Winning Customers with Colours
Your product label is more than just a design – it’s the first thing customers notice. On a crowded shelf, it’s what makes someone pick your product over a competitor’s. So, how do you create a label that not only stands out but also tells your brand’s story?
The secret lies in colour. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about influencing emotions, grabbing attention, and leaving a lasting impression. The right colours can make your product feel premium, fun, or trustworthy – whatever aligns with your brand’s message.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to use colour psychology to design custom labels that connect with your audience. Whether you’re creating wine labels, custom beer labels, or experimenting with finishes like metallic labels, we’ll cover:
- Picking colours that match your brand identity.
- Creating labels that captivate your target audience.
- Using special finishes, like metallic embellishments to enhance your design.
Let’s dive in and create labels that are impossible to ignore.
Unlocking the Power of Colour
Colour Psychology: A Game-Changer for Your Label
Colour isn’t just a design choice – it’s a powerful psychological tool. Did you know people form a subconscious opinion about a product within seconds? And more often than not, colour is a big part of that first impression.
Whether it’s the bold red on a can of cola or the calming blue of a trusted skincare brand, the right colours can:
- Evoke emotions like excitement, trust, or nostalgia.
- Shape how customers perceive your product.
- Even influence purchasing decisions.
Mastering colour can help your custom labels create the perfect impression, making your product irresistible at first glance.
Colour Basics
The Emotions Behind Every Hue
Different colours evoke different emotions, and understanding this can help you design labels that speak directly to your customers. Here’s a quick guide to what each colour conveys:
- Red: Bold and attention-grabbing, red is the colour of energy, passion, and excitement. It’s perfect for products that need to stand out, like energy drinks or spicy sauces.
- Blue: Calm and trustworthy, blue conveys reliability and professionalism. It’s a great choice for health products or brands looking to build customer trust.
- Green: The go-to for nature-inspired products, green represents health, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. Think organic foods or natural skincare.
- Yellow: Bright and cheerful, yellow evokes happiness, optimism, and warmth. It’s ideal for approachable brands, like children’s products or fun snacks.
- Black: Sleek and sophisticated, black screams luxury and exclusivity. Perfect for premium goods, from high-end wine labels to designer perfumes.
SOURCE: Packaging of the World
Matching Colour to Your Brand’s Personality
Your label’s colours should reflect your brand’s personality and make your customers feel the way you want them to. Think about these examples:
- Fun and approachable: If you’re designing custom beer labels for a light, playful craft beer, warm shades like orange or yellow convey energy and friendliness.
- Elegant and premium: For wine labels, deep tones like burgundy or navy blue paired with a metallic effect scream sophistication.
- Eco-conscious and natural: A green-based palette with earthy browns works perfectly for organic or sustainable products, like skincare or food.
SOURCE: LabelsP
Context is Key
Colours don’t exist in a vacuum – their meaning can change depending on the context. For instance:
- Green: On a food label, green suggests freshness and health. But for a tech gadget, it might feel out of place or evoke envy.
- Red: While red can mean excitement for a sports drink, it might feel overwhelming for a soothing skincare product.
Think about your industry, audience, and where your product will be displayed. The right colour isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about fitting the story your brand wants to tell.
SOURCE: Blade Creative
Best Colours for Different Product Types: A Quick Guide
Wine Labels
When it comes to wine labels, your design should exude sophistication, tradition, or celebration – or a mix of all three. The right colours can set the tone:
- Rich, dark tones: Burgundy, deep green, or black convey luxury and heritage, perfect for premium wines.
- Metallic accents: Gold or silver elements instantly elevate the label, adding a high-end, celebratory feel.
- Soft, neutral hues: Cream or pastel shades work beautifully for wines with a modern or delicate, minimalist vibe.
SOURCE: Somm Digi Blog
Custom Beer Labels
When designing custom beer labels, creativity is king. Your label should reflect the personality of the beer inside:
- Bright colours: Shades like orange, red, and yellow evoke energy and fun, perfect for pale ales or lagers.
- Earthy tones: Brown, green, or muted gold suit rustic, artisan beers, giving a natural, handcrafted vibe.
- Unexpected colour pairings: Think teal and orange or purple and lime – bold combinations make your label stand out on a crowded shelf.
SOURCE: Packaging of the World
Everyday Products
For general consumer goods, the right colours can help your product connect with its audience instantly:
- Luxury products: Black, gold, or navy blue scream sophistication and exclusivity.
- Eco-friendly goods: Greens and browns connect with sustainability and nature.
- Family-friendly items: Soft blues, yellows, or pastels convey trust and warmth.
How Metallic Finishes Transform Labels
What Makes Metallic Labels a Game-Changer?
Metallic labels use a foil-like effect to give your design a shiny, reflective finish that instantly grabs attention. They’re perfect for highlighting key design elements, like your logo, product name, or intricate artwork.
Benefits of Metallic Labels
- Premium Appeal: Ideal for wine, cosmetics, or high-end spirits, metallic finishes exude sophistication.
- Contrast and Depth: They create stunning contrasts, making colours pop and adding layers to your design.
- Versatility: From beer labels to luxury goods, metallics work across industries to make your product unforgettable.
Real World Ideas for Using Metallic Accents
- A craft gin bottle with a silver metallic background and deep blue text feels modern and sleek.
- A red wine label with gold foil highlights creates a celebratory, high-end look.
- Matte textures combined with metallic accents – like black and gold – add dynamic depth.
SOURCE: Label Value
Bringing Your Label Vision to Life
Step 1: Start with Your Brand’s Story
Your label should reflect your brand’s personality and values. Ask yourself:
- What emotions do I want my label to evoke?
- How should customers perceive my product?
Step 2: Build a Balanced Colour Palette
Choose 2-3 main colours and 1-2 accent colours. Use contrast to highlight elements like your logo or artwork.
Step 3: Add a Touch of Shine for Maximum Impact
Incorporate a metallic effect to highlight key details, frame your design, or add texture.
Step 4: Work with Pros to Perfect Your Labels
Work with a trusted printer to ensure your design translates flawlessly from screen to print.
Step 5: Test, Tweak and Perfect Your Design
Test your label in real-world conditions to refine colours, finishes, and readability.
What’s Next?
A well-designed label is more than just a design – it’s a story, a connection and can help your product create a great first impression. By applying the principles of colour psychology, you can evoke emotions that resonate with your customers and align your design with your brand’s identity.
Adding premium touches, like metallic effects, take your design to the next level, helping your product stand out in even the most crowded marketplace. Whether it’s sophisticated wine labels, bold beer labels, or something entirely unique, every detail – from colours to finishes – shapes how your product is perceived and embraced by consumers.
If you’re ready to create a label that stops customers in their tracks, reach out to our team at LabEX and let’s bring your vision to life!
