Color Meaning: Black


Perhaps the most arguable color that I know. Some people say that it is boring and negative, other that it is elegant and calm. As for me, it is one of my favorite colors. First of all I consider it to be neutral and practical, because it is our “every day” color.

Where is the truth then?

Main associations with black are death and night, but don’t take it as a strict rule, because everything depends on the situation.

Positive associations are:
- power;
- authority;
- weight;
- sophistication;
- elegance;
- formality
- seriousness;
- dignity;
- solitude;
- mystery;
- stylishness;

and negative are:
- fear;
- negativity;
- evil;
- secrecy;
- submission;
- mourning;
- heaviness;
- remorse;
- emptiness;


Also some useful facts:
- black clothing makes people look thiner;
- black makes other colors look brighter;
- black is often associated with secret societies;

As you can see now, black has a lot of meanings. That’s why I would advice you to think twicely when and where you decide to use this color.

Used literature: Color Design Workbook

Ratatat – Black Heroes

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • del.icio.us
  • Google Bookmarks
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Digg

Comments:

  1. Black is not actually a color, it’s rather lack of it.

Add a Comment