I enjoy research. Learning new things and how to apply them can be fun. I’ve researched all sorts of topics for a number of different reasons, from my writing to writing blog posts for other companies. A potential upcoming novel includes a topic I had to research for one of those other companies: color psychology. I never even knew there was such a thing until this company requested it be a blog post on their website.
So I dove in. What is it, you ask? Color psychology is a theory of how individual colors affect cognitive function, creativity, mood, and even productivity. Shades of greens and blues are considered calming – evoking feelings of relaxation and peace. Vibrant tones like orange and red evoke feelings of energy and passion, while neutrals such as gray and white provide a sense of serenity.
Color psychology is based on the general study of psychology. Like general psychology, it’s been shown that the experiences of colors can seem similar, but individual people have unique responses, even to ‘standard’ color schemes. It extends even further than just a simple color. Shades of each color, along with the lighting those colors are presented in (natural or artificial) can have an effect as well.
There are disorders associated with color, too. Like chromophobia – the fear of certain colors or shades, and synesthesia, a disorder where colors are attributed to certain things that aren’t necessarily tied to color in the first place.
The topic of color psychology is a big one. There are several aspects that can be used to create a compelling character or story with a unique twist.