When it comes to designing a sign with color, there are many elements that you should take into consideration.
In addition to dimensions and height, the lettering, fonts, and images can all mean the difference between very persuasive signage and one that falls flat.
Color is a very important aspect of sign design as
several studies have shown that human beings psychologically react in different ways to different colors. It’s called the “Psychology of Color” and can subconsciously influence people’s behavior and way of thinking.
Nationality, gender, and age can also play an important role in selecting which colors to use. For example, Americans think the color red is exciting and intense, but in some Asian countries, red equates to luck and joy.
We’re going to look at the various colors that can readily influence those who view your signs.
Red
Fast-food restaurants most often use the color red as it indicates hunger. It also creates a sense of urgency and is used by many stores during their sales events. Red has also been shown to increase blood pressure and raise heart rates and is a great choice to express excitement, passion, or something that’s time-sensitive.
Yellow and Orange
The colors yellow and orange are very bright, happy, and cheerful colors. They represent a sense of optimism, warmth, and clarity. Best Buy, Subway, UPS, and McDonald's are just a few examples of companies who incorporate the colors yellow or orange into their branding and signage.
Sometimes the color yellow can sometimes make babies cry, and orange could lead to a heightened sense of anxiety. Many stores will incorporate yellow or orange into their signage to attract impulse buyers.
Blue
The color blue evokes a tranquil response in the human brain as it's often associated with tranquility, peace, and water. Blue can help promote productivity, offer a sense of security, and even help limit appetite. Brands that are looking to promote trust in their products will often choose the color blue.
Purple
Purple is often associated with royalty, creativity, and respect. Many creative agencies or businesses will often use the color purple in their branding or signage.
It can also denote a sense of high quality or luxury, and several high-end fashion brands have used it on their signage over the years.
The 18 to 25-year-old demographic sees the color purple as rebellious and sexy. It works well and compliments such other colors as red, gold, jade green, and turquoise.
Black
The color black is authoritative. It stands for stability, power, and intelligence. It's sometimes interpreted as being related to the mysterious and unknown.
Black works very well for signage that is attempting to create an air of suspense or mystery. It’s the exact opposite of white and viewed as intimidating if left as the dominant color on a sign.
Green
The color green conjures up images of the environment such as nature, trees, and grass. Many health-based businesses use the color green to evoke mental images of good health.
When viewed, it stimulates harmony in the brain and encourages balance which can help prevent procrastination. Many signs will intelligently use the color green on select words to help the potential buyer make a choice.
Design Elements
In addition to color psychology, the shades and contrasts of the colors must also be taken into consideration. For example, eyestrain can set in very quickly when you use two non-complimentary colors.
This is why a
color wheel is used to help find two or more complementary colors which will help readers focus their attention on a particular area or word of the sign.
Brighter colors can also give off a feeling of energy which in turn helps people respond and react more readily. However, if the sign you’re designing has a lot of information then darker colors such as black work very well.
Sign Design in New Bern
At AlphaGraphics New Bern, we’re not only sign experts – but we’re also design and marketing experts. If you need help designing a sign, our resident graphic artists can help you by applying various design and marketing theories. This will help make your sign very impactful upon the intended audience.
To learn more about how
AlphaGraphics of New Bern can produce and design your next project, you may
email us,
request a quote or call us at
(252) 633-3199.