There's no doubt you've noticed it- the bold, unmistakable red color at Chick-fil-A. It's more than just the color of their logo- it's the color that draws you in, sparks your appetite, and creates an excitement within you. The question is- what is it about the color red that gives it such a magnetic pull? Let's dive into why this fiery hue is not merely a color- it's a powerful marketing too.
At the Color Theory night, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) explored the secrets behind every shade, learning about the powerful impact of colors on communication, branding, and personal expression. The event was a both informative and hands-on, as students got creative with painting their own mason jars while they learned about theory.
What is color theory? Color theory is the study of colors, their properties, and how they interact with one another. It is the foundation and the starting point of design and branding. Colors have the power to evoke emotions and influence behavior, all without saying a single word. Whether you realize it or not, every color has meaning and both positive and negative emotions associated with it.
When you see a color, what feelings arise? Every color is different. For example, the color blue is associated with intelligence, communication, and trust, but also with cold, sadness, and depression. Orange is thought of as happiness, energy, and friendliness, but simultaneously as ruin, danger, and desolation. Purple is linked to luxury, mystery and spirituality, yet it's also thought of as illusion, deception, and detachment.
Now that we know the psychology behind color theory, it's time to implement it in branding. The color yellow is popular in the paving industry or roadside destinations, such as Best Buy and Hertz. Green is often seen in health foods and outdoorsy things including Whole Foods, Tropicana, and John Deere. Red is known to raise blood pressure, stimulate the appetite, and grab attention, so it is most popular among food brands such as KFC or Target.
So next time you walk into Chick-fil-A and feel that instant craving, you'll recognize exactly what's at play: the power of red. It doesn't just catch your eye- it draws your senses. At Color Theory night, PRSSA uncovered just how much influence color has in our everyday lives and in the business world. Through diving into theory and getting creative with our painting, we learned that color isn't just seen- it's felt. So, what's your next color move?
Written by Katelyn Stomp
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