JD Photography

I bought a yellow and red sweeter because I thought I would look fantastic. The yellow popped and the red line accents had me hooked. I soon found out, from my wife, that I should stick to neutral tones and stay away from vibrant colors.

I’ve always loved colors that pop. They grab your attention, because they demand attention. Colors have meaning. Colors have purpose. We all have a favorite color because that color speaks to us.

Cath Caldwell writes in Graphic Design for Everyone, “Humans react powerfully on an emotional level to colors. Research has shown that there is consistency in the responses people have to colors; for example, warmer colors (red, orange, yellow) generally stimulate, while cooler colors (blue, indigo, violet) are calming.”

A designer’s use of color to elicit a response is one of the greatest tools available. To understand colors, I find, to be one of the most difficult because color is like a language all its own.

Look at the color Red. Jacob Olsen writes on his website, http://www.color-meanings.com, “The color of passion and energy. Red draws attention like no other color and radiates a strong and powerful energy that motivates us to take action. It is also linked to sexuality and stimulates deep and intimate passion. Red is ubiquitously used to warn and signal caution and danger.”

I find red to be tricky. One color can express both love and danger, maybe that’s by design. I can be so angry I can see red or love so passionately it burns red hot.

Caldwell writes, “Although interpretations vary hugely, color is used all over the world to symbolize collective values. Red, for instance, means love and passion to many but is also the color of blood, conflict, and revolution.”

Olesen again writes, “In terms of cultural meaning, red is a sign of good fortune in China. During wedding ceremonies, many Chinese brides don a red dress in the hopes that a fulfilling marriage will follow. Indian cultures subscribe to this same notion. Their belief is that red signifies purity, which explains why this color is often worn by newlyweds.”

The article How Translating Colors Across Cultures Can Help You Make a Positive Impact, published on eriksen.com points out that “in former Eastern European Bloc countries, red can still evoke associations of communism.”

“During the Joseon period, people wore bright colors like red, yellow, and blue during weddings, festivals, and shamanistic rites performed for the benefit of the community. These colors helped announce the people’s cheerful mood to the whole world,” writes Olesen.

Blue, like red, can have different interpretations. We say we’re blue when sad. If something is out of the blue it is unexpected. If it’s once in a blue moon it very rare.

“The color of trust and loyalty. Blue has a calming and relaxing effect on our psyche, that gives us peace and makes us feel confident and secure. It dislikes confrontation and too much attention, but it is an honest, reliable and responsible color and you can always count on its support,” writes Olsen.

Johnny McAwley writes in his article What does the color blue mean in Korea? “The popularity of blue as a primary color holds in Oriental Korea as well. A personal favorite of many, it’s seen on significant cultural symbols and landmarks. Fun fact, Koreans saw blue and green as variations of the same color and had only a single word to describe them. This is a surprising fact as blue grew to symbolize many important things in Korean culture.”

Other important aspects pointed out by McAwley of the color blue in Korean culture are:
· Blue is one of the five Obangsaek or traditional colors of Korea. The other colors include red, yellow, white, and black.
· Both North and South Korean flags have parts of blue on them.
· The traditional Korean Taegeuk symbol, the concept of Yin and Yang, is a harmonious circle of red and blue.
· The Korean unification flag shows a blue silhouette of the Korean Peninsula, with no divisions, against a white background.
· The Azure Dragon or Blue Dragon is a legendary guardian creature that is of significance in most East Asian countries. In Korea, it’s known as Cheongnyong and has its unique origin story.

Eriksen notes that, “Blue is tied to immortality, spirituality, and heaven in Eastern cultures. And in Hinduism, the color is associated with Krishna, who embodies love and divine joy.”

Show me the green means showing me the money. Going green means environmentally conscience.

“The color of harmony and health. Green is a generous, relaxing color that revitalizes our body and mind. It balances our emotions and leaves us feeling safe and secure. It also gives us hope, with promises of growth and prosperity, and it provides a little bit of luck to help us along the way,” writes Olesen.

“In China, green can also indicate infidelity, where the expression “wearing a green hat” means a man is being cheated on by his wife. (No self-respecting man wears a green hat in China,)” writes Eriksen.

The proper pairing of colors is crucial in design. Combinations with either clash or complement.

Caldwell writes, “Color is not fixed or consistent – we perceive it differently depending on its context or surroundings. Understanding how colors interact with each other will help you use color with maximum impact in your designs.”

My beloved yellow sweeter disappeared. I would find out that my step-daughter got rid of it so I wouldn’t wear it again. When my wife told me to stick to neutral tones is because she has a better understanding of color coordination that I do. This is a work in progress. What I do know is that I will not buy another yellow sweeter.