The Role of Color in Sign Design

The Role of Color in Sign Design

It shouldn’t be news to you that first impressions are critically important when it comes to marketing. When it comes to sign design, the colors you use not only should reflect your brand, but also evoke a specific first impression that helps potential customers know what your business is all about.

Review the chart below to find your desired first impression, and consider using the color that will help evoke it:

First Impression Desired	Suggested Color(s)
Honest and trustworthy	Blue
Passionate about your product/service	Some red
A risk-taker	Some orange
Playful	Yellow
Affordable	Orange
Eco-friendly	Green
Conservative	Blue
Caring	Pink, blue, green or turquoise
Elegant	Black, silver
High quality	Black, silver, gold or purple
Luxurious	Gold, black, silver or purple
Sophisticated	Black, silver
Powerful	Some black

While first impressions are powerful, so is the mood you wish to create with your signage. Review the chart below to find the mood you desire to set and the color(s) that will help you do it.

Mood to Be Set	Suggested Color(s)
Light-hearted	Pastels, yellow or pale blue
Serious	Blue or indigo
Corporate	Dark blue, dark red or black
Exciting	Red
Compassionate and caring	Pink, green, turquoise or magenta
Happy	Yellow or orange
Sociable	Orange
Peaceful, calm, relaxed	Blue, green or turquoise
Creative, imaginative	Purple, yellow or magenta

Has this been helpful to you…or are you confused about what colors you should use on your signs? Never fear, we’re here at Signarama—Kearny Mesa to help you make those important decisions, based on our knowledge of color psychology and our many years as professional sign makers.

The Role of Color in Sign Design