Why Color is Important in Graphic Design and Fashion Design
By Mariam Parvez
I believe color isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a tool of communication, a way to convey emotion, and a means to guide decisions. As a UI/UX Designer with over six years of experience, I’ve come to retrospect on how deeply color impacts not only user interfaces but also our personal choices in fashion. It’s fascinating how this vibrant spectrum influences every choice we make — both consciously and unconsciously.
I’ve always been obsessed with the nuances of color (seriously, I even notice if my lipbalm matches my outfit). Each project I’ve worked on has revealed new aspects of how color influences user behavior and emotions.
For instance, when I was working at YocoLabs on a CCTV surveillance security project, we were designing with a dark UI. One of those moments where I really understood how functional color could be — not just visually appealing, but practical for long hours of monitoring. It taught me that color isn’t just there to look pretty; it’s there to make a difference.
Then came the candy shop website project for a Belgian client (I know, what a contrast, right?). For that, I went with an orange palette because it just made sense. Orange screams energy and fun, and I wanted the website to feel lively and exciting — much like the candy itself! You’d be surprised how much thought goes into picking the “right” color. It’s never random, even if it seems like it.
Now, if you check out my website portfolio, you’ll see it’s mostly blue. That wasn’t a fluke either. Blue is one of those colors that exudes trust and calmness — things I want people to feel when they look at my work. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, I’ve got this under control, relax.” Meanwhile, on my blog, The M Impact, I’m all about purple and lavender. Those colors speak to the creative, introspective side of me. I guess you could say I wear my personality on my palette.
The Power of Color in Design
Design is so much more than just visuals — it’s about how those visuals function and communicate. Every time I sit down to design, whether it’s a web interface or an art piece, I take a minute to decipher how color will guide the user’s journey. I’m a firm believer that color, if done right, can take your design from “meh” to “WOW.” Here are some key examples:
- Dark UIs: As seen in the CCTV surveillance project, dark colors were employed to ease eye strain and maintain user focus. The choice of exact shades wasn’t a one-off; it was all about usability and ensuring the experience was smooth and practical.
- Bright and Bold: For the candy shop website, where excitement and engagement were key, bright and bold colors like orange were chosen to draw attention and energize users. It’s like the color equivalent of giving someone a sugar rush!
- Trust and Reliability: My portfolio website’s blue tones were chosen with a purpose — blue equals trust, calm, and professionalism. It’s no wonder why most corporate designs go with this color. It’s the color equivalent of a firm handshake.
Color in Fashion: Reflecting Mood and Emotion
Let’s talk fashion for a second. I’ve noticed how the colors I wear tend to reflect my mood or what’s happening in my life. I remember from 2015 to 2016, black was my thing, mainly because black was trending. And while everyone was obsessing over the “black is a happy color,” I think I wore black because I felt more secure and strong in my choices.
However, as I retrospect, I realize that in 2020, yellow began to take over my wardrobe (and life!) — a shift that coincided with the end of a toxic female friendship and the beginning of a peaceful, happier period in my life. That’s when I was really starting to find my groove again.
And then in 2022? White. A lot of it. Why? I was in a phase of searching for clarity and new beginnings, maybe because of the life changes coming my way, even though I didn’t know it at the time.
Fashion, like design, is influenced by color psychology. We wear what reflects how we feel or what we want to project. Black can symbolize strength, yellow — joy, and white — purity. Just like in design, fashion uses color to speak volumes without saying a word.
And I say this after backing myself with solid research, here are my findings:
- Fashonation’s research on how colors affect emotions in fashion
- APA’s insights into the psychological effects of fashion
Nope, for those assuming I might pivot my career into fashion, not going to happen anytime soon, haha! This topic just intrigued me for quite a while now, had to write about it. So let’s talk more about it, shall we?
The Psychology of Color
If there’s one thing that has always interested me (apart from art and design), it’s psychology. I didn’t major in it, but I’ve always had this fascination with understanding how our minds work. And color? It’s one of the coolest intersections between psychology and design. Whether it’s a website, a brand, or an outfit, the colors we choose are always saying something. Here are a few nuggets on color psychology:
- Red: A color that grabs attention and invokes urgency (perfect for sales or calls to action).
- Blue: Calming and trustworthy — great for professional portfolios or corporate websites.
- Orange: Exciting and energetic — it’s fantastic for playful or creative projects.
- Purple: Creative, luxurious, and a bit mysterious — it’s why I love it for my art.
Conclusion
In retrospect, color has always been a part of my life, both personally and professionally. From dark UI interfaces designed for functionality to vibrant orange palettes that invite engagement, color is this magic ingredient that can make or break a design. And it’s not just about looking good; it’s about connecting with people, evoking emotions, and guiding actions. Whether it’s in the world of graphic design or the fashion choices we make, color is that one constant thread that ties everything together.
So, whether you’re designing a website or picking out your outfit for the day, take a second to think about the colors you’re choosing — they might be saying more than you think.
Or let’s have a quick chat if you’d like to talk more on this topic! Connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter . Also view my work on Behance and Dribbble. Show some love there :D !!
