Colors have a power over the mind that some businesses may forget when designing business cards. Usually, a business will use colors that appeal to the designers, rather than what appeals to the consumers and drive their business. Choosing the correct colors for a business card depends on the what your business hopes to accomplish. Business cards are one of the biggest marketing tools, and picking the correct colors can make all the difference.
Color Meanings
Colors have traditional meanings, which may help you decide which color is best for your business. Navy, a dark shade of blue, is associated with expertise and stability. This is the preferred color for business in America. A standard shade of blue can convey calmness and wisdom. Green promotes freshness and nature. Red can convey danger, but it can also symbolize passion or strength. Red is known to raise blood pressure and grab attention. Orange conveys enthusiasm and sports. Yellow is sunshine and happy. Purple sends a message of wealth and royalty. Brown is an earth color that signals dependability. Black sends a message of power and mystery, but when combined with other colors it can be prestigious and formal.
Color Wheel
Use the color wheel to help pick complementing colors. Complementing colors are located directly across from each other on the color wheel. For example, if you want to associate the navy color of corporate America and advertise your sports business, you could go with navy and orange. Or to be formal but gain attention, you could choose red and black, as they are complimenting colors. Choosing complimenting colors can help your business stand out, but not overwhelm the person reading it. A black and white theme should be avoided when choosing colors, as most cards fall into this template and yours will not stand out. When choosing a text color, make sure it is clearly visible against the background of your card.
Test Colors
Draw up some sample business cards or design them on your computer. Play with different colors and test them out on different people. This will give you a feel for how people outside your business respond to your card. Testing the card on other people will also help you be sure you are stepping outside of what you like and are choosing colors that are in the best interest for your business.
