Red is a dynamic and intense colour that immediately captures attention and stimulates action. Symbolising passion, excitement, and energy, red is often associated with strong emotions and bold statements. It evokes feelings of urgency and enthusiasm, making it ideal for brands aiming to create powerful impressions, foster excitement, or encourage immediate responses.
Red’s diverse shades—from vibrant Scarlet to deep, sophisticated Burgundy—allow brands to choose tones that perfectly communicate their intended message, whether it be boldness, luxury, or warmth. Particularly in print, red hues are highly effective for promotional materials, luxury packaging, striking business cards, and attention-grabbing advertising collateral. Combined with high-end print finishes such as spot UV, gloss laminations, or metallic foils, red hues significantly enhance perceived value and brand impact.
| Colour Swatch | Description & Meaning | Industries, Products & Services | Hex Code | CMYK Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Scarlet – Bold and energetic, evokes excitement, courage, and passion. | Retail promotions, events, food and beverage branding. Ideal for vibrant flyers, posters, banners, and eye-catching packaging. | #FF2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 |
|
|
Crimson – Rich and intense, symbolises love, ambition, and determination. | Luxury brands, fashion, cosmetics, high-end products. Perfect for luxury business cards, premium packaging, and elegant brochures with special finishes. | #DC143C | 0, 91, 72, 14 |
|
|
Burgundy – Deep and sophisticated, conveys wealth, power, and refinement. | Luxury wines labels, gourmet food, high-end hospitality. Ideal for luxury menus, exclusive invitations, sophisticated packaging with gold or silver foiling. | #800020 | 0, 100, 75, 50 |
|
|
Cherry Red – Bright and playful, symbolises joy, youth, and energy. | Youth-oriented brands, entertainment, social campaigns. Perfect for lively promotional materials, social media graphics, and vibrant printed collateral. | #D2042D | 0, 98, 79, 18 |
How to Use Red in Design:
- Bright reds demand attention and evoke urgency.
- Deeper reds create warmth, elegance, and richness.
- Pair with neutrals to balance intensity or gold for luxury.