OUGD404 - Study Task 01 - How do you read? - Colour Theory

Study Task 01 required the consideration of how colour is used typically within popular culture, focusing specifically on fiction books for the task. In a group of three we were expected to explore and select colours from the PANTONE colour guides that were concerned with the following:

• A typical representation of book-cover colour specific to 4 select genres.
• A less conformist yet engaging book-cover colour specific to 4 select genres.

To follow are the 4 selected genres we explored alongside our rationale supporting our choices and providing insight into our thought process.

Romance

Typical/Obvious choice:

We chose PANTONE 185 U as the obvious representation of the romance genre due to the established connotation of the hue being love and passion. The bright tone of red illustrates this whilst also bearing psychological connection to further associated imagery such as hearts, roses etc.

Alternative colour:

Our selection for an alternative representation of the genre of romance was PANTONE 1505 U. We felt this vibrant, bright orange was an effective representation of the energy, excitement and intensity of a new relationship - where romance tends to be most experienced.

Science Fiction

Typical/Obvious choice:

As a group we believed PANTONE 802 U was an obvious colour for children to think of in regard to science fiction because of the stereotypical association of the colour with aliens. The green is neon and artificial in aesthetic, and looks akin to the colour of the aliens characters that feature in 'Toy Story'.

Alternative colour:

PANTONE 8221 C is a colour that we felt provided a visual stimulation relating to space due it its industrial, futuristic space tone in between blue and grey.

Mystery

Typical/Obvious choice:

The groups selection concerned with the typical 'mystery' colour was PANTONE 2757 U. We felt the shade was suggestive of mystery as it is reminiscent of the dark night sky, under which vision is not maximum and therefore invites mysterious activity and hidden sights.

Alternative colour:

When we think of mystery, there isn't a far psychological jump 

to crime and murder. This deep shade of red establishes visual connection to danger, warnings, blood even. This effectively represents mystery due to the preconceptions of the genre and typical occurrences within works that appear within its sector.

Humour

Typical/Obvious choice:

This bright yellow is the groups typical choice regarding the representation of the humour genre. It bears connotation of happiness, positivity, vitality and energy. Also, the colour is ultimately recognised in association with the smiley face visual.

Alternative colour:

Though it may not be the obvious choice when considering humour, we felt this PANTONE 381 U green was an appropriate reflection of the genre of humour as laughter is an instinctual occurrence - it happens naturally. As green is the most typical signifier of all things natural, it relevantly captures the act of laughing as a lapse in psychological control.