Impact of color theory
Why does one movie make us feel a certain way while a different movie makes us feel another way? The plot and genre of the movies may be the same, but one movie evokes sadness while the other elicits happiness. One reason may be the way the movie is colored. Color theory has a way of guiding our emotions to feel a certain way, and sometimes it happens without us knowing.
Each color allows us to evoke a specific emotional response. Bright and warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows can represent happiness, warmth, growth, and remind us of home. Cool and subdued colors like blues, greens, and purples can evoke feelings of calm, trust, wealth, and stability. When observing movies and advertisements, you'll notice different colors are used based on the message. If the ad aims to convey tranquility and calmness, cool colors are often employed. If the ad seeks to generate excitement and energy about a product, it might utilize bright colors. This association is sometimes taught but is primarily learned through experience. Because entertainment has long utilized color to associate specific emotions, it often becomes ingrained in our minds.
Color theory is applied in various contexts, the most common being in entertainment, particularly in movies. Directors use colors to evoke specific emotions and convey the intended message of the film. For instance, in the movie Joker, blue colors are utilized to depict the calm before the storm and the sense of hopelessness and unfulfillment experienced by the character before he transforms into the Joker. This illustrates the significant impact colors have on films and storytelling. Lawrence Sher, the cinematographer for Joker, beautifully explains how color influences a story. Contrary to popular belief, color theory extends beyond movies and entertainment, impacting numerous aspects of life.
Data visualization tools have grown in popularity in recent years, and more and more companies rely on them. While basic visualizations serve their purpose, incorporating color can significantly enhance them. By applying the principles of color theory, we can convey specific emotions through visualization tools. Using warm and cool colors can can make it easier for users to look at, making the data appear less daunting. Furthermore, incorporating a company's brand colors can make the visualization more relatable and engaging for users, especially when presenting crucial information. Color can also aid in presenting data in a desired manner.
Color theory impacts us in more ways then we realize. Color isn’t merely a choice for filling in a coloring book; it can effectively guide our emotions and convey messages. It shapes the narrative of a story and influences how it unfolds. Integrating color theory into our professional lives adds value to our work and shapes how users interact with it. Color theory significantly impacts our everyday lives, and leveraging it can enhance various aspects of life.