colors that go with black and white stripes

#COLORS THAT GO WITH BLACK AND WHITE STRIPES PROFESSIONAL#

Therefore it is important to carefully consider the substantial impact they will inevitably have on your communication. The influence that black and white have is subconscious. But, this practice is so common because the contrast of black on white is the most readable and practical color scheme. For instance, when black text is used on a white background we don’t question why this is the case. By accenting certain parts of the page with a different color, they direct the viewer exactly where they want them to go.Įven though black and white are used far more than any other color, it’s easy to overlook how they are used and even why they are used. Using the visual balance of black and white with an accent color leads to powerful messaging and is a helpful strategy when wanting to draw attention to a specific object or creating a visual “pop.” These black-and-white sites do just that. Check out the balance, peace, and clarity of this site. The convergence of black and white (more so than any other color combination) is an example of how two divergent colors communicate more powerfully together than they do on their own. It’s been said that “opposites attract.” To put it another way: contrast creates completion.

#COLORS THAT GO WITH BLACK AND WHITE STRIPES PROFESSIONAL#

It’s important to recognize that although quintessentially opposite in a cultural and visual sense, black and white shouldn’t compete, but rather complete when used in professional marketing. This Apple iPad ad is a perfect example.ĭesigning With Black and White to Compete The company emphasizes through their primarily white design that they care about cleanness, openness, and creative thought. Furthermore, it is serious and professional, communicating qualities of mystery and depth.Īpple has consistently used white as the backdrop of their marketing campaigns and for good reason. The ad is dark and strong, targeting men. This simple ad for Ralph Lauren’s Polo Black uses black in an overwhelming, yet purposeful way. It’s clear: black and white are opposites. Black evokes sophistication white communicates innocence. Black traps space, while white opens space. In battle, a white flag is universally recognized as a symbol of surrender. In Aztec culture, black represented war because the black obsidian glass was used as the cutting edge of battle swords.

In martial arts, the black belt signifies the highest rank (power), while the white belt represents someone who would run screaming from the person with the black belt. The most recognized example of this is represented in the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol, an embodiment of contrary forces (good and evil) that are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. History and culture shed light on how black-and-white associations have become so easily accepted as being in opposition. As a positive, clear, and open color, white can direct communication in a powerful way. White is said to promote creative thought (a blank whiteboard) and is also synonymous with fresh beginnings. Furthermore, white projects clarity, cleanliness (doctors in white coats), purity (wedding dresses), and salvation. While black is symbolic of evil, white is directly linked to that which is righteous, good, and peaceful (sticking with the Star Wars theme, Luke Skywalker is an effective example). As a deep and serious color, black can direct communication in a powerful way. Other associations of black include intelligence (black horn-rimmed glasses), professionalism (suit and briefcase), mourning, and mystery. In stories of good versus evil black and darkness are always symbolic of the villain (Darth Vader being a prime example). It is for this reason that too much black can become overwhelming. Black’s most common association is power, authority, and strength. And let’s face it if anyone tries to tell you that black and white are not colors, what would they say if you ask them what colors a zebra is. With color theory and your opinion of what is and isn’t a color aside, we would all agree and accept that black and white are indeed colors. You can learn more about this on the Color Matters website. However, when thinking about color in terms of physical pigments (subtractive color theory), like paint, the tables turn white is not considered a color while black is the presence of all colors. Black is not without light everything is black. In terms of light frequencies (additive color theory), white is the presence of all colors and is, therefore, a color.

Understanding Black and White Color Theory Before exploring how black and white speak, let’s first deal with the “elephant in the room.” Some of you may have seen the title of this post and said, “But wait, isn’t a color, it’s the absence of all colors!” If that’s you, we suggest that you keep reading.

Colors that go with black and white stripes