Color Psychologyfor North America

HISTORY

Color psychology goes back to Carl Jung who studied colors as a tool for psychotherapy.

This led to the basic principles of color therapy which are generally accepted today.

Color has a specific meaning Color causes behavior Color influence is automatic A person perceiving a color automatically evaluates it, the

evaluation of a color causes the behavior induced by the color

The meaning of a color is affected by context.

COLOR IS A POWERFUL TOOL

Note:Researchers have found that up to 90% of snap judgments are made based on color alone.(refer to: First Impressions - Nonverbal Communication)

Extroverts favor red

Introverts prefer blue

Intellectuals like yellow

COLOR SYMBOLISM

Notes:Color Psychology is one of the most controversial aspects of marketing – like most marketing color usage can be hard to measure because of personal preferences, experiences, upbringing, cultural differences, context, etc., these influences often muddy the effect individual colors have on an individual.Yet color phycology is strongly used when branding a company and packaging a product.

RED

If you wear red, you are energetic and competitive

Wear a red accent piece when you want to present yourself as bold and dynamic. Red is solid, powerful and consistent

Red is the most effective at enhancing our attention to detail

Red is also associated with the Republican Party

Donald Trump

Notes:Red can boost your confidence if you are attending a function or interview where you feel unsure of yourself.(wear a red tie when speaking to owners and upper management of corporations)

PINK

Pink is a quiet color, lovers of beauty favor pink.

If you wear pink, you have an understanding, sympathetic, affectionate and loving nature.

Wear pink when you want to present yourself as

a peaceful, calm, and not threatening.

Donald Trump

Notes:Wear a soft shade of pink, darker shades will elevate feelings of friction.(FYI: A pink carnation means "I will never forget you")

ORANGE

People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere.

Orange is a power color

Orange stimulates enthusiasm and creativity

If you wear orange, you are action oriented and competent.

Orange can bring about the willingness to embrace new ideas with enjoyment and exploration.

Senator Ron Wyden

Notes:Wearing orange during times of stress, or shock can help to balance your emotions.

YELLOW

Yellow symbolizes creative, intelligence, wisdom, and joy.

Wear yellow to present a cheery, uplifting effect.

Yellow helps improve memory and decision making.

Donald Trump

Notes:Yellow is the easiest color to see (people who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow)

GREEN

Green symbolizes self-respect, learning, strength and cheerfulness.

If you wear green, you are benevolent and service oriented.

House Speaker John Boehner

Notes:Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use anywhere use green. Friday is the day of green.

BLUE

Blue will relax and encourage feelings of peace.

Wear dark blues for serious, stable, calm, and conservative.

Blue will help to make communication and remembering information easy.

Blue is associated with the Democratic Party

Wear Navy Blue for Central US sales meetings

Notes:(wear a blue tie when speaking to the working class)

PURPLE

Purple can have a negative effect when used during depression.

Purple increases personal thought, profound insights, and understanding.

If you wear purple, you have deep feelings, intelligent and are self-reliant

Donald Trump

BROWN

People who prefer brown are often conventional and orderly.

Wear brown clothing if you want to appear down to earth

Brown can hide your true nature and show no direction

Wear a Tan or Beige jacket for West Cost sales meetings

Barack Obama

Notes:brown and beige suits on men also make them appear old fashioned, and out dated

WHITE

White means kindness and clean.

Wear white to impart a pure, well-balanced, positive, wholesome impression.

Donald Trump

Notes:Surround yourself with white if you want to refresh your mind.

BLACK

If you wear black, you have self-control, discipline, strong-will, stubborn, and inflexible.

Dress in black if you want to become inconspicuous

Wear Black for US East Coast sales meetings

GRAY

Gray portrays responsibility, security, maturity and dependability.

If you wear gray, you are a very self-sufficient individual, excellent self-control.

Notes:People who favor gray can be narrow-minded.