posted
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?
-------------------- Dan Beach Cylinder 9 Designs 1650 Glassboro Rd Sewell, NJ 08080 Posts: 625 | From: South Jersey | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
"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?
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
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.
-------------------- Frank Smith Frank Smith Signs Albany, NY www.franksmithsigns.com Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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.
-------------------- Bob Gilliland InKnowVative Communications Harrisburg PA, USA
"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself." Benjamin Franklin Posts: 642 | From: Harrisburg, PA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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