Colour isn’t just a “vibe.” It’s psychology. It’s strategy. It’s why some brands feel like warm hugs and others radiate, “we sell energy drinks to adrenaline junkies”.
Whether you’re rocking soft neutrals or neon chaos, your colours are telling a story.
So the real question is, what story are they telling?
As seasoned branding designers, we’re here to spill the colourful tea.
🎨 First Things First: Why Brand Colour Matters
Colour is the first thing people notice about your brand. It influences everything from brand recognition (by up to 80%!) to emotional response, buying behaviour and memory.
If you’re not working with a branding designer who understands this, your palette might be doing more harm than good.
💡 Check out Adobe’s Colour Wheel to play with harmonious palettes like a pro (or us, we’re also pros) 😉
❤️ Red: Bold, Energetic, Passionate
What It Says:
You’re assertive, dynamic and not afraid to make a statement.
What It Should Say (If You’re Not Selling Motorbikes):
Use red sparingly, like a chilli flake, not the whole jar. Great for CTAs or standout accents.
💛 Yellow: Optimistic, Friendly, Confident
What It Says:
You’re cheerful, approachable and maybe just a little bit cheeky.
What It Should Say:
If your brand voice is upbeat or you’re in hospitality, education or creative industries, yellow can work beautifully. But balance it, too much can feel like a headache.
💡 Read how Mailchimp uses colour to enhance brand storytelling.
💚 Green: Fresh, Grounded, Growth-Oriented
What It Says:
You care about sustainability, health, wealth or calm.
What It Should Say:
Perfect for eco-conscious, finance, wellness or nature-driven brands. If you’re a branding designer working with green, lean into those earthy tones for authenticity and depth.
💙 Blue: Trustworthy, Professional, Reliable
What It Says:
You’re playing the long game. You want to feel dependable and safe (basically, you’re a corporate LinkedIn dream).
What It Should Say:
Not just another finance or tech brand. Try gradients, paired tones or unexpected accents to stand out in a sea of sameness.
🖤 Black: Luxe, Edgy, Confident
What It Says:
You’re bold, powerful and a little bit mysterious. Minimalism is your love language.
What It Should Say:
Luxury brands, high-end services and bold creators love black for a reason. Use texture, depth and contrast to keep it interesting.
💡 See how Aesop balances black and neutral tones to create a premium, sensory online experience.
🧁 Neutrals: Calm, Refined, Versatile
What They Say:
You’re modern, polished and not here to beg for attention.
What They Should Say:
If you’re aiming for simplicity and sophistication, neutrals are your best friend. But make sure you’ve got enough contrast to keep it from falling flat.
So… What If Your Colours Are Saying the Wrong Thing?
If your brand feels off but you can’t put your finger on why, spoiler alert: it’s probably the palette.
Here’s what a good branding designer does:
- Audits what your colours actually communicate.
- Aligns your palette with your brand values and voice.
- Builds a usable colour system across digital, print, packaging and products.
🎯 Quick Tips From a Branding Designer:
- Consistency is Queen. Same hex codes across platforms = a recognisable, polished brand.
- Know Your Primaries. Two main colours + one accent = enough.
- Use Colour Hierarchy. Lead the eye. Make sure CTAs pop.
- Moodboard It. Context matters, test your palette in real use cases.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Let Your Colours Do the Talking
Your brand palette is about being intentional.
So ask yourself:
- Do my colours match my tone of voice?
- Are they attracting the right audience?
- Do they make me feel excited to show up online?
If you’re unsure, we’re here for you.
We’re your local, legendary branding design team helping brands across Newcastle, the Hunter and beyond create bold, meaningful identities that actually work.
