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Guide to Choosing the Right Colors for Your Product Packaging

Posted by Jane White on
Guide to Choosing the Right Colors for Your Product Packaging When it comes to designing any product, there are many elements you need to take into consideration. Even seemingly small factors can have a large impact on consumer buying patterns, company image, and overall brand loyalty. Color is one such factor that may seem inconsequential at first glance but can actually have a large impact on consumer purchasing patterns. This guide to choosing the right colors for your product packaging will help you better understand the effect color can have on consumer preferences and purchasing patterns.

Color theory

Color theory refers to the guidelines used by many artists and designers to determine which colors complement each other best. This theory assigns every color a specific position within a color wheel. The colors are then further separated into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Color theory allows designers to clearly see which colors complement each other best and which work well when contrasted against one another. Colors that are adjacent to one another often complement each other quite well and present a more cohesive color scheme. Colors that are on opposing sides of the color wheel also complement each other well, even though they’re often very different. The stark contrast between certain complementary colors, such as blue and orange, helps draw the eye of consumers and increases the likelihood that they’ll purchase your product over that of competitors.

Color psychology

Color psychology refers to the impact of certain colors on human behavior and emotions. The influence of certain colors often goes unnoticed, as our brains connect colors to particular emotions or memories without our really understanding why. As the main goal when designing product packaging is to appeal to the consumer, the use of color psychology is of extreme importance. The color of your product packaging will affect consumer perceptions of the overall quality and personality of your brand. The effect of certain colors can vary based on certain individual characteristics, such as gender, age, and cultural background. However, there do seem to be some color associations that are slightly more universal. For instance, we frequently associate the color red with feelings of either love or anger, while cooler-toned colors, such as blue and green, give us feelings of peace and calm.

Brand identity

Because color psychology also affects the propensity for humans to choose one color over another, color choice can also play a large part in helping your company stand out among the competition. Choosing distinct colors or utilizing a unique color combination will aid in brand recognition and increase the likelihood of consumers purchasing your product over others. Choose colors that stand out and make your company’s logo or packaging instantly recognizable. When considering the colors for your product packaging, you must also consider the packaging material. Certain packaging materials will not yield the desired color payoff and will scumble the overall design. Utilizing clear product packaging, however, provides a blank canvas on which your designs can take effect. The clear base provided by acetate packaging allows the colors and designs to appear exactly as intended every time. Additionally, clear plastic packaging allows you to print both solid, opaque, and/or translucent colors that allow you to see the product inside the package. Acetate packaging provides a reliable surface on which to print designs without fear that it will fade or smudge.

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