Colour Theory

The Meaning of Colour:

People's opinions on the meaning of colour, and their psychological and emotional responses to it, are extremely subjective, and even though there are some constants, the deeper meaning behind each one goes much further and varies between cultures.Warm colours as a whole tend to be more energizing and positive, while cool ones lean towards a calmer, more relaxed feeling, and when looking at non primaries, it's important to understand that the colour can take on the traits of the primaries it was mixed with.

• Red- while we typically associate red with passion, anger, violence, etc., it is good to note that it also shows importance. Use as the colour for 'the Red Carpet' at events and things such as stop signs to show danger are examples of this. In other cultures, especially in non western ones, red may also have some other meanings you would want to be aware of. In China, red is the colour of prosperity and happiness, and in South Africa, it is the colour of mourning.

• Orange- it is a very vibrant colour, and in its muted forms it may be linked with autumn, and the change that comes with it. In its purer forms, it may symbolize health and vitality.

• Yellow- it is usually considered the brightest and most energetic of the colours, and with that comes a sense of cheerfulness, but on the other side of the spectrum it may also mean deceit and cowardice (think of the meaning behind calling someone 'yellow'). It is sometimes used to mean hope, as well. In Japan, yellow is the colour of courage, and in Egypt it is the colour of mourning.

• Green- green is a very grounding colour, reminding us of nature and renewal, but it may also trigger the feelings of greed and envy because of its relation to money. Jealously is also something it sometimes gives off. Green has some of the calming effects that blue has, but also incorporates some of the energy of yellow, so it is a happy medium if you are trying to go both directions.

• Blue- because of its connotations in the English language, many of us think of sadness when it comes to blue. It is important to note, however, that it is changed depending on the exact hue and shade used. Light blues that remind us of the sky may be relaxing, bright blue would be more energetic, and darker blues could represent strength.

• Violet- while violet has been long linked with royalty, it is associated with imagination and creativity as well. Darker violets may mean wealth, and lighter violets (especially lavender) are typically associated with romance. 

• Black- black is the strongest of the neutral colours, and is often associated with power and formality. On the other side of the spectrum, it made mean death and evil. As most of us know, black is the traditional mourning colour for most western countries.

• White- white is on the opposite side of black, but like black, it works well with just about any colour. It is often associated with purity and health. In design, white is usually considered a neutral back drop that lets the other colours speak, but it is also great for conveying cleanliness and simplicity.

• Gray- gray is a neutral colour, generally considered on the cool end of the colour spectrum. It is important to note, though, that depending on its hue, that may change. It may be associated with moodiness or calmness.

• Brown- Like the dirt we stand on, brown is usually associated with the Earth, and it represents dependability and stability. On that note however, it may also be considered dull by some.

• Beige and Tan- these colours had the stability of brown and the coolness of white, and are usually used as backgrounds. Like brown, however, it may come off as dull.

• Ivory- ivory invokes the feeling of history and calmness, and is sometimes used in place of white to get a warmer feeling.

In short:

1. Red: Passion, Love, Anger
2. Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality
3. Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Deceit
4. Green: New Beginnings, Abundance, Nature
5. Blue: Calm, Responsible, Sadness
6. Purple: Creativity, Royalty, Wealth
7. Black: Mystery, Elegance, Evil
8. Gray: Moody, Conservative, Formality
9. White: Purity, Cleanliness, Virtue
10. Brown: Nature, Wholesomeness, Dependability
11. Tan or Beige: Conservative, Piety, Dull
12. Cream or Ivory: Calm, Elegant, Purity

Sources:

Chapman, Cameron. "Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color – Smashing Magazine." Smashing Magazine. N.p., 27 Jan. 2010. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.