple to get a shade of violet, or mixing green and blue to get a shade of teal.
The colour wheel can split in half diagonally to separate the colour into warm and cool tones. Our warm tones, reds, oranges, and yellows, represent warmth, energy, and excitement. Our cool tones, blues, greens, and purples, represent calmness, serenity, and peace.
The colour wheel also helps us understand colour harmonies. Complimentary colours, for example, are colours opposite each other on the wheel (like red and green), creating high contrast without clashing.
You can also see analogous colours, colours that are located next to each other on the wheel (blue, teal, green), creating a harmonious and calming effect. Triadic colours are three colours that are evenly spaced on the colour wheel, pairing these creates a vibrant yet well-balanced colour scheme.
What do we use colour theory for?
The obvious answer is: graphic design work!
Colour theory is used in graphic design all the time. Designers utilise to create a visual hierarchy to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight important information.
Designers also use it for things like establishing brand identity, evoking emotions, and improving readability!
However, there are plenty more industries in which colour theory is utilised.
Marketing and Advertising
- Increasing sales: colours can influence purchasing decisions by creating a sense of urgency and desirability.
- Building brand recognition: consistent use of brand colours across all marketing materials helps customers easily identify a brand.
- Targeting specific demographics: colours can be chosen to appeal to particular age groups, genders, or cultural backgrounds.
Interior Design
- Setting the mood: colours can create a specific atmosphere in a space, whether it’s calming, energetic, or sophisticated.
- Maximising space: light colours can make a room feel larger or brighter, while darker colours can make a space feel more intimate.
Fashion Design
- Creating trends: colour choices in clothing can influence popular styles and colour palettes.
- Highlighting features: colours can be used to draw attention to specific parts of a garment or to flatter a wearer’s complexion.
- Expressing personality: fashion choices allow individuals to express their personal style and mood through colour.
Workplace Design
- Boosting employee morale: colour can play a significant role in creating a positive and productive work environment.
- Improving focus and concentration: certain colours, like blue and green, have been shown to enhance focus and reduce stress.
- Enhancing collaboration: colours can be used to create spaces that encourage teamwork and communication.
- Promoting a sense of wellbeing: thoughtful colour choices can create a more comfortable and inviting workplace, leading to increased employee satisfaction.
The psychology behind colour theory
A big part of why colour theory is so important, is due to the psychology behind it! Colours can have a powerful impact on our emotions and perceptions. It's important to note that colour symbolism can vary across cultures. For example, in some cultures associate white with mourning, whilst in others it represents purity.
Here is a detailed breakdown of colours and the emotions they unlock:
| Colour |
Western Cultures |
Eastern Cultures |
African Cultures |
Latin American Cultures |
| Red |
Love, passion, anger, danger |
Luck, prosperity, celebration, happiness |
Death or mourning |
Passion, love, energy, power, religion |
| Orange |
Energy, enthusiasm, warmth, joy |
Love, happiness, good fortune, spirituality |
Warmth, hospitality, a welcoming spirit |
Warmth, the sun, the earth |
| Yellow |
Happiness, optimism, hope, deceit, caution |
Royalty, power, prosperity, spirituality |
Warmth, joy, fertility, wealth, power |
Wealth, prosperity, the sun, loss, mourning |
| Green |
Nature, growth, freshness, harmony, envy, greed |
Fertility, renewal, new life, infidelity |
Fertility, growth, abundance, prosperity |
Nature, growth, hope, loss |
| Blue |
Calm, trust, loyalty, sadness melancholy |
Spirituality, immortality, healing, wealth, nobility, self-betterment |
Spirituality, protection, royalty, elements, harmony, love |
Mourning, hope, trust, tranquility, serenity, freedom, infinity |
| Purple |
Royalty, luxury, spirituality, mystery, creativity |
Spirituality, wisdom, enlightenment, nobility |
Royalty, wealth, spirituality, wisdom, dignity, power, healing |
Loss, mourning, insult |
| White |
Purity, innocence, cleanliness, coldness, sterility |
Loss, mourning, grief, afterlife |
Purity, spirituality, new beginnings |
Purity, peace, innocence |
| Black |
Power, sophistication, mystery, mourning, evil |
Mourning, loss, mystery, power, elegance, prosperity |
Life, death, the spiritual realm |
Masculinity, mourning |
| Brown |
Nature, wholesomeness, dependability, dullness |
Earth, stability, Feng Shui, mourning, loss, humility |
Earth, nature, fertility, the natural world |
Earth, humility, resistance, mourning, social status |
| Grey |
Formality, conservatism, moodiness |
Wisdom, maturity, simplicity, Zen, the beauty of imperfection |
Wisdom, maturity, stability, security, authority, old age, twilight |
Practicality, modesty, wisdom, neutrality, practicality |
| Pink |
Love, femininity, playfulness, calm |
Love, happiness, new beginnings, trust |
Femininity, gentleness, nurturing |
National identity, cultural heritage, femininity, politics |
| Turquoise |
Calmness, clarity, empathy |
Protection, good fortune, spiritual well-being |
Life, fertility, protection, good fortune |
Deities, royalty, ritual, connection to the spiritual realm |
As you can see, colour theory is cross-cultural. Different cultures find different representations in colours, which is important to note when you are utilising colour theory.
Conclusion
Colour theory isn’t just for graphic designers! It can be utilised across multiple industries to achieve success.
It’s important to remember that different cultures view colours in different ways, and this could affect the colour choices you make!
If you want to learn more about design principles and how they could affect your industry, take a look at our design courses!
by Josie Daniel