How To Choose The Best Colour For Your Custom promotional products

Having trouble choosing the right color scheme to make your promotional merchandise pop?

Picking the right colors is key to creating a stylish, cohesive look that matches your brand’s identity. Color has a big impact on how people feel about your brand and how they see it.

Check out this guide for easy tips and helpful tools to get your promotional swag color scheme right the first time.

Ever wonder why certain brands use specific colors in their logos and marketing? It’s all about color psychology. Colors can communicate certain emotions and associations. For example:

• Red: Excitement, passion, urgency
• Blue: Trust, calmness, professionalism
• Yellow: Happiness, warmth, positivity
• Green: Growth, harmony, environmental awareness

 

Understanding the message you want your custom promotional products to convey is the first step in choosing the right colors.

Where do color choices exist in Promotional Products?

When selecting colors for your merch, there are two main areas where you can apply your brand colors:

• The print or decoration on the product.
• The product itself, is like a custom backpack, custom pen, or water bottle.
• Here’s how your brand colors can be used:

 

• Brand color product with contrasting print: The product matches your brand’s main color, with the logo or design in a contrasting color, or done through laser engraving or debossing.
• Brand color product with off-tone print: The product is in your brand’s main color, with the logo or design in a slightly different shade of that color.
• Neutral product with brand color print: The product is a neutral color (like white, black, or gray) with your logo or design printed in your brand colors.
• Complementary color product with brand color print: The product is in a color that complements your logo, which is printed in your brand’s main colors.
• Custom-made brand color product: The product is specially made to include your brand colors in both the design and the print.

 

The do’s for using colors in promotional products:

• Choose colors that match your brand identity.
• Consider the cultural meaning of colors, especially if your audience is diverse or international.
• Think about your target audience’s preferences — for example, bright colors for younger audiences or muted tones for professionals.
• Make sure there’s enough contrast so your logo is easy to read.

The don’ts of choosing colors for promotional products:

• Don’t compromise on readability.
• Don’t overuse bright colors.
• Don’t ignore your brand guidelines.
• Don’t forget practicality — avoid colors that easily show dirt or wear if the product will be used often.

 

Tips and strategies for picking colors

• Create a mood board: Gather images, color swatches, and elements that reflect and inspire your brand’s vibe. This visual collection can guide your color choices and overall design.
• Check out competitors’ color palettes: Looking at the colors your competitors use can help you spot trends and choose a color scheme that sets your brand apart while staying relevant.
• Get inspired by nature: Nature offers beautiful color combinations. Whether it’s the calming blues of the ocean or the vibrant colors of a sunset, natural tones can give your products a fresh, organic feel.
• Use color theory: Try a tool that creates color harmonies, like Adobe’s free option, to find the perfect match.

 

Importance of Simplicity in Design

When choosing colors, it’s tempting to go all out, but sometimes less is more. Overloading your product with too many colors can make it look cluttered and confusing. Stick to 2-3 colors that complement each other and stay true to your brand. Simplicity doesn’t just look cleaner—it also enhances the impact of your promotional item.

Trending Colours in 2024

While it’s always a good idea to stick with your brand colors, staying on trend can give your promotional products an edge. In 2024, some trending colors include:

• Digital Lavender: A soft, calming hue perfect for tech products.
• Fiery Red: A bold, attention-grabbing choice for high-energy brands.
• Tranquil Blue: A serene and versatile option that evokes trust. Keep these trends in mind when designing your custom promotional items, but always ensure they align with your brand and audience.

 

Check Your Brand Style Guide

When using promotional swag in your marketing, it’s important to follow your brand’s style guide to keep everything consistent across platforms and products.

If your style guide doesn’t mention merchandise yet, think about updating it to include the right colors, fonts, and logos for your promo items.

This will help reinforce your brand’s identity, making each piece of swag truly reflect your brand. Consistently applying these elements ensures your promotional products look professional and boost your brand’s presence.

Colors for Different Types of Products

The type of promotional product you’re designing can also influence your color choices. For example, bright colors may work well on custom t-shirts or custom caps, but might not be ideal for a professional notepad. Consider the use case of the product and choose colors that enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Balancing Bold and Neutral Colours

A great strategy is to balance bold colors with neutral tones. For instance, pairing a bright red logo with a grey background creates a nice visual balance. Too many bold colors can overwhelm you, while too many neutrals can make your product fade into the background. Striking the right balance ensures that your promotional product is eye-catching but not over-the-top.

The Role of Material in Colour Choices

Different materials react to colours in different ways. For instance, colors printed on plastic may look more vibrant than those printed on fabric. If your promotional product is made of metal, consider how glossy or matte finishes will affect the appearance of the colors. Always take the material of the product into account when finalizing your design.

The Impact of Lighting on Colour Perception

Lighting plays a big role in how colors are perceived. A product that looks great under bright office lights might appear dull outdoors or under dim lighting. Be sure to test your color scheme in different lighting conditions to ensure your custom promotional product looks its best no matter where it’s used.

Conclusion

Choosing the right color scheme for your promotional swag isn’t just about looks—it’s a strategic choice that affects how people see your brand.

Using tools like color generators, following color theory, and sticking to your brand’s style guide ensures that your promotional items always reflect your brand’s identity and values.

Also, thinking about your target audience’s preferences and lifestyle can make your promotional efforts even more effective.

For expert help with custom-branded promotional items, visit OptamarkGraphics.com today! 

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