{"id":28233,"date":"2024-12-05T18:08:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T18:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogadmin.merch.vpsvc.com\/hub\/?p=28233"},"modified":"2024-11-29T10:32:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T10:32:55","slug":"how-to-choose-brand-colors-using-color-theory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/how-to-choose-brand-colors-using-color-theory\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Brand Colors Using Color Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Color theory can play an important role in your small business branding. Colors carry meaning, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/colors-business-infographic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">colors you choose<\/a> for your business can have an impact on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/brand-recognition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brand recognition<\/a> and perception. A brand color wheel is a helpful tool for selecting and combining hues that work together to create a cohesive and memorable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/branding-colors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brand color palette<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To better understand this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rebootonline.com\/blog\/what-importance-colour-brand-recognition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Reboot<\/a>, an SEO marketing agency, created logos for five fictitious companies and showed them to their study participants. After giving them 10 minutes to study the logos, 78% were able to recall the primary color of the logo, compared to only 43% who were able to remember the company name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning how to pick brand colors (and mix and match different hues) gives you the confidence and know-how to build a memorable identity. Here, we\u2019ll go over everything you need to know about choosing the right colors for your small business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-tip\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-tip swan section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-7 swan-display-flex span-justify-center tip-wrap\">\n            <div class=\"title swan-text-x2large swan-font-secondary\">\n                Key takeaways            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The color wheel consists of 12 colors including 3 primary, 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colors.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Warm brand colors (red, orange, yellow) convey energy and excitement while cool colors (blue, green, violet) evoke calm and trust.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The most common color formulas for a brand color palette include monochromatic, analogous, complementary and triadic combinations.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Look for color inspiration in nature, art and environments that reflect your brand&#8217;s personality and values.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">When putting together your brand color palette, pay attention to readability, balance and how colors make people feel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rediscover\"><strong>1. Rediscover the color theory wheel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To kick off this color theory refresher, let\u2019s start with an art class classic (you might\u2019ve even covered it in science class!). Also known as the color wheel, this is your cheat sheet on how to pick brand colors that work well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram in 1666 as part of his research into the behavior of light. Using a lamp, Newton ran white light through an optical prism to separate it into a rainbow of colors. Scientists had seen the light-through-glass trick before but assumed the lens somehow colored the light. By reflecting the colored beams into another glass crystal, Newton reformed them back into white light. This experiment, for the first time, proved that colors were a characteristic of the light itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newton\u2019s 12-color wheel consists of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3 primary colors (red, yellow, blue)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 secondary colors (created when you mix primary colors: green, orange, purple)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 tertiary colors (the in-between colors made from primary and secondary colors, like blue-green or red-violet)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-tip\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-tip swan section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-7 swan-display-flex span-justify-center tip-wrap\">\n            <div class=\"title swan-text-x2large swan-font-secondary\">\n                Tip            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <p>Need help creating a perfect palette for your brand? Check out VistaCreate\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/create.vista.com\/colors\/palettes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">color palette generator<\/a> to find a color combination that looks great together.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Primary, secondary and tertiary colors of the brand color wheel\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28402\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875221\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/color-wheel_28402d0073\/color-wheel_28402d0073.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understand\"><strong>2. Understand warm and cool brand colors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The color wheel reveals the difference between warm and cool colors. When you split the wheel in half, one side of the wheel shows warm colors: red, orange and yellow (and variations of these three colors). These colors are intense, energetic and vibrant. Warm colors like red can be used to imply passion or strength. Red also stimulates appetite and attracts attention. This active reaction is often used by brands to get people\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you running a flash sale to move old stock? There\u2019s a very good reason that SALE signs often use red\u2026it stands out. Orange is a good choice if you want to promote child-friendliness, cheerfulness and optimism. It confidently calls people to action and creates a sense of enthusiasm. Yellow is another positive color that\u2019s often used to grab attention. Given its association with sunny weather, it\u2019s a popular choice for businesses in the travel and tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other side of the wheel are the cool colors: green, blue and violet. These are more subdued and convey a sense of calm and tranquility. People associate green with nature, environmental consciousness, and sustainability. Greens are also linked to spring and rebirth, making them a good option if you offer health, wellness or education services. Blue is generally associated with competence and trustworthiness. So, a blue color scheme or accent could be an appropriate choice for businesses as diverse as financial institutions and child or pet care. Basically, any business that needs to look reliable and secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Warm and cool brand colors on the brand color wheel\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28424\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875470\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1\/warm-cool_28424ef5a1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-tip\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-tip swan section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-7 swan-display-flex span-justify-center tip-wrap\">\n            <div class=\"title swan-text-x2large swan-font-secondary\">\n                Tip            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/color-psychology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">color psychology<\/a> and the common associations and emotions brand colors evoke in our guide.