With a background in design and colour it’s part of my psyche and something I can’t escape. Years ago, while doing some work with a woman involved with the Sydney Olympics, she said to me “Designers have Pineapple Eyes”. I thought this was an interesting analogy. What she meant was designers literally see everything, constantly.
We see everything and are acutely aware of colour and the impact it has on product. We understand the impact it has in marketing, let’s apply that to ourselves.
Every colour has a positive and negative side so be aware of how you use it in your life and in what quantity. For example, red excites and gets the heart racing, but it can also be overwhelming and too strong. The reason it excites is because it has the fastest wavelength, and when we view it our pupils dilate, allowing more light in. If you wear red you will represent power, but you may find people can’t be around you for long periods. I once told Roger Milliken when trying to explain my reasoning for painting a floating Japanese fountain red that it was the perfect accent. If you want attention at a party, wear a red dress. You’ll meet everyone, but no one will talk to you for long.
The opposite of that is green which has a slower wavelength, reduces the size of the pupil, allowing less light in and therefore relaxing you.
I say this because in difficult times, we need to surround ourselves with the right colours.
- If you’re down and out add a dash of yellow or orange somewhere. They’re just plain happy colours.
- If you’re feeling weak and powerless, a touch of red.
- If you’re stressed, have a look at something natural. Stick some greenery in a vase in your office. Go to the park for a bit.
- Feeling insecure? Soak up some blue for security.
This doesn’t mean redesigning your house or wardrobe, or spending heaps of cash. Simple things will do the job. Flowers, a tie, a blouse, food, cushions, even food.
I’m sure you’ve had the experience when you wear something with a bit of colour, and people react to you a bit differently. Your colour choices have an effect on others as well, which in turn can help you.
There is tremendous power in colour.