Color Contrast and Complementary Colors Make Successful Designs

Here is a picture of the color wheel. Photo Credit: Icon Photography School. Link- https://photographyicon.com/complementary/

In a study about color psychology in marketing, 84.7% of customers explained that a product’s color is the main reason why they buy it. Color contrast and complementary colors create a perfect aesthetic balance for the eyes of consumers.

Color contrast involves using two different colors with different amounts of tint and shade. Complementary colors are two colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel. Orange and blue are two complementary colors that have synergy.

Here is a YouTube video from Anabel Sullivan with more information about complimentary colors:

Anabel Sullivan- March 29, 2013

Blue is a very dominant, dark color. The addition of the bright orange color makes a logo visually pleasing. Many sports teams use the combination of orange and blue like the Florida Gators and the New York Islanders.

Here is a YouTube video from Brad Colbow with more information about complimentary colors:

Brad Colbow- April 27, 2015

Here is an example of an infographic that uses the colors blue and orange in a successful way.

Infographic Credit-Michael Reiner

On another note, blue is a color that is universally liked by both genders. In an independent study, both men and women explained in a survey that blue was their favorite color. Blue is a color that is very valuable for commercial businesses because it builds trust in relationships and marketing.

Facebook’s color scheme of blue and white is prominent because of their owner Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg selected this color scheme because he is colorblind so he has a difficult time seeing the colors red and green. Blue is a very popular color because it makes colorblindness nonexistent.

When you are experimenting with contrasting complementary colors, it is important to make sure that you are adhering to the meanings of colors. It is also equally as important to make sure that the contrasting colors that you choose do not result in frustration from people who are colorblind.

When you master using complementary colors and contrasting colors, you will become a successful marketing designer.

References

Color Psychology In Marketing: The Complete Guide [Free Download]

How to Use the Psychology of Colors When Marketing

Infographic: Psychology of Color In Branding