HOW COLORS INFLUENCE OUR EMOTIONS AND TELL OUR STORY
Have you ever used the saying “I’m feeling blue” or “I’m so angry that I’m seeing red”? Colors are all around us and whether we notice it or not, they really do influence our mood and emotions. As most of you know, I am inspired by the colors around me, which I then like to reflect in my designs. Recently, I have been taking a deep dive into the feelings and emotions that are associated with specific colors. Here’s what I found:
Red: Red is the color of passion and energy! Now this can have both a positive and negative connotation as red is known to evoke strong and fervent emotions of love, excitement, and even anger. Red is also associated with warning - it’s often used to grab our attention, especially in warning signs.
Blue: Blue is my favorite color. I am not sure if it is because I simply love this hue or if it is because of what it is associated with - calmness, serenity, and trust. Just thinking of the soothing effect of a clear blue sky or tranquil waters instantly changes my tune.
Green: Green is the color of nature and growth. It symbolizes balance, harmony, and renewal. Similar to blue, I feel an immense sense of calmness when I take in various green hues around me. Whether it be hiking in the woods and being immersed with the beautiful trees or planting in my garden, green creates a strong sense of tranquility.
Yellow: For me, yellow immediately puts a smile on my face. I mean, it is the color of sunshine and happiness after all! Have you ever noticed how often yellow is used to promote optimism in various marketing techniques? It conveys a warmth and positivity that draws in consumers.
Purple: When I think of purple, my mind immediately thinks of royalty. Purple is associated with luxury, but it is also associated with creativity and spirituality. It is interesting to think about how colors, like purple (and red) can be associated with many different feelings, and still all make sense.
Orange: Similar to yellow, orange equates to happiness. It is a vibrant and energetic color that brings a burst of energy wherever it is.
As I am writing this post, I feel as though I am listing off these colors as being their own individuals. The more I think about it, the more I love this analogy. Colors have their own personalities, bringing life and emotion into each space they enter. These “individuals” play such a crucial role in our lives because they really do influence our emotions and how we take on our day. From calming blues to energizing yellows, all colors have their own story to tell, and that story impacts us all in different ways, which makes our community so rich and unique.
