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Why is Color So Important (and So Hard To Get Right)?

Spools of thread in multiple colors.

Color Facts: Surprising Trivia About Colors

Technically, there’s only one day that’s officially “International Colour Day” (March 21). But every day is a color day at Datacolor offices around the world.

To celebrate everyone who works with color and everyone inspired by it, here are 18 facts about colors you might not know.

Display of multiple guitars in a variety of colors.

Fun Facts About Colors

Additional facts about colors: they can have a powerful influence:

Even More Fun Color Facts

Close up of a variety of medications in multiple colors.

Even more facts about colors: a whole range of personal factors can influence the colors you see.

  • Your age
  • The medications you take
  • Your memory (color perception involves both your eyes and your brain)
  • Your mood
  • Learn more here

Color Facts: What Influences Perception

Your environment can influence your color perception, too.

  • The lighting in the room
  • The background of the color you’re looking at
  • Altitude (thanks to reduced oxygen levels)
  • Noise

These factors can cause real problems at companies where getting color right is important:

  • Production delays
  • Material waste
  • Quality control issues

Mathematical equations on a chalkboard.

Getting Color Right

But all hope is not lost. Instead of relying on our eyes, mathematical equations exist to define colors in an objective way. There are also specialized devices that ensure the color you’re looking at matches the color you’re trying to achieve. Learn more about this here.

A person scanning color chips with a color reader.

If you’re interested in drawing color inspiration from the objects around you, there are tools for that, too. 

A variety of differently colored soda cans.

More industries rely on these equations and instruments than you might expect. It may seem obvious that color is important to companies in the textile and apparel industry, paint industry, and plastics industry. Here are a few industries you might not have expected:

  • Cosmetics
  • Food packaging
  • Building materials
  • Car interiors

Want to learn more about color? We’re just a message away 

People working together in a conference room.

Bring Ideas to Life with Color Management

When data meets color, inspiration meets results.

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