Why Branding Colors Matter
& How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Brand
let’s talk about color…
The meaning of colors according to psychology and how they affect the message you send to potential clients
Did you know that every color carries a meaning and the palette you choose speaks volumes about your business and brand objectives? It might seem like a heavy burden to place on colors, but this is science, so bear with me. I'm clearly a creative (not a scientist), but we can all agree that colors evoke different emotions. Colors have the power to influence our energy and communicate aspects of ourselves we haven't yet articulated.
Through this blog, we're going to cover each color. We'll explore what different colors make us feel and think, and how they fit into the puzzle that is your brand's identity. This isn't just about making things look good; it's about making your brand resonate and communicate on a whole new level with your audience.
Get ready to see how the strategic use of color can change the game for how people perceive your business.
Black
Imagine standing in the quiet of the night, dressed so fine you are feeling yourself! Black is the mystery of the night sky that embodies boldness, confidence, timeless elegance, and an edge that cuts sharply through the noise.
Black is direct and brings that direction to a brand with its ability to be deep and simple at the same time. When you choose black in your branding, it offers a statement of presence and confidence. It's the color of infinite possibilities and, when highlighted, can give that same feeling of freedom to those looking at you.
Iconic brands like Nike and Chanel harness the power of black; showing their commitment to excellence, and their unparalleled ability to transcend the ordinary.
For birth workers and creatives, black can be your bold declaration. Choosing black says, "Here, strength is celebrated, your choices matter, and authenticity is honored." It invites your audience into a space where they can trust you’ve got it taken care of. It also offers you a chance to stand boldly in your truth!
Direct
Deep
Mysterious
Confident
Freedom
White
Imagine stepping into an open space of endless possibilities, where simplicity meets your senses and actually makes you feel more calm. White is the whisper of morning, a color that embodies the essence of classicality and purity.
White offers a blank slate, a space where your viewers are invited to share their own thoughts and see themselves reflected in the heart of your brand. It feels quiet in a world of a million ideas. In its minimalism, it offers clarity and calmness, offering space to those already overwhelmed by the world’s relentless demands.
White speaks of gentleness, yet carries the weight of timelessness. White is the color for brands that command authority not through loudness, but through the profound power of simplicity and brightness.
Apple harnesses the power of white like no other; it uses this color to carve out a space of innovation and creativity. White is their silent yet bold declaration that in simplicity lies the ultimate sophistication. It invites the creative world to build upon a foundation that is both open and boundless.
For birth workers and creatives, use white to say, "Here, we embrace the purity of intention, the clarity of keeping things simple, and the calmness of a gentle yet authoritative voice." It welcomes your audience into a space where they can find peace, inspiration, and the freedom to imagine a choice untainted by too much complexity.
Simplicity
Calm
Endless possibilities
Classic
Purity
Blue
Imagine the serene vibes of water, the soothing rhythm of waves – that's blue for you, bringing calm to the stormiest of days. It’s like having a cup of herbal tea in color form, telling your audience, "Relax, you're in safe hands. Blue wraps professionalism and trust in a cozy blanket of maturity and security.
Ever noticed how it's the go-to color for giants like Facebook and Ford? They’re onto something! For birth workers and creatives crafting their brand identity, blue can be your ally if your goal is evoking an energy that says, "Trust me, I’ve got this."
So, as you play with your palette, remember blue offers your viewer calm, confidence, and dependability. Perfect for those looking to blend professionalism with a touch of holistic healing and creativity.
Serene
Soothing
Professionalism
Confidence
Dependability
Yellow
Imagine a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day, a pop of happiness and optimism. Yellow is the life of the party, bringing a playful, youthful vibe to any brand's identity.
Yellow is a great way to show the world that your brand has a happy dance every time someone inquires. It lifts spirits, sparks creativity, and promises a good time. Think of the carefree laughter – that’s the essence of yellow. It’s no wonder that it lights up the logo of brands like Post-It.
For birth workers and creatives, yellow is like a best friend who brings out your brightest side. It tells your audience, "Here’s a place where joy blooms and positivity grows." Choose yellow if you want to infuse your brand with a sense of warmth, energy, and an irresistible invitation to connect.
Optimism
Carefree
Youthful
Joy
Warmth
Green
Imagine feeling grounded to the earth and hopeful sitting under the shade of a big oak tree. Green is the heartbeat of nature, a color that nurtures organic vibes, healing energy, and authenticity.
Green fills a brand with life and infuses it with realness. It's the color of renewal, offering a homey space of calm and a groundwork of trust. With its roots tangled in the richness of the earth, green speaks to those seeking sacred space and rejuvenation in the world's hustle. It sends vibes of optimism, stability, and yes, the prosperity that comes from a deep connection to well-being and wealth.
Iconic brands like Whole Foods and Starbucks know the power of green; they wear it like a statement to their quality, natural-mindedness, and intention for nurturing human connections.
For birth workers and creatives, let green be a guided intention. Choosing green says, "Here, growth is nurtured, healing is embraced, and come as you are." It invites your audience into a space where they can breathe deeply and stay awhile.
