Creating Classy Signs: Top 5 Tips for Knockout Color Combos

A picture is worth a thousand words. Effective signage color could make you an extra thousand dollars.

So you’ve decided to invest in signs, banners, and wall murals to sell your product. Great choice! In a visual society where images may only get a split-second-glance chance to make a lasting impression, color choices can just as important as content if it achieves that much-desired double take.

Will the wrong colors on the logos of your step and repeat banner put a damper on your classy event? Most definitely. Can too dull blue highlights in your foam core prints result in a waste of time and money? If you have to redo the whole batch, yes. In a world where less is more, understanding the impact your first impression makes is crucial to achieving simplicity and class. How? By choosing color combinations that pack the perfect punch, you can subconsciously stir up love for your product at first sight. Whether you are designing banners, signs, wall murals, step and repeat banners, or foam core prints, understanding the impact of color is a must.

1. Opt For Readability

The most obvious factor to consider when choosing color combinations is readability. Never use a background color that is similar to your text color unless you want to camouflage it! If the text for your banners is white or light-colored, use dark backgrounds. If you’ve chosen dark letters, pick light backgrounds.

2. Choose The Mood

Next, determine the chord you want to strike within prospective customers. Would you like to come off as chic, posh, and swanky? Or do you need to project a responsible, mature, no-nonsense image? Are you trying to create a clean, wholesome, stable tone? Maybe a rugged, masculine, outdoorsy feel, or a retro, vintage, antique impression is what you’re after. Before you can choose the right color scheme, you must be decided on exactly what mood you wish to create.

3. Pick A Color Centerpiece

To decide which color this should be, consider the following color traits:

RED. Think passion, life, energy, and desire. Also power, risk, danger, and drama.

ORANGE. Appetite and movement. Most fast food logos sport some combination of red and yellow (which makes orange), because they know this color makes you hungry and makes you hurry.

YELLOW. Yellow equals moderation. It lends a fun, lighthearted quality to the dominating power of red, and it adds cheerful exuberance to the austere coolness of blue. As a centerpiece color, it will either grab people’s attention like a ray of sunshine or alarm them like a giant bumblebee.

GREEN. Lush, verdant green brings to mind growth, health and freshness. Olive green speaks of wealth, money, and cash flow. Bright primary green screams “GO” like a traffic light or a video game button.

BLUE. Calming like the blue sky and the tranquil ocean, blue is also great to create a trustworthy, “true blue” image.

PURPLE. The color of royalty in days gone by, “silk and purple” suggests opulence, quality, and beauty. It also speaks of a maturity, responsibility, and respectability.

4. Choose A Supporting Color…Or Two

To intensify your centerpiece color, use black, navy, or dark brown detailing. To soften your foundational color, add white or light pastel details.

5. When In Doubt, Go With What’s Natural

The colors of nature provide the perfect inspiration, whatever the season. In spring, take a drive through the woods and discover the perfect combination of brilliant pastels. In fall, allow rich warm tones to carry the day. In winter, the sophistication of black and white is always in style, and in the summer, think colorful brilliance.

Happy coloring!