The Power of Color: Red

First up: The Power of Color. Red. In the first article of this series I spoke about the physical and psychological effects of color. Therefore, I will now explore the meanings and associations behind a number of the most commonly used colors. A good idea to do this is to take the rainbow as a guide, we will begin with the color red.

First of all, red light mostly consists of the longest wavelengths that the human eye can perceive. Surprisingly long and with the result that it makes it highly visible from a distance. Hence its perfect use in warning signs. Furthermore, it has also been found to provoke the strongest physical reaction than other colors. Above all, causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.Pretty amazing that a color can actually do that right?

In other words, if you really want to grab someone’s attention, using the color red is a good way to go about it. Remembering that any attention is still attention. 

Furthermore, in the animal kingdom red is the color of dominance. Therefore, many animals use red as a way of attracting mates or as a threat display to rivals or predators. Another interesting fact is that Red’s ancient association with blood has led to its connection with aggression, violence and war. Here I was thinking red was all about love. 

The Power of the Color Red and the World of Sports

One more example of the power of color, the red, is that many sports teams have taken advantage of this association by wearing red uniforms. An interesting fact as they may also be responding to the idea that red has a positive psychological effect on physical performance.

Furthermore, the connections with blood and fertility have also meant that red has come to represent love and passion. The power of color Red is sexy. For instance, psychologists have found that men find women who are wearing red to be more attractive. After all, red roses are considered a particularly romantic gift.

The color Red has different meanings in different cultures

More importantly, red is also the color of energy and excitement, hence in China red is typically used at times of celebration. I would recommend reading and learning more psychology of colors.

Another fine example is, in India red is the color of purity, and a bride will invariably wear a red sari or lehenga choli on her big day, heavily embroidered with gold. There the power of color in this case red is also associated with beauty. 

While many cultures associate red with life, there are those who see it as the color of death.

More extreme facts perhaps, the Red Lady of Paviland (actually a young male) was found in a cave in South Wales in 1823. The remains were 33,000 years old and had been covered in red ochre at the time of burial. However, in Nigeria and the Côte d’Ivoire red is the colour of mourning. Therefore, the power of color Red symbolises sadness in this case.  Read this interesting case study Storty of chow tai fook

Ultimately red is all about extremes. It represents intensity of emotion, spirituality and action. Therefore, this is no doubt why red is such a popular power of color for company logo design and advertising. Food and drink brands in particular are fond of the color. Let’s consider another famous brand like Coca-cola which in 1931 dressed Santa Claus in their signature colour, and the rest is history.

TLC clients that have used the power of the color red in their logos

At The Logo Company we have designed a number of logos where the client has specified the use of red. These are of course just examples of the power of color, red: 

In conclusion, the red in these logos grabs the attention and reflects the nature of the businesses they represent. Making it above all the true power of color. Anyhow who does not love red?