Lesson 5: Colour Theory, Part II

What can be said in general about warm colours?

Warm colours range from reds, to hot pinks, to oranges, and to yellows. These colours give a sense of energy, joy, and warmth. Warm colours also help with appetite. (Picture by me)

What can be said in general about cool colours?

Cool colours range from purples, to blues, to teals, and to greens. Cool colours create a sense of productivity, tranquility, coolness, and calmness. Cool colours are usually used in interiors to increase efficiency for going through thinking processes. (Picture by me)

Which colour is associated with stability?

Blue is usually associated with stability and reliability because the colour psychologically creates a calming and trusting effect when looked at. Several sociology and psychology experiments have indicated that although not direct, blue does have a subliminal effect on the subconscious and increases productivity. This is why it is usually used in corporate branding design.

Blue eliminates the feeling of claustrophobia as it has a relaxing effect and helps increase productivity.

Which colour symbolises royalty?

In my opinion and from what I've observed, primary and secondary colours can be used to symbolise royalty and have been used as such throughout the ages. However, one notable colour would be Tyrian Purple, which is known as Imperial Purple or Royal Purple. It used to be derived from Murex Snails, and clothes dyed this colour could only be worn by people of notable ranking.

Tyrian Purple

Murex Snail Shells. The dye was derived from the snails, however.

Another suitable colour (locally) for royalty would be yellow, which signifies 'kedaulatan', and used to be exclusively worn by royalty here.

Which is the colour of cleanliness?

The colour of cleanliness is white. It symbolises purity, innocence, and on a certain level, luxury as well. It gives a sense of order, peace, spaciousness and balance. White is a tough colour to wear as it requires the wearer to be super careful to avoid staining his or her clothes, but looks effortlessly chic.

Which colour symbolises freshness?

Freshness is highly correlated with nature, and nature is usually associated with the colour green. Besides that, freshness also reflects health, as most vegetables, which are good for health, are green.

Wet lettuce is commonly used in advertisements to signify freshness. The fact that it is wet creates an element of thirst for the consumer. Also, even if the product is unhealthy (like a burger), advertising a fresh lettuce is effective in attracting customers.

Which colours are associated with joy?

Warm, bright, colours are usually associated with joy. In my opinion, there are two colours which strongly reflect joy. One of them being yellow, and the other, salmon pink. These two colours are popular for spring/summer womenswear, as these two seasons are the most joyful of the year.

Which colour symbolises passion and danger?

Red symbolises passion and danger. It is commonly used in warning signs as it attracts attention and on a subconscious level, tells us to be cautious. It is also the colour of blood and roses, which has signified passion, romance, and fertility throughout the ages.

Red lips create the impression of a strong, independent, daring, yet passionate and feminine woman.

Red when worn implies someone who laughs at the face of danger, yet has complete control of his or her life. It also signifies that one is very passionate when it comes to work or play.

— Hidayah