Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (2024)

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Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (1)

Understand the color theory of blue to make the right choice for your branding and marketing

If you are considering blue as a primary color for your brand, it’s a good idea to understand the color theory of blue and cultural references that are associated with it and the nuances between different shades of blue.

Color psychology: blue is associated with water

Blue is associated with water. The oceans look blue when viewed from outer space and blue is nearly always used to indicate water on maps. Although clean water is (hopefully) clear, blue is used on the packaging of the majority of bottled waters. Depending on the nature of your business, blue can bring a connection with water.

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (2)

Color psychology: blue means clean or pure

The idea of pureness is associated with both water and the sky (fresh air). The color theory of blue connects to the idea of cleanliness. Many brands use blue for a pure, almost medical feel. You can see this with brands like Nivea, Noxzema and Oral B.

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (3)

Color psychology: blue is very likable

In the U.S., blue is frequently cited as a favorite color. Even if it’s not your favorite color, very few people dislike blue, making it a safe and likable choice. Maybe that’s why social networks Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn in all use blue in their logos.

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (4)

Color psychology: blue is the color of business

Blue has become a very safe, predictable and somewhat conservative color choice for corporate brands. Blue has traditionally been associated with suits, ties and button-down shirts. IBM famously made their blue striped logo because of the association with pin striped suits. Nowadays, many large international corporations have blue logos. These include long-standing enterprises such as American Express, GE, Chase, and also younger B2B software platforms like SalesForce.

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (5)

Color theory of blue: Understanding shades of blue for your branding

Not all blue looks the same, and these variations are important. Blue can be lighter or darker and can also move closer to green or to purple.

Is blue right for your brand?

Finding the right color for your brand depends on what associations you want to come to mind when people see your brand. Overall, blue brands come across as likable, trustworthy, business-focused and clean.

Blue is the most used color for the worlds most valuable brands, so blue has a huge track record for success. But, it can be difficult to stand out when you choose blue for your logo or branding because it is so popular. Take some time to review your competitors and partners and see how much blue is already in use in your market.

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color (2024)

FAQs

Color Theory: Blue as a Branding Color? ›

Blue Branding Used To Express Reliability

Is blue a good brand color? ›

Why is blue is the colour king of corporate branding? Blue is a hugely popular colour in business, chosen by small businesses and multinational conglomerates the world over. The reason for blue's ongoing popularity is because of its ability to convey security, order and dependability.

What does the color light blue mean in branding? ›

Blue's association with trust and reliability make it a common choice in business logos; brands like HP, Intel and Skype all use light blue in their logos. Light blue can also be a great alternative to darker shades of blue like navy blue, which could look too severe or gloomy in big doses.

What colors go with blue for branding? ›

If you want to create a striking look or a pop of colour, try adding a warm colour such as yellow or red.
  • Combinations could include:
  • Dark Blue + Bright Blue + Sky Blue + White + Yellow.
  • Navy + Gold + White.
  • Blue + White + Blush.

What is the color psychology of blue? ›

Color Psychology of Blue

Blue is a calming, soothing color because it reminds us of water and the sky. People associate blue with trust and dependability, so it may help build brand confidence.

What is the most attractive color for branding? ›

14 best colors for marketing
  1. Red. Red is a highly popular color in marketing because it's bold, captures attention and can evoke powerful psychological responses. ...
  2. Green. Green can evoke feelings of harmony, health, loyalty and safety, making people feel welcome and secure. ...
  3. Blue. ...
  4. Pink. ...
  5. Purple. ...
  6. Yellow. ...
  7. Gold. ...
  8. Orange.
Mar 10, 2023

What is the color blue theory? ›

The Meaning of the Color Blue

With a sense of calm, relaxation, trust, loyalty and authority, the positive highlights convey a sense of honesty, commitment, serenity and peace. The negative effects of blue convey fragility, depression, predictability and even coldness.

What is the blue color theory of marketing? ›

Blue radiates trust, honesty and reliability. This color thus contributes to building customer loyalty. The professionalism that is often associated with blue is because it is an objective, calm and analytical color.

What is the color rule for branding? ›

A simple way to create your brand's color scheme is 60-30-10 rule. According to this rule, you need to choose three different colors and use them in proportions of 60%, 30%, and 10%. In this case, your 60% is the main color for your brand, for example, the color you use for advertisem*nt backgrounds.

What does blue say about your brand? ›

Blue Branding Used To Express Reliability

The color blue is highly associated with responsibility and is therefore regarded as representing reliability. For good reason, the insurance industry has widely embraced this color to represent their brand.

What is the happy color in branding? ›

Yellow: The color of joy and optimism, yellow exudes vitality and brightness. Incorporating yellow highlights in design can create a sense of enthusiasm and positivity, capturing attention and evoking a cheerful response.

What is the most eye catching color? ›

Colors that Grab Attention

As a bold color that stands out, it's easily noticeable, even from a distance. In addition, red has been shown to increase the heart rate and stimulate the brain, making it a powerful aid in attracting attention. Blue is another notable color for catching the eye.

What color is uncommon in branding? ›

Purple is actually a very uncommon color in branding, in part because it's a darker color that appeals almost exclusively to women.

What color theory is blue? ›

The Psychology of Blue

Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and relaxation. 3 It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly. Blue is seen as a sign of stability and reliability.

What is the blue color personality theory? ›

The four colors include Gold, Green, Blue and Orange. Those with Blue color personality strengths tend to be enthusiastic, sympathetic, communicative, compassionate, idealistic, sincere and imaginative. They care and want to contribute to everything they are a part of. Relationships are important to blues.

What emotion is associated with blue? ›

Blue: calmness, serenity, peace

Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings. It's also associated with wisdom, creativity, and spirituality.

Is blue a good color for clothes? ›

Alongside black, blue is one of the colours that you can always wear. For comfy casual outfits, one excellent choice is of course denim blue, but petrol and navy are also very popular in modern trouser designs such as culottes and chinos.

Is blue the most trustworthy color? ›

Color Scheme and Perceived Trustworthiness

Over all contexts and Web sites, the blue color scheme was perceived as most trustworthy and the black color scheme as least trustworthy.

Does blue represent luxury? ›

Royal Blue

This regal shade symbolizes power, strength, and elegance. It can evoke a sense of royalty or luxury, making it an excellent choice for rhinestone users wanting to show off their bold and glamorous personal style.

Why do brands use blue? ›

Blue Branding Used To Express Reliability

The color blue is highly associated with responsibility and is therefore regarded as representing reliability. For good reason, the insurance industry has widely embraced this color to represent their brand.

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