The importance of colour in design
Colour, or lack thereof, can change the feel of a scene in a movie, a photograph or even a room. How many times have you been indoors blissfully unaware of a storm brewing, and when you step outside it seems like the life has been drained from the trees, grass and the people?
Many photographers and filmmakers use tints in post-production to sway the mood of a scene in their chosen direction. For example, in the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’, scenes are tinted green and colour is overall less saturated in the ‘fake world’ and tinted blue in the ‘real world’. The directors chose this because test audiences had trouble telling the difference.
Colour choices can even translate to real-life objects, such as clothes, cars and furniture. Studies show when people are confronted with a bright red, it can increase their heart rate and breathing. Black is seen as powerful and strong, but in a different context can also imply submission or mourning. Green can be relaxing and calming, however dark green is seen as masculine and signifies position and wealth.
Something as simple as a cast of a deep blue or purple can convey a dark mysterious scene; while a yellow or orange cast can make a dull scene seem bright and cheerful. These can be used to your advantage across many mediums, such as film, photography, graphic design and interior design to help sway peoples’ moods to your liking.
Colour Mood Comparison
How do you use colour in your designs, or everyday life?
Yours in design,
Todd Doyle
Todd is a Brisbane-based graphic design student and is Brio Daily’s latest Guest Blogger.
