We’ve already talked about the basics of how signs send a message. Do you know that this also applies to the color combinations you use for your signs? Yes, the types of colors you choose will affect your business’ visibility, which is crucial in highly competitive areas like Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley. This applies to everything from your outdoor signs to your indoor signs, and of course the aesthetics of the rest of your establishments. It’ll help to get a better idea of how color combinations can help your business stand out!
Colors Have Meaning
Wonder why McDonald’s colors are red and yellow? They’re bright and contrasting and make the perfect match according to the color combination chart above. The warmth of the colors matches the nature of the establishment as a fastfood chain. If you’re on the road and you see the logo, with those colors, on a pylon sign, chances are your mouth’s gonna water and you’ll end up going for some drive-through.
On the other hand, purple, neon or minty green, or formal black and white would not be congruent with their identity – which includes what they do and who they service, the demographics their products target. Neon green won’t make you think of cheeseburgers.
Red and yellow won’t make you think of iPhones either, since establishments dealing with technical fields wouldn’t be served well with colors befitting a fastfood chain. You’ll want something clean and clinical, sleek and minimalist – the business sign, and even the visuals of the establishment itself, must be as clean and optimized as a touchscreen or a desktop interface.
A corporate establishment, or something like a law firm, would work with more muted colors that go well with a sleek lobby sign displaying a modern logo. A high tech software development company could apply similar aesthetics, but then again an environment full of creative types may be less formal and could use bright and contrasting colors that are stimulating to the mind and convey a theme of playfulness that comes with innovation and imagination.
Even cafes use the same principles. Those hand-carved wooden signs, the comfortable chairs and tables, the up-scale look that makes you want to just sit back, relax and read a novel while enjoying your brew? They’re engineered to convey an authentic feel to match the authenticity of the pricey coffee they serve.
Really Useful Stuff
Aside from the color combination chart above, you can try this interactive game to gauge your aptitude for matching colors.
Of course, determining which colors work well together can get technical, delving into visual design or graphic art territories where terms like hues and gradients are thrown around. That’s why if you’re in the process of conceiving a sign, it’s really useful to have professional input from professional sign-makers. Specialists well-versed in the art of sign making have both theory and practical experience, so they’ll be best equipped to answer your questions and meet your signage aesthetics needs. So don’t hesitate to ask!
Mind your color combinations. Be bold when you need to be. Or be subdued and professional, minimalist when called for. Mix the colors right, make sure the letters and the logos are visible and comprehensible without clashing with the backdrop. Remember, aesthetics matter in branding, it must be congruent and complementary with the product you offer. That’s how you can stick out from the rest!