I want to get some opinions on the use of red and yellow together in signage.
This conceptual drawing is what prompted this question (its not MY work!). I think it looks terrible. Maybe if it were leading to a McDonalds or something it would be better . . .
What rules do you guys follow when using red and yellow together?
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
"What rules do you guys follow when using red and yellow together?"
Take the money and run!
Considering contrast, yellow and red are not all that bad and as you said, McDonalds has been using it for years.
But the psychological image produced by red and yellow are not favorable to a community's image...in my opinion. Both are strong colors that convey a youthful image (especially yellow - McDonald's again), but they also generate ideas of carnival, quickness, sensuality (red), cleaniless (yellow) and movement.
The interpretation of color lies within the viewer and often that is swayed by past experience. That's why we have regional colors like Southwest earth tones and the bright pinks and aqua greens of Florida and California.
Color is one of the most fascinating and difficult areas of our craft. There is also a danger in over-thinking color. We all have our likes and dislikes. Popular combinations vary with age groups, sex, and geographic regions.
None of that really answers your question...but I would have chosen something a little more dignified. But then, they didn't ask me, did they?
Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
I hate the look of cheap glossy banners. Matte would be a lot nicer. Back to the question, maroon would be nicer than red. Pastel mustard yellow is nicer than a bright yellow. House paint brochures have some nice combinations of reds & yellows.
Posted by Dan Beach (Member # 9850) on :
Just for comparison purposes, this is an existing sign in the Municipality.
They aren't asking me to build this thing. As it turns out, this was the product of a $20k marketing campaign . . .
Keep the opinions coming . . .
[ November 25, 2008, 01:39 PM: Message edited by: Dan Beach ]
Posted by Bob Gilliland (Member # 28) on :
For me, it would depend on the “target”. As Raymond already indicated, most see Red and Yellow as youthful and strong. If that’s the target, great! If Norristown is mostly empty nesters enjoying their later years, that combo may miss the mark. If it needs to tie into other marketing/branding efforts, than the attempt would be made to key off of that. Additionally, what is this banner or signage need to do; informational, directional, market, some of the above combined?
To answer your question, “I want to get some opinions on the use of red and yellow together in signage”. My answer would be, I think it’s a great combination when applied appropriately.
Below are some two colors samples. Even the use of the same two colors can convey something different depending on use.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Great examples, Bob.
Posted by Dan Beach (Member # 9850) on :
+1 Thanks Bob.
Would you mind if I show that graphic to someone from the municipality and its engineers?
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
That existing sign is 1000% better than what they are asking for!
That 1st one you posted looks like the work of a newbie workin out of his bedroom....the existing sign shows some quality!
Whack those Engineers in the head and show soomething with some class!
Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
A nice resource for fresh combinations that you may not normally think of: http://kuler.adobe.com/
It is a collection of user-uploaded palettes, or swatches, with varying themes. Pick the ones you like. You never know!
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