Blue is the colour
Posted in Blue, Branding, colour, colour - psychology, colour and branding, colour education, colour training, Graphic design, graphic design colour, Interior design on November 14th, 2012 by Bernay“Blue sky thinking”, “feeling blue”, “wild blue yonder”, “bolt from the blue”. What does blue mean to you?
Trend forecasting agencies and commercial companies such as Dulux are predicting blue as colour for 2013. Whilst Dulux promote Indigo as their colour of the year, colour trend forecaster Global Mix observe the migration of blue from turquoise and sky blue through to a deep petrol blue.
Often cited as the worlds’ favourite colour, blue can appear to have calming reflective qualities. Strong blues stimulate clear thought, a useful colour where intelligence, logic and communication are required. Lighter and softer blues calm the mind.
Trust and efficiency are qualities often associated with blue and perhaps therefore why it is a colour that is so often synonymous with corporate branding. The lighter, brighter blue of Barclays bank logo seems friendly and appealing, but is it the right kind of blue which tells us that they can be trusted with our money? The strong mid blue of the NHS logo and darker Boots blue look more business-like and efficient.
Blue can also be accused of appearing cold and unfriendly. Ideally I think using more than one colour in a brand logo offers an opportunity to communicate more than one message. For example, I like the Robert Dyas logo. Here a deep teal blue is used with a more vibrant green and lighter blue. There’s something both reassuring and trustworthy about this combination given by the brighter, friendly green and earthier blue.
Would you like to find out more about colour? For design profressionals or colour enthusiasts – 3 new course dates for 2013!
Click on the links for more information:
Exploring colour in your world – one day workshop 26th January Guildford, Surrey
Earlybird booking by 21st December – save £30!
Colour psychology for graphic design and communication – 2 day course 17th & 18th January Guildford, Surrey
Earlybird booking by 14th December – save £40!
Colour psychology for interior design – 2 day course 21st & 22nd February Guildford, Surrey
Earlybird booking by 18th January – save £40!






















