At The Brand Makers, we understand branding is more than just a logo or a tagline. It’s about creating an emotional connection with your audience. While products and merchandise can be manufactured, a strong brand identity is built through storytelling, values, and customer perception.
One of the most powerful tools in branding is colour. The right colour palette makes your brand instantly recognisable and influences consumer emotions and purchasing decisions. Whether you’re designing apparel, merchandise, or team gear, selecting the right colours will enhance your brand’s impact and set you apart from the competition.
The Psychology Behind Colours
Each colour evokes different emotions and associations, shaping how customers perceive your brand. Here’s what different colours typically represent:
● Red: Passion, energy, urgency, excitement
● Blue: Trust, professionalism, calmness, reliability
● Yellow: Optimism, warmth, happiness, creativity
● Green: Growth, health, nature, sustainability
● Orange: Fun, enthusiasm, friendliness, affordability
● Purple: Luxury, creativity, wisdom, sophistication
● Black: Elegance, power, exclusivity, modernity
● White: Simplicity, cleanliness, minimalism, purity
How to Choose the Right Colours for Your Brand
When creating branded merchandise or uniforms, choosing colours strategically can make a significant difference. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Define Your Brand Personality
What emotions do you want to evoke? If you want a bold and energetic feel, red or orange might be ideal. If professionalism and trust are your focus, blue may be the way to go.
Understand Your Audience
Demographics, culture, and personal preferences all play a role in how colours are perceived. For instance, white represents purity in Western cultures but is associated with mourning in some Eastern cultures. Knowing your audience helps ensure your colour choices resonate with them.
Align with Your Industry
Certain industries gravitate toward specific colours. Tech and finance brands often use blue for trust and stability, while eco-friendly businesses lean towards green for sustainability. For custom apparel and merch, consider industry trends while also finding a unique way to stand out.
Apply the 60-30-10 Rule
A well-balanced colour scheme follows this guideline:
● 60% Primary Colour – The dominant colour that defines your brand.
● 30% Secondary Colour – A complementary colour that adds contrast.
● 10% Accent Colour – A colour used sparingly to highlight important elements.
This formula ensures a visually appealing and cohesive brand presence across merchandise, apparel, and promotional gear.
Test Across Different Mediums
Before finalising your brand colours, test how they appear across different platforms—websites, social media, packaging, apparel, and promotional merchandise. Ensure consistency and appeal across all formats.
Successful Brand Colour Examples
● Coca-Cola (Red): Red creates excitement and urgency, making it perfect for a globally recognised beverage brand.
● Starbucks (Green): Green aligns with their commitment to sustainability and freshness.
● Facebook (Blue): Blue signifies trust, making it an ideal choice for a social networking platform.
At The Brand Makers, we help businesses craft compelling brand identities through expertly designed apparel, merchandise, and promotional gear. Whether you’re launching a new brand or refreshing an existing one, our team can guide you in choosing the right colours that make an impact.
Ready to make your brand stand out? Get in touch with The Brand Makers today!