Think More Creatively, By Using More Color!

There’s a direct link between the use of color and creative thinking.

It’s hard to think in color when your world has the brightness turned down. Yet as adults, many of us surround ourselves with a very limited range of colors. Our homes, furniture, offices, and clothes are toned down to the point where we almost blend into the background.

Here’s the thing: As scientific studies have found; colors can have a measurable impact on how we feel and how we think.

Children, color and creativity

Have you ever noticed how colorful kids’ stuff is? My neighbor’s daughter is just 9 years old and pretty much everything she uses is extremely colorful. From her toys and cutlery to her books, bedding and toiletries, everything is bright and pumped full of color. These colors help keep children engaged, interested and it stimulates their mind.

The good news for us as adults, is that color can be deliberately used to stimulate our minds too. Will the introduction of all this color instantly turn you into a creative thinking powerhouse? No, (you’re already a creative thinking powerhouse, you were born that way.) But colors do have an impact.

Introducing color to your creativity

Now, whilst I am not suggesting you start dressing in technicolor, unless you want to, I am suggesting you introduce as much color into your creativity as possible.
For example:

• Use multicolored pens and pencils when you think on paper.
• Use a colorful background image for your computer and colorful themes for your phone or tablet device.
• If you do a lot of your thinking in your office, have some really colorful desk items around you. Mice, staplers, desk phones, computer monitors, writing pads and pen holders come in so many different colors.
• Put some bright, colorful pictures or posters on your office, place of business or studio wall.
• … You get the idea.

The Blue secret
Blue is shown to help with creative thinking. It’s believed this happens because we associate the color blue with relaxation, cloud-free skies, cool blue water etc. Blues are ideal for creative work environments as they promote communication, trust, and efficiency.

Green sparks creativity
Research has linked green with broader thinking and more creative thought. People generally like green. There seems to be a positive association between nature and regrowth. So, if you want to be more productive, consider painting work areas green.

Yellow and Orange energize a room
Yellow and orange are the top two colors that represent or promote creativity! Yellow is a vibrant and uplifting color, often associated with creativity, optimism, and enthusiasm. Both colors are great for creativity in moderation and the right shade. 

Red reduces analytical thinking
There’s a reason why red sports cars cost more to insure. When humans see the color red, their reactions become faster and more forceful. However, that boost of energy is likely to be short-lived and ultimately, red reduces analytical thinking.

Pink calms people down
There’s a reason some sports teams paint the opposing team’s locker room pink – it’s known for draining people of their energy. This could be a great color for a doctor’s office, yoga studio or board room where conversations may get heated.

Here’s a suggestion: Start small. Get yourself some different colored pens or pencils and use them the next time you are developing ideas. Use them to mark-up your work. When you see the difference this makes, it may inspire you to introduce more color to your creative thinking universe!

I have been exercising my creative gene and enjoy making work that makes me and my clients happy. Some of my work examples can be found here.


Source:  Creative Thinking Hub and Forbes

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