Psychology of colors: Color profile: RED

The color RED

Name: Red

Type: Primary color

Temperature: Warm (the warmest of all)

Some of its Shades: Basic red, Blood red, Scarlet, Fire engine red, Brick red, Rust, Blush, Ruby.

Red in nature

Description:

RED, a strong exciting color that has the ability to evoke strong and seemingly conflicting emotions in people. It is the color of energy, and represents physicality, stimulation, excitement, passion, strength, lust, confidence and power. It is one of the most influential and powerful colors in our palettes. It has the longest wavelength in the visible color spectrum [geek detected :p :D], so technically it is not the most visible color, yet it has the ability to appear nearer than it really is, therefore giving it its “look at me” effect.

[ Did you know?  Red is actually a masculine color, and can activate our “fight or flight” response.]

It is the color of warmth and vitality (think of the red blood of life or the heart), therefore it has a stimulating and lively effect. People surrounded by red were found to have a heightened pulse and respiration rate.

It is a physical color that stimulates passion, lust and excitement. In its simplest and purest form, red is a lively attractive color that has a welcome energizing effect.

Yay for Roses and Lace

[Did you know?  Pink and not true red is the real color of romantic love. Then why is red the main color theme on Valentine’s Day? Because red represents passion, and everyone wants some passion mixed in with love ;) ]

Red is definitely an attention-grabbing color, and is not for the shy or faint hearted, therefore it represents confidence and courage. Its attention grabbing properties also make it ideal for traffic lights, warning signs..etc.  

Personality:

People with a red type personality or those whose favorite color is red are usually outgoing and optimistic. They are-like red- attention seekers and they usually do get attention as people are drawn to their vibrant exciting energy. They are ambitious, passionate, competitive and goal-oriented. They are also adventurous and never shy away from a challenge. They can also handle stress very well, taking command in tight situations and leading the way.

They seem to be driven by their need for physical achievement, fulfillment and satisfaction and to experience life through the five senses. They always crave Freedom, authority; variety of challenging assignments and opportunity for advancement.

On the flip side, however, people with red personalities have an over active ego and appear over confident with a super inflated sense of their own worth. They are also prone to being impatient, blunt, demanding and overly impulsive. They are also not the best listeners in the world.

Negative connotations or RED:

Red... a double-edged weapon

Red represents war and violence. Have you ever heard the term: “seeing red”? This is because red represents anger and confrontation. It is also a demanding color that can drain a person’s energy with prolonged constant exposure.

 When used incorrectly or too much, red can induce aggressiveness, defiance and visual strain.

How to use red to your advantage:

Used correctly, red can be your powerful best friend, and can help you in so many situations, that’s why you should learn to harness the power of red and use it to your advantage. For example:

   If you look tired and want to instantly brighten your complexion, try red lipstick, or a red headband.

            Are you going out with that special someone and want their attention to be on you and you only? How about a red blouse or a red dress? Too shy? How about bright red lips? Or a red hair clip.

Red can be an alluring color

          If you have an important meeting coming up and you want to convey power and confidence, it’s best to combine a hint of red with a contrasting dark color, for example: a navy or black blouse with a red scarf. Be careful not to overdo it, you definitely do not want to irritate your clients and/or bosses.

Of course these are only suggestions…

So here it is the color profile of red. I hope you all enjoyed this post ….

Take care

xoxo

Rue

(p.s. have any suggestions for what the next color should be? Plz let me know in the comments. Your feedback is most valuable to me and I promise I will take your suggestions seriously. Thank you!)