Choosing Colors for Your Custom Sign
One Color Make Your Custom Sign Stand Out.
You read correctly – one little color is all it takes to make your custom sign pop with interest and visibility. Why? Because the human eye is trained to look for contrasts. So if you have a well-designed custom sign that is monochromatic, has a dark color on top of another dark color, or a light color on top of another light color, then no matter how original your lettering, slogan, or graphics are, your sign will go unnoticed by many potential customers.
What Does Color Contrast Do For My Custom Sign?
The whole point of your custom sign is to attract people to your message. The most effective way to draw the eyes of passers-by and make the lettering on your sign stand out is to use contrasting colors. No matter what your custom sign says, people must first notice it in order to read it.
You have two options with the use of color contrast in your custom sign. You can either choose a dark background with light lettering or a light background with dark lettering. Optically speaking, light colors tend to look larger on a dark background than dark colors on a light background, but either style is an acceptable way of using color contrast to increase the effectiveness of your custom sign. The reason for this is that light colors tend to advance while dark colors tend to recede.
That being said, white and off-white backgrounds are still the most popular for custom signs. They provide contrast to almost any color and do not clash with the main text. However, different background colors are still options as long as you are sure to use some type of contrast. Examples are a dark blue background with bright yellow lettering or a light yellow background with dark green lettering.
Imagine a dark blue background with dark green lettering. The lettering just gets lost in all of that darkness, doesn't it? The use of color can lend to a creative, artistic and one-of-a-kind custom sign – just make sure viewers can read it by using contrast. Even highlighting a light or bright color with black or gray around the letter's edges makes a word more visible and easy to read.
How Do I Decide Which Colors To Use On My Custom Sign?
Different colors convey different emotions and, depending on your business, you will want to choose a color that speaks to your message. For example, pink will always be a soft, feminine color, while purple suggests wealth and authority. Purple is also popular with artistic people and businesses that have a unique flair. Red is an emotionally strong color, inciting passion and strength. White is a contemporary while also a refined color, appearing fresh and pure. Blue is warm and soothing, while green is earthy and indicative of vitality.
Yellow is actually the most complicated of the colors, as it is warm and cheery, yet is also used for warning signs and is associated with cowardice. Yellow can be serious and professional, or bright and whimsical. Yellow is the most versatile of the base colors and can be very effective in signs if used to send the correct message.
For the two contrasting colors on your custom sign, consider which colors not only look best together on your custom sign but also work best together to deliver your message.
How About A Rainbow Of Colors On My Sign?
It's best to stay away from too many colors on your custom sign. Your custom sign will be more effective if you limit the use of multiple colors to one space of the sign or in the sign lettering. Just as too many words can clutter a custom sign, too many colors can overwhelm people trying to read your sign as they drive by your business. One or two colors on a white background is a safe bet for effective contrast and interest on your custom sign.
Don't Be Afraid Of Color!
Remember the rules of using color in your custom sign: always use contrast, convey a message through the use of color, and don't overwhelm your custom sign with too many colors. Following these principals, your custom signage will ensure your message stands out.
