Colour Archetypes

Black Often used to represent death and mourning (e.g. black worn to funerals) Often suggests a serious/somber tone and is associated with sophistication (e.g. black worn to formal events) Closely tied to concepts of power and mystery (e.g. Darth Vader is both powerful and mysterious)

White Often associated with purity (e.g. brides wearing white) Interestingly, can also represent death and mystery, like black (e.g. Moby Dick, the white whale, is an elusive mystery) Often represents goodness and innocence (e.g. the “good” cowboy in Westerns often rides a white horse) Can also suggest sterility and emptiness (e.g. many spaceship interiors in science-fiction)

Blue Often associated with intelligence and calmness (e.g. Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen or Beast in X- Men) Deeper blues can represent sadness and seriousness (e.g. Picasso’s “blue period” Lighter blues can represent optimism and peace (e.g. UN peacekeepers wear light blue helmets)

Red Often used to represent strong emotions, like anger and love (e.g. red kryptonite removes Superman’s inhibitions, making him unable to control his more intense feelings) Also used to represent life and vitality, as red is the colour of blood Can also suggest danger (e.g. Red Riding Hood’s cloak)

Yellow Often used to suggest happiness and warmth (e.g. sun is often depicted as a smiling figure) Sometimes used to suggest neutrality or loyalty (e.g. Pikachu is extremely loyal)

Green Symbol of nature, growth and rebirth (e.g. Poison Ivy predominantly wears green and is obsessed with nature) Also used to represent wealth (i.e. American money) Can also relate to envy (e.g. “green with envy”)

Purple Used to suggest royalty and/or nobility (e.g. LA Kings’ original uniforms were purple and gold) Often used to represent mystery and magic (e.g. wizard robes, Mysterio)

Orange Used to suggest cheerfulness and fun (e.g. Charmander is outgoing and happy) Often used to represent health and energy (e.g. Tigger is full of energy)