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"combine\"><strong>3. Combine colors that work for your brand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your brand color palette will extend across a range of touchpoints with your business, while your logo may only include one or two colors. You\u2019ll want to employ this palette for tools beyond your logo, like your website, storefront banners, brochures and staff uniforms. Bear in mind you can alter or adapt your primary color scheme for events or campaigns, like during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/holiday-color-palette-seasonal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holiday season<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Color formulas provide a foolproof way of using the 12-part color wheel to pick the perfect color combinations. And don\u2019t worry -you don\u2019t need to be an algebra expert to get your head around this equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few color formulas to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monochromatic. Pick one color from the color wheel and adjust the saturation and value to create variations of that color.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Example of a monochromatic brand color palette\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28408\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875200\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875200\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/monochromatic\/monochromatic.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analogous. Choose three colors that are side by side on the color wheel as the basis of your color scheme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Example of an analogous brand color palette\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28400\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875164\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875164\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/analogous\/analogous.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complementary colors. Choose two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Start with the two opposite colors and then add variety by playing around with the saturation and value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Example of a complementary brand color palette\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28404\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875170\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875170\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/complementary\/complementary.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Triadic colors. Choose three colors that are evenly spaced, forming a perfect triangle on the wheel\u2026and then find the perfect color combination by adjusting saturation and value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Example of a triadic brand color palette\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28414\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875189\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875189\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/triadic\/triadic.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"look\"><strong>4. Look for inspiration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve learned the basics of color theory, use the color formulas above as a starting point for experimentation. Take inspiration from the world around you, whether in nature, food, fine art\u2026 the possibilities are endless. See what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/color-trends\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">palettes are currently popular<\/a> with your audiences and try to look for inspiration in places that reflect your brand personality.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you run an outdoor supply business, you might look for inspiration at a nearby campground or hiking trail. From there, choose 3-4 colors from that scene to compose your color palette and use these colors consistently across your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/what-is-branding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">branding<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-tip\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-tip swan section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-7 swan-display-flex span-justify-center tip-wrap\">\n            <div class=\"title swan-text-x2large swan-font-secondary\">\n                Tip            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <p>Check out our selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/logo-color-combinations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">effective color combinations<\/a> for brand color palette inspiration.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"together\"><strong>5. Put it all together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have a few basic techniques on how to choose your brand colors, there are a few things to consider when perfecting your palette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beware of brand colors that vibrate. When you place two colors too similar in value next to each other, they can create a vibrating effect that\u2019s harsh on the eyes and impossible to read. Instead, try adjusting the contrast of the image by toning down the saturation, hue or value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid large areas of light text on dark backgrounds. If you need to include a large amount of text, stay away from light text on a dark background. It\u2019s often too high in contrast and makes it hard for people to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick neutral colors to balance the design. Be sure to make use of neutral colors like white, black, and gray. Surrounding bright colors with neutrals makes your design appear well balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use contrast to make important info pop. Use color selectively for elements you want to stand out the most \u2013like your logo and company name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick neutral colors to balance the design. Be sure to make use of neutral colors like white, black, and gray. Surrounding bright colors with neutrals makes your design appear well balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider how your brand colors make people feel. By understanding the common associations with different colors, you can create a color scheme that elicits certain feelings, like security and trustworthiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look around you for color inspiration. Whether it\u2019s another business you admire, an image with an attractive blend of colors or a trend you\u2019ve spotted in fashion, you can find color inspiration anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refer back to the color wheel if in doubt. