Neon colors remind me of the beauty of urban cities at night. Vibrant neon lights catch the eye of any nighttime stroller. The flickering colors evoke images of high-roller casinos, loud bars, and smoky nightclubs. Yet inexplicably, neon colors give an almost calming effect. Neon’s eye-catching qualities also make them a fantastic contrast against muted backgrounds. Growing up in the city, I found comfort in the neon lights and appreciated the nuances of its palette.
On top of the practical stuff for brand design like setting a budget and finding a strong marketing team, understanding aesthetics is key to success. From miles away, neon makes any building look enticing. A neon sign, especially at night, is more welcoming than good old-fashioned wood and metal. Neon captures people’s attention despite the hustle and bustle of modern nightlife. Neon’s strength lies in its versatility as an aesthetic.
Understanding Neon
Neon refers to a chemical element with the symbol “Ne” and atomic number 10. It is a colorless, odorless, and inert noble gas. In a far less nerdy context, “neon” refers to bright, vivid, and intense colors associated with neon signs or lights. Radiant and vivid doesn’t automatically mean “neon.” The aesthetic specifically ties to fluorescent colors that evoke an “electric” vibe.
Neon signs make you feel nostalgia thanks to their prevalence in the early 20th century. Everybody knows the sleazy beauty of the Las Vegas strip. The thousands of neon lights scattered across its skyline make up most of that beauty. A French inventor named Georges Claude introduced neon at the Paris Motor Show in 1910. He discovered its glow discharge in sealed glass tubes with electrodes and rarified gas.
His company, Air Liquide, produced industrial quantities as a byproduct of air liquefaction. Recognizing its marketing potential, Claude opened Claude Neon, and by 1919, neon signage adorned Paris streets. In 1923, neon signage reached the US, gaining popularity and expanding to over 100 color options with fluorescent tube coatings.
Environmental concerns stopped the production of old-school neon signage, but the aesthetic it created lasts to this day. Vintage and retro designs often use neon colors, hence its popularity in the “synthwave” 80s crowd. Take a look at every 80s action movie and observe its set design. The 80s were the era of neon lights and catchy pop brilliance.
Neon Color Palette Combinations For Logos
When designing your logo, understanding color theory is essential. Different neon color combinations evoke different energies. Other colors evoke other color emotions. Neon can be any color because it is a quality that colors are, not so much the colors themselves. Some popular neon colors are green, orange, red, blue, and pink.
Primary Neon, Secondary Dark
Neon functions as the main design element for this combo. The dark accents the neon colors and gives the beholder respite from the brightness. The black colors sculpt shapes into the neon mass, such as facial features for characters or gaps within the art to provide structure. For example, the Miami-based Super Bowl in 2020 used primarily neon colors but accented the text and shapes with dark outlines.
Primary Dark, Secondary Neon
Arguably the most iconic combo, this design perfectly captures the eye-catching nature of the palette. Neon signage inherently uses this design because of its expected environment. Signs will contrast against the dark city streets. The iconic Tron franchise provides the best example of this palette in action. Despite neon being the most eye-catching element, darkness reigns supreme in these designs. Contrast is king for this color palette.
All Neon
Bold and bright-minded artists will find this color palette perfect. In sharp contrast to the previous palettes, these design elements avoid dark colors entirely. Instead, it relies on the natural contrasts in opposing colors and fulfills the same purpose as dark colors. The absence of darkness makes the entire design feel much more vibrant. For example, the setting sun uses vivid blue skies and a bright orange ball of fire.
Logo Shapes That Work Best For Neon Colors
Here are some design elements that work best when used with neon colors.
Curves
Curved shapes, such as circles and flowing lines, work exceptionally well with neon colors like in a feminine logo. The smooth and continuous nature of curves seamlessly blends with vibrant hues and creates a visually dynamic effect. Curves provide a sense of fluidity and energy, enhancing the overall impact of neon colors. The combination of curves and neon can evoke a lively and modern feel, making it suitable for brands aiming for a dynamic and contemporary image.
Words In Neon Colored Logos
Incorporating neon colors into typography or lettering can make a strong visual statement. Neon-lit words stand out with their bold and vibrant appearance, making them highly memorable and attention-grabbing. Words or lettering in neon colors add a sense of personality and excitement to a logo. It conveys a sense of boldness, creativity, or playfulness.
Grids
The structured and organized layout of grids provides a visually appealing contrast when combined with neon colors. The juxtaposition of precise lines and the intensity of neon hues creates a captivating and balanced visual effect. Grids offer a sense of order and symmetry, which can enhance the impact. This combination works well for brands that want to convey a modern, sophisticated, and organized image. It allows for a harmonious balance between structure and vibrancy.
Negative Space And Neon Color Palette
Leveraging negative space, where the absence of color creates shapes or symbols, can be a powerful design choice for neon-colored logos. The contrast between the bright neon and the void of negative space can create a visually striking and memorable logo. Negative space in neon-colored logos allows for a level of sophistication and intrigue. The play between the vibrant colors and the emptiness can evoke a sense of mystery and modernity.
Monolines Logos
The use of neon colors enhances monoline designs. Characterized by single, consistent lines, the simplicity combined with neon intensity creates an easily recognizable logo. Monoline logos with neon colors offer a clean and modern look. The simplicity allows versatility in scaling and reproducing the logo across various mediums. This approach suits brands seeking a contemporary and timeless design that stands out with its vibrant color palette.
Final Thoughts
Neon colors make any brand logo feel nostalgic and beautiful. Eye-catching and versatile as it may be, understanding the best combinations is crucial for the best designs. Whether it wants to evoke feelings of walking the streets at night or pump you up for a synth-wave party, neon colors are a great choice for loud and proud logos.