Custom packaging is one of the most important factors in developing an unforgettable brand. You must have heard the saying, “Do not judge a book by its cover,” but in retail packaging, we do not judge a package by anything other than its design. Regarding custom boxes, color choice can make or break your product and set your packaging apart. But how is the right combination of colors for the packaging decided on?
Let’s explore the basics and get you through the simple steps you are looking for like color psychology, CMYK and RGB.
Color Psychology: Why Colors Matter in Packaging
First, let us understand why color plays an essential role in custom boxes and packaging solutions. Brand management and color can go hand in hand because color psychology is the study of the impact of colors on our feelings and beliefs. Different colors create different moods; people trust blue, feel excited with green, feel luxurious with gold, or feel that something is urgent when they see red. For example:
- Red: Oratory – passion, urgency, excitement, etc. Let’s consider such giants as Coca-Cola or Target.
- Blue: It transmits reliability, safety, and competence. Currently, it is prominently utilised by companies in the technology and finance sector, such as Facebook.
- Yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, and energy. Companies such as McDonalds associate yellow with an atmosphere of warm, happy feelings.
- Green: It symbolizes nature, health, and the creation of sustainable measures. If you are using kraft boxes or any environmentally friendly material, green can be the best choice to convey the message of sustainability.
- Black is related to class, style, and glamour. Brands in the luxury market segment, such as Chanel, are easier to visualize.
When choosing colors for the customized boxes, ensure they say a lot about your brand without necessarily having to write them. This means it will tell a story to your customers before they even open the box. This isn’t a bluff! You can learn more about colors by reading: “How 21 Brands Use Color to Influence People.”
CMYK vs. RGB: Understanding Color Models for Printing
Now that you understand the psychology behind colors let’s explore the two primary color models used in printing and design: CMYK and RGB. Both are crucial to getting the best color for your custom product packaging, but the processes are different.
- CMYK
CMYK is the abbreviation for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key, which is Black. This colour model is mainly used in print, and it is the one you should pay attention to when designing custom box printing.
When the color is mixed in CMYK, it is made by subtracting the lighter color from white. The more you write, the darker the color becomes, meaning that the more ink you spend, the better the color shade you produce. This model is particularly useful for print work since it gives a physical appearance of how your packaging will appear once printed on cardboard shipping boxes or mailer boxes, among other things.
When it comes to your custom-printed boxes, it’s crucial to know that sometimes the color may look different than it does on screen. For instance, the shade of yellow that comes on your screen may come out a lot darker when you are done printing because ink absorbs light differently.
- RGB
On the other hand, RGB stands for red, Green, and Blue. This is mostly used on screens, such as the one you are currently using to design your packaging. The RGB model operates under the principle of mixing light to create various colors. The more light is added to a color, the lighter the color becomes.
When designing logos or mockups for your boxes for the first time, you often employ RGB colors because you see these being good on screens. However, these colors may not easily work well on paper since screens emit light, while prints absorb light.
Therefore, whenever designing for print, it is advisable to change your RGB colors to CMYK before submitting your files to the printer so that the colors produced match the colors of your rigid boxes, mailer boxes, or any other packaging.
Choosing the Right Colors for Different Types of Custom Packaging
Now that you have a basic understanding of color psychology and color models, it’s time to choose the appropriate colors for your packaging. Your brand’s identity and message should be reflected in your color selections, whether you are designing boxes or other packaging.
- Personalized Packaging for High-End Products
Your personalized packaging for luxury goods should be sophisticated and elegant. Rich, deep hues like dark blue, gold, silver, or black are frequently used for luxury packaging. These hues convey exclusivity and excellence. For example, black packaging has a classic, elegant appearance, and gold accents hint at luxury.
- Subscription Service Mailer Boxes
If you work in the subscription box industry and part of the enjoyment is opening the package, think about bright colors. Use vibrant colors like coral, teal, or even strong patterns to generate enthusiasm. Your mailer boxes should be helpful and aesthetically pleasing, so pick hues that convey the excitement, surprise, and customization consumers anticipate.
- Eco-Friendly Cardboard Shipping Boxes
Selecting the appropriate color scheme for companies that prioritize sustainability can strengthen your brand’s eco-friendly message. Cardboard shipping boxes’ organic, rustic look makes them a popular choice for brands that care about the environment. You can convey a dedication to sustainability by using earthy colors like brown, green, and beige in your cardboard.
Conclusion
Color in packaging is about creating an impression, not only about being aesthetically pleasing. The correct color may distinguish your business and leave a lasting impact on your clients. We hope this blog gives you enough understanding of color psychology and the color schemes used by the packaging industry.
Still got confusion? Contact us now to get a clear idea of which color perfectly suits your brand identity and product.