How
to use color to your advantage
What
an amazing process!
Light
is reflected off different surfaces which then passes
through the eye's cornea and pupil.
It
then forms an image on the retina at the back of the
eye which the brain then translates and registers as a
colored object.
This
in turn stimulates the optical nerve system.
Colors
have varying wavelengths.
Reds,
oranges, yellows have long wavelengths.
Green
is neutral.
Blues
through to violets have short wavelengths.
The
long wavelengths stimulate and energize
us.
The
short wavelengths calm and slow down.
Walk
into a predominantly red room and you will
experience an increase in pulse and heart rate.
Walk
into a blue room and you begin to feel calm and
at peace as your heart and pulse rate slow
down.
Conclusion:
Color does things to you - either negatively or
positively depending on the circumstances.
In
view of this, how important that we at least gain a
rudimentary understanding of what colors do to us so
we can employ them to work for us.
When
it comes to image building, business, personal
success, color can make a huge difference.
If
you want to be taken seriously, you don't want a color
scheme which evokes images of leisure and youth.
On
the other hand, if you want to portray a relaxed,
casual image, you don't want colors which produce a
heavy corporate image.
The
color scheme should COMPLEMENT not CONTRADICT
your image. So
what is the first step in making color work for
you?
First,
decide on the image you want to project for
yourself or your business.
Do
you want it to be: Conservative? Trendy? Futuristic?
Modern? Stable? Natural? Healthy? Inviting?
Surprising? Startling?
Once
your image is decided seek out the colors that
will enhance or project that 'feel'.
Here
is a brief overview of the main color characteristics.
You
will notice they can include a wide range of emotions
depending on the strength of the color and the
particular hue it comes in.
| |
RED
Strong Emotions
Warmth
Love
Anger
Danger
Boldness
Excitement |
|
|
ORANGE
Spicy
Cheerful
Sunny
Low Cost
Affordability
Cheap |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
YELLOW
Attention grabbing
Comfortable
Upbeat
Lively
New
Unusual
Cowardly |
|
|
GREEN
Durability
Reliability
Environmental
Luxurious
Renewal
Optimism
Well-being |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
BLUE
Calming
Constancy
Loyalty
Reliability
Honor
Melancholy
Boring
|
|
|
PURPLE
Power
Royalty
Elegance
Artificial
Overwhelming |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
GRAY
Conservative
Traditional
Intelligent
Expensive
Serious
Dull
Uninteresting
|
|
|
BROWN
Relaxing
Confident
Casual
Natural
Reassuring
Earthy |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
BLACK
Sophistication
Elegance
Sex
Formality
Strength
Illegality
Depression
Morbid
|
|
|
WHITE
Cleanliness
Purity
Innocence
Quality
Simplicity
Classic
Sterility
Disposable |
Big
business has been harnessing the power of color
for decades.
Things
have come a long way since Henry Ford's remark that
customers could have his Model T automobile in any
color they wished "as long as it was black"!
Colors
are now strongly identified with products and
companies with a resultant band of loyal customers and
supporters.
Why
not take a few moments to examine if you are using
this powerful tool to the full in your
appearance, home, office or belongings.
For
help on how to become adept at using color, Mimi
Cooper's paperback "Color Smart" is
definitely recommended reading.
You
will gain valuable suggestions you can immediately use
in your dress choice and business environment.
