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Communicating through Color: How the Medium is the Message

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PR pros are typically renowned for their writing, speaking, and strategizing capabilities, not graphic design skills.  While it's important for us to delegate the graphic arts craft to those with the appropriate talent, training, and experience, it's nonetheless important to understand how color can influence your message and how it's interpreted by your audience.

So, the next time you're creating collateral communications materials or anything else with a flair beyond the black-and-white, keep this guide at hand.  It'll help you pick the very best tones to reinforce the message your working to communicate and help build its acceptance with your audience.

ColorObservationsEmotions CommunicatedEffect on MoodBrands with Signature Color
Red
 
Most exciting color.Power, speed, vibrance, passion, energy, courageKnown to escalate body's metabolism.  Empowering.Target, Coca-Cola, Red Cross
Pink
 
Considered a color of equilibrium.Romance, harmony, femininitySoothes and promotes affection.  Can be used as a tranquilizer and aid sleep.  Replenishes/rebuilds.Barbie, Mary Kay,
Race for the Cure
Orange
 
Color of energy.Originality, boldness, adventureGentle warming effect when used lightly.Cingular, Nickelodeon,
Home Depot
Yellow
 
Color of intellect and mental stimulation.Attention-grabbing, cheerful, confidentCheers.Yellow Pages, Taxis, Kodak
Green
 
Color of harmony and balance.Natural, quiet, sereneA peaceful feeling.  Brighter shades are stimulating and uplifting while dark green is calm and quiet.John Deere, Starbucks, BP
Blue
 
Color of truth.Calming, authoritative, quality, leadershipLight blue soothes while dark blue conveys dignity.IBM, AT&T
Most popular corporate color
Purple
 
Color of introspect.Royalty, spiritualityConveys distinguishment, separate from the fray. FedEx, Barney, Yahoo
Brown
 
Associated today with taste and sophistication.Confident yet restful and quiet.Sensual color.Harry and David
Black
 
Elegant, sophisticated, clean, simple, understatedBraun, Adidas, DKNY
Grey
 
NeutralGood second color
White
 
Pure, innocence, neutral,
non-descript
Fine Restauruants
Gold
 
Permanence, wealthGodiva
Silver
 
Color of peace and persistence.High-tech, forward lookingSharper Image, Panasonic

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