Nurturing
Healing
Authenticity
Stability
Prosperity
Red
Imagine dancing around the fire and releasing all those expectations the world has on you. Red is boldness when everyone expects you to be something else. It’s the essence of emotion, wrapping every feeling from the warmth of love to the urgency of need.
Red speaks in the language of the heart, echoing the life force that courses through our veins. It stands in its own power, commanding attention by just being there. Red captures the complexities of passion, desire, and the raw intensity of the human spirit, inviting your audience to engage with something that goes beyond your brand— right to the heart of the experience you offer.
Brands like Coca-Cola, Netflix, and McDonald’s use the power of red to become iconic. They want you to “need them” and they tell you in every part of their branding that “you do”
For birth workers and creatives, embracing red is embracing potent emotions. Choosing red says, "Here, we ignite the flames of who we actually are, nurture our bond, and stand firm in our power." It’s an invitation to your audience to feel deeply, to be moved, and to connect with your brand on a level that transcends.
Bold
Power
Attention
Energy
Passion
Pink
Imagine the early morning sky or smell of your family flower garden. Pink is whimsical, feminine, and positive. It doesn’t ask a lot but makes you feel that welcome and softness many of us long for at our core.
Pink feels like hope, friendship, and a way to reconnect to childhood or our playful memories. It offers that light-heartedness of growing up while weaving connections that are as gentle as they are profound. Pink has the unique power to disarm and charm, inviting your audience into a space of comfort, warmth, and unspoken understanding.
Pink means embracing an ethos of joy, nurturing, and the quiet strength that lies in vulnerability and openness. Brands like T-Mobile and Victoria's Secret have harnessed the vibrancy of pink in their own distinct way but both use that feeling for friendship and bonding to bring their message across.
For birth workers and creatives, choosing pink means establishing yourself with the feminine and showing the world your open heart to friendship with gentle strength and optimistic warmth. Choosing pink says, "We want to be friends! And we celebrate your softness and vulnerability." It’s an invitation to your audience to revel in the joy of innocent love where they never get their heart broken 😛 creating a space where everyone is welcome.
Openness
Feminine
Soft
Friendship
Gentle strength
Orange
Imagine sitting at sunset with your absolute best friend, your kindred spirit. Doesn’t matter what you are doing but you are having a great time at the best part of the day. Orange epitomizes the spirit of deep friendship that goes beyond kindness but sees you for who you truly are and loves you even so. Orange is lively but always brings that sense of warmth and welcome that's hard to resist.
Orange's connection to the zest of citrus also embodies the energy of playfulness and comfort. It's the perfect companion for brands that nourish the body and soul.
Orange is where everyone feels at home. Brands like Home Depot and Nickelodeon have tapped into the vibrant and friendly energy of orange to stand out, while offering a warm and engaged experience.
For birth workers and creatives, including orange in your brand means welcoming your audience into a space filled with connection. Orange tells people, "You just found your bestie and they want you to feel understood." It's an open invitation to feel a part of something truly deep and unique.
Playfulness
Comfort
Deep friendship
Vibrancy
Home
Purple
Imagine those dark colors covering the sky just as the sun sets before the night takes over. There is typically a glorious pop of purple that blends the day from the night. It’s a spiritual experience if you really sit back and feel the depth of it. “I think it pisses God off if you walk past the color purple.. and don’t notice it” ~ Alice Walker, the author of ‘The Color Purple’
Purple breathes inspiration into a brand, often harnessing a depth many other colors aren’t able to reach. It's the color of royalty and reminds the eye of time and history. Purple speaks to the human yearning to experience something unique and to touch something a bit other worldly.
Brands like Hallmark and the Lifetime Channel use the power of purple as a symbol of storytelling and .
For birth workers and creatives, let purple be your grounding color or your pop of mystery. Those who choose to lean into purple are telling and asking their audience, "Learn more from me, You’ll be surprised by what you may learn" It invites your audience into a space where they will feel supported and find connection.
Deep
Spiritual
Grounding
Mysterious
Royal
Pulling It All Together
Once you understand the colors, then it’s all about putting together that brand message. I typically recommend choosing one star color that has the meaning that resonates deepest with you. Then two colors that fill out the story of your brand. And two more optional colors that may or may not play a role in your brand message. For example, if you choose white or black in those 4th or 5th spot they likely won't have much impact. Those two need to be the leader in order to say speak loudly. But if you added a yellow or a pink in those 4th and 5th spots, they may add a final pop of decisiveness to your brand.
From there, start exploring hues and color palettes that include those color combinations. You can literally type “color palettes with X, X, X “ into Google and start collecting the color numbers that stand out.
And of course, if you need a more guided hand, I would LOVE to be a part of creating your brand with you.
You can contact me here to start talking about your branding journey today!
Hey I’m Hanna!
Web Designer, Brand Curator, Social Media Supporter, Boy Mom, and lover of seeing other creative businesses flourish and succeed!
Blogs You May Want to Read Next