While most of us can identify a famous logo like Amazon or Netflix without blinking, have you ever wondered if picking the logo would be nearly so easy if their colours were switched? How much of our perception of a brand is based on its logo's colour palette? This cheeky colour swap brings these questions to the forefront and gives us a few things to think about at the same time!

 

  1. Choose colors carefully for impact.
  2. Consider the psychology of color.
  3. Keep it simple and accessible.

 

promotional logo wrong colour guinness

 Competitors Swap Logo Colour Palettes

It's easy to forget or to simply dismiss the fact that brands select their logo colour palette for a reason, and it isn't until you see the logo boasting an incorrect colour that it becomes obvious how fitting the original colour selection was.

promotional logo wrong colour airbnb

Take for example the Airbnb and Booking.com logo colours. We're used to the warm, peachy colour that invites us to stay with Airbnb. Booking.com uses contrasting blue colours to differentiate its "booking" and ".com" name elements. Once you switch these PMS colours around, the result is quite jarring. Airbnb no longer seems as inviting and Booking.com looks bland without its colour contrast.

promotional logo wrong colour marvel

Sometimes fierce rivals have strongly contrasting logos. In the case of comic book giants DC and Marvel, their logos couldn't be more different regarding colour composition. Marvel is well known for its vibrant red logo, and DC's chunky blue logo design is fairly memorable to fans. Change the colours around, and the Marvel logo no longer has the same impact, and the DC logo looks far too thick and uninviting.

promotional logo wrong colour netflix

And finally two of the biggest names in streaming entertainment, Netflix and Amazon. Amazon's colours are synonymous with the online store's decades-old brand so to see it all in a strong red colour makes it seem almost like a different brand entirely! Netflix, similarly, boasting the tricolours from Amazon prime looks disjointed and nowhere near as memorable.

So when you're considering your next logo design for use on promotional products, always select your colours carefully (with the help of an experienced designer if need be). Not only does the typography and design of your logo matter, but the colours too. Get the balance right, and your logo will be unstoppable.

Logo Design Colour Psychology

The colors used in a logo can impact how people perceive a brand. Here are some points to consider when selecting colors for your logo:

  • It can evoke emotions and associations: Different colors can evoke different emotions in people. For example, blue is often associated with trust and reliability, while red is associated with excitement and passion.
  • It can impact brand recognition: The right color combination can make a logo more memorable and recognizable.
  • It can influence purchasing decisions: The right colors can influence people's purchasing decisions. For example, green is often associated with health and environmentalism, making it a popular color for organic and natural products.
  • It can vary across cultures: Different cultures can have different associations with colors. For example, in Western cultures, white is associated with purity and cleanliness, while in some Asian cultures, it can be associated with mourning.

Logo Colour Selection Tips

Selecting the right colors for your logo can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors for your logo:

  • Consider your brand personality: Think about what your brand represents and what emotions you want to evoke in your customers. For example, if you want your brand to be associated with luxury, you may want to consider using gold or silver in your logo and on promotional items such as promotional pens or keychains.
  • Consider your target audience: Think about your target audience and what colors they may be drawn to. For example, if your target audience is primarily women, you may want to consider using pink or purple in your logo and on promotional items such as tote bags or water bottles.
  • Use colour psychology: Use the principles of color psychology to your advantage. For example, if you want your brand to be associated with energy and excitement, you may want to consider using red in your logo and on promotional items such as personalised stress balls or tech accessories.
  • Keep it simple: Don't use too many colors in your logo or on promotional items. Stick to two or three colors at most to keep your logo and promotional items simple and memorable.
  • Consider the context: Think about where your logo will be used and how it will be displayed on promotional items. For example, if your logo will be used primarily on dark backgrounds, you may want to use lighter colors to ensure that it stands out on promotional items such as custom branded t-shirts or hats.

Wrap up

In summary, selecting the right colors for your logo is crucial to the success of your promotional products. The colors you choose can impact how people perceive your brand, influence purchasing decisions, and impact brand recognition. By understanding the psychology of color and following these tips for selecting the right colors for your logo, you can create a logo that is memorable, effective, and represents your brand accurately.

 

First spotted here: https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/what-happens-when-brands-swap-colour