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable borrowing a palette from somewhere else, use the formulas mentioned above to make sure the colors you pick work well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"terminology\"><strong>Color terminology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tint: A color made lighter by adding white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shade: A color made darker by adding black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tone: A color that is muted by adding gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hue: Another word for a color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1000,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Tint, hue, tone and shade on a brand color wheel\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28412\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875177\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1000,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA 1000w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_508,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_388,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_268,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_148,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875177\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tint-hue\/tint-hue.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Saturation: The intensity of a color (saturated colors are brighter and more intense).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Desaturation: Colors that have less pigment and are more muted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Value: Refers to how light or dark a color is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neutral colors: Black, white and gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img width=\"900\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Saturation vs. value of brand colors\" class=\"wp-post-28233 wp-image-28410\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1732875195\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_900,h_500,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA 900w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_471,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_360,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_248,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_137,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1732875195\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/saturation-vs-value\/saturation-vs-value.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"palette\">Use your perfect brand color palette<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve got the tools and tips to create your perfect brand color palette, it\u2019s time to put it to work!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your colors consistently across all your branding\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/digital-marketing\/websites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">websites<\/a>, social media, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/packaging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">packaging<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/print-marketing-materials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">physical marketing materials<\/a>\u2014to build a strong, recognizable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/brand-identity\">brand identity<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t let all your hard work go to waste; choose a high-quality printing service like VistaPrint to ensure your colors look just as stunning in print as they do on screen.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-design-cta-block\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-design-cta-block swan swan-custom-cta-block px-6 swan-py-4 section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-3 swan-display-flex span-justify-center\">\n            <div class=\"swan-mr-4\">\n                <div class=\"swan-text-x3large swan-text-black swan-font-secondary swan-mb-5\">\n                    Ready to use your brand colors?                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"swan-text-black swan-text-xm1 text-description\">\n                    Finalize your brand identity and apply your color palette on your logo design.                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"vp-custom-design-cta-block-button\">\n                    \n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/logo-design\"\n   title=\"Let\u2019s go!\"\n   target=\"_blank\"\n   class=\"swan-button swan-button-skin-primary\"\n    data-tracking-event=\"Navigation Clicked\" data-tracking-event-detail=\"\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28233;https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/logo-design;Content:Text Link;Let\u2019s go!\" data-tracking-navigation-detail=\"Let\u2019s go!\">\n    Let\u2019s go!<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading faq\">FAQ about brand colors&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I choose brand colors?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the brand color wheel to explore combinations, consider how colors align with your brand personality and test options to create a cohesive and memorable brand color palette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the rule for branding colors?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The key rule is consistency \u2014 use a carefully selected brand color palette across all materials to ensure recognition and reinforce your brand identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best color for a brand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best color depends on your brand\u2019s personality and audience; for example, blue conveys trust, while red suggests passion, so choose brand colors that reflect your values and message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to pick a brand color scheme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the brand color wheel to explore formulas like monochromatic, analogous, or complementary and combine shades that evoke the emotions you want your brand to convey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Color theory can play an important role in your small business branding. Colors carry meaning, and the colors you choose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":184,"featured_media":28406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"How to pick Brand Colors Using a Color Wheel | VistaPrint US","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover how to pick brand colors that resonate with your audience. Explore color theory tips to create the perfect color palette for your brand!","_seopress_robots_index":"","_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design-tips"],"acf":{"vp_publishing_settings_post_modified":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/184"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28233"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29212,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28233\/revisions\/29212"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}