Learning about colours can help you discover more about yourself!
Have you ever wondered why red is the colour of love? Or why every McDonald’s ad is splashed with yellow? Well, as Picasso himself once said, “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”
Every colour tells a story, and yes, there’s real science behind it!
Colour psychology is a relatively new field that studies the different ways colours influence our moods, behaviours and even decisions. Scientists in this field explore how colours can spark certain emotions and how factors like culture and age can change the way we perceive them.
If you think this is just a fun, silly field, no, it’s not. Colour psychology has a wide range of real-world applications. It shapes advertising, urban design and even plays a role in mental health. One study suggests that colour therapy can help reduce feelings of compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress in intensive care unit nurses.
Depending on your program here at Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph-Humber, you might have even touched on this topic in class.
But what does your favourite colour say about you? Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at how colour influences the world around us and everyday professions.
How colour shapes the world around us
Whether you notice it or not — and most of the time, you don’t — colour quietly plays a role in the spaces and the experiences that fill your day.
If you’re studying marketing, for example, you’ve probably seen how colours can help influence consumer behaviour. When companies are planning the launch of a new campaign, they often rely on research showing how certain colours can trigger emotional responses or even drive decisions.
Let’s go back to the McDonald’s example. Their red-and-yellow branding is iconic, and researchers say that this colour combo can actually induce hunger. Now you know why you crave those chicken nuggets before you even see the menu!
If you’re looking to be more productive, colour also affects how we focus and perform. Studies suggest that the colour blue helps employees stay focused and efficient, which is why some offices and study spaces feature calming blue tones.
So, the next time you’re looking for that go-to study spot, look for blue walls! The colour green is another great choice, linked to a calming and harmonious work environment, which is exactly what you need during midterm season. Our very own IGNITE Zen Zone uses green tones to create that peaceful space you need to recharge and reset.
You get it. Even if we don’t always notice, colours play a major role in our everyday lives. Now, let’s dive into what your favourite colours might say about you.
Black
If you’re like me and black is your favourite colour, it might mean a few different things. Black represents confidence, strength and purpose, and you probably even have that less is more mindset.
Some people gravitate toward the colour black because it makes them feel powerful and mysterious. It’s also worn in many cultures during periods of mourning.
White
If you’re a white lover, this colour symbolizes being organized, thoughtful and innocent. You probably love a fresh start, never overstep boundaries and always strive to do the right thing with clarity.
People drawn to white tend to be open-minded, eager to learn and have strong convictions.
Red
For my passionate, energetic peers, this one is for you. If red is your colour, you’re likely full of passion, energy and intense desire. You thrive in fulfilling your goals with determination and enthusiasm.
On the other hand, red can also represent intensity since it’s an angry colour, even making some feel hostile. But overall, it’s a colour used to represent love and romance all over the world.
Purple
For those who love purple, creativity probably comes naturally to you. You have an artistic side, tend to be down to earth and also value privacy. Sometimes, keeping to yourself can make it harder for others to fully understand you, but you’re perfectly comfortable with it.
Purple lovers are also ambitious and often think outside the box.
Pink
If pink speaks to you, you’re joyful, kind and honest, always trying to lift up the people around you. Pink lovers tend to have a strong desire to feel loved and secure, and they’re often described as sensitive and delicate souls.
Pink people often wear their heart on their sleeve, but that’s part of their charm. Your warmth and compassionate spirit make you the friend everyone feels safe around.
Blue
As I mentioned earlier, blue helps us stay focused and efficient. But there’s more to it. Blue represents peace and tranquillity. If blue is your go-to colour, you’re calm, trustworthy, loyal and reliable, probably the person others trust and depend on.
Blue also means you have a more emotional personality, being highly imaginative and fond of creative expression.
Green
If you’re a fan of green, you are all about balance, growth and harmony. Green symbolizes nature, signals good luck and is often associated with finance and money.
People around you may view you as loyal and independent, with a strong connection to well-being and a balanced lifestyle.
Yellow
And finally, the sunshine of the colour spectrum: yellow. Yellow means you’re an energetic and happy person, often associated with optimism and creativity. You’re ambitious, a go-getter and may also be a perfectionist.
Your fun-loving spirit makes you a joy to be around and your generosity is contagious.
No matter what your favourite colour is, it reflects a little piece of who you are. Colours shape how we feel, how we express ourselves and even how we connect with others.
And that’s exactly what our Painted Paws events at North and Lakeshore are all about. It’s your chance to let your inner Picasso shine, meet new people and bring your favourite colours to life. You’ll collaborate with other students, swap and mix colours and take part in the fun Mystery Portrait challenge where teamwork — and plenty of laughs — are guaranteed!
Don’t miss out! Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Lakeshore and North campuses. Grab a brush, choose your colour and make some new connections!
So, what’s your favourite colour? And how does colour show up in your program? Let us know in our socials at @shareignite!
Feature image courtesy of Townsend Walton via Unsplash.
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