How to Choose Colors for Your Personal Brand

With the rise of social media and the online world playing large roles in today’s PR industry, curating your personal brand is crucial. Not having a well-rounded online portfolio can be a deal breaker when applying to potential jobs. Specifically in the realm of Public Relations, personal brand is nearly as important as your writing style and work experience.
 
Before employers click the link to view your portfolio’s content, their first impression will be the colors associated with your personal brand. Here are five steps to guide your color choice to set the tone for your personal brand.

1. Present Your Personal Aesthetic

Before you jump into to choosing colors, knowing your personal aesthetic is important. Are you more artsy or clean cut? Modern or vintage? Do you prefer bright or muted colors? By asking yourself a series of questions like these, you will determine the best color palette for your personal brand. When your interests, personality and color palette align insert comma here, your layout will become more personable and aesthetically pleasing. By doing so, you set the tone for your personal brand based upon what the colors represent. 
       2. Decide Your Professional Aesthetic 
The next thing to think about is your professional aesthetic. Like step one, ask yourself several questions similar to these. What industries are you hoping to work in? Travel or education? Construction? Art? Think about your dream job industries you want to work in, and pull inspiration your favorite brands. Just because it’s your professional aesthetic, doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Show your creative side and personality off!
         3. Decide Your Professional Aesthetic 
Different colors have effects on our attitude, behaviors and other aspects of our lives. Colors evoke emotions. They are able change the tone of your brand and how others view it. For example, blues, greens and purples evokes a calming effect. These colors remind people of fresh air and nature, naturally causing them to relax. In addition, reds, oranges and yellows portray strength and optimism. The images of light and fire come to mind, so you appear more confident and intelligent. Lastly, darker colors such as brown, black and gray give off a more formal and sophisticated feel.  
            4. Use a Color Palette Generator 
The fourth step is to use a color palette generator to test out different color combinations. With tools like Canva’s Color Palette Generator, you can upload a photo to match what palette you have envisioned. After it delivers your palette, it even gives you the color codes to use a across programs. In addition, they have pre-made palettes to use or to give you inspiration. There are a handful of other free generators out there.
            5. Test it Out 
Finally, take the time to test your new color palette by creating a personal logo, changing the portfolio’s color settings and anything else needed to complete your personal brand. Try it out on website builders such as Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace. Seeing the colors displayed on a website will assist your decision. Remember, nothing is permanent, and you have the power to choose what defines your brand! Continue testing your color combinations until you are pleased and positive the colors accurately represent you and your work.

​Written by Lily Abadir