Now that another Red Nose Day has been and gone, it reminds us of the power that colour has in shaping how we remember brands. While the red nose itself may have evolved over the years, its simplicity continues to show how a colour can become culturally symbolic. But beyond this single example, the charity sector as a whole offers an insight into how colour can be used both strategically and creatively.
In many ways, charities are the masters of restraint and simplicity when it comes to colour. Operating with limited budgets, they are unable to rely on constant advertising or big brand refreshes but staying front of mind is still essential. Instead, they lean on simple yet strong codes, creating cohesive visual identities, where colour – and sometimes the lack of – plays a key role. Rather than undue complexity or trend-chasing, charities have developed their brand identities into recognisable hues that supporters can spot in an instant.
