make your palette personal
When you work with colour, giving colours their own names can make a real difference. Not just light green or blue, but words that make a colour personal. Such as rain after a summer’s day or mum’s velvet dress. By naming a colour, you begin to see it differently. It’s no longer just a shade, but an experience.
Why does this work?
- A name adds context. Dark red is abstract, but a wine glass by candlelight instantly creates atmosphere and emotion.
- Your palette gains personality. Your names are unique, no one else uses them in quite the same way.
- It boosts creativity. You start to observe more closely and make new associations.
- It supports decision making. A colour feels less random when it carries a story.
Step by step
- Choose a colour: pick one from the colour wheel, your wardrobe, your interior or simply from your surroundings.
- Observe closely: what do you notice? Is the colour bright or muted, warm or cool? Do you see subtle variations?
- Ask yourself: what does this colour evoke? Think of feelings (calm, energy, joy), images (the sea, autumn, a celebration) or memories (holidays, childhood).
- Write down associations: note down loose words, short sentences or images. The more, the better.
- Play with language: combine words, use alliteration or create a metaphor.
- Choose the right name: read your options back and feel which name truly fits the colour.
Examples
Deep blue-green = Underwater Forest
Soft pink = Dreamy Candyfloss
Warm orange = September Campfire
Exercise 1: colours in your environment
a. Choose three random objects around you (clothing, a mug, a wall, leaves).
b. Describe the colours in simple, everyday terms.
c. Come up with at least three alternative names for each colour.
d. Pick your favourite and write it down in a notebook.
Exercise 2: colours and emotions
a. Think of three emotions (for example joy, calm, tension).
b. Choose a colour that matches each emotion.
c. Give each colour a name that strengthens the feeling.
Example
Joy = Yellow = Summer Party Balloon
Calm = Blue = Morning Stillness
Tension = Red = Midnight Energy
Exercise 3: Practising with colour
a. Choose three colours you come across each day.
b. Give each one a name.
c. Write them down in a notebook.
After a week, you’ll have 21 new names and a much more creative eye for colour.
Tips and tricks
- Use a notebook: write down ideas straight away before they slip away.
- Involve others: ask children or friends to join in. Their perspective is often refreshing and unexpected.
- Keep it playful: it doesn’t have to be perfect or profound. Playfulness and humour work just as well.
- Build your own palette: collect your names in one place and, over time, you’ll create a personal colour dictionary.
Get Started
Pick a colour from your surroundings right now. Look at it, feel it and give it a name.
What name would you give the colour of the sky this morning?