Monday 13 February 2012

The Colour of Romance - Happy Valentines Day

When I think of Valentine's Day the colour red paints my mind. Romance, hearts, love. Colour is an important part of design; brand in particular. Brand, such a broad term, but can be catagorize into business visual touch points - your logo, print media and, of course, the web. Even though I've explored this subject in depth, each time I'm putting together or revamping a brand I'll question the colour, what's it's purpose and what type of emotion may it evoke in people.

Blue is a trusted colour and overpowers business on the webs world stage (see colourlovers.com/business article) and image below. Black represents stability and strength, red is attention grabbing etc... for more insight view Color Psychology and Marketing, Color Psychology & Do Different Colours affect your mood?

Colour should never be under estimated.

A colours emotional impact should definitely be embraced if you want to create a certain feel to your brand and lasting impression. For example purple, black, gold or silver usually represent quality & hungry colours of yellow & red are widely used in fast food restaurants (the world most successful small business, McDonalds, got it right).

Here's a couple of colours I relate certain qualities and situations. 

Black. A wardrobe stable in business and evening attire... especially on a non skinny day:)

I always design a logo in black first. If a logo looks great in it's most simplistic form (black & white, large or tiny) you have something special.

In oil painting, I avoid ivory black (basically because a school teacher told me too), for if not used carefully it can overpower a painting (and it's slow to dry)... I like this articles take on it.

Pink. A feminine favourite of mine. The memories, calmness and free spirit of childhood... summer pastel pink dresses and ribbons, crisp bed linen sheets, fairy floss and as a women girly lip gloss, japanese & indian blossoms or roses, perfumes, cupcakes...

What colour/s have an effect on you? What makes a colour your favourite or makes you loathe it?

 

Sunday 12 February 2012

Pinterest - Virtual Inspiration

For my inspiration fix I used to visit Borders & lose myself in the countless books & global magazines. Borders (location near us) has since closed its doors and another has opened. Pinterest! (an online virtual pin board where you can organise and share things you love... whether you're a designer looking for inspiration, a business wanting to showcase your product range or planning a personal wedding  ... check out this article for a little more insight into what it's about or go straight to Pinterest, request an invite and lose yourself in the things you love:)