Electric blue is a bright, vibrant shade of cyan-blue that really pops. It’s an energetic, electric color that commands attention. But with different tints, tones, and variations, exactly what shade qualifies as “electric blue” can vary. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and qualities of electric blue, look at some examples of its shades, and determine what defines the iconic “electric blue” color.
Defining Electric Blue
Electric blue first started being used as a color name in the 1950s. It refers to a brilliant, intense, saturated blue with a bold vibrant appearance. Think of the color electricity appears as in cartoons – a vivid glowing blue.
The key characteristics of electric blue are:
– Very saturated – Electric blue has a high saturation level for a bold, vivid color. Lower saturation makes it appear more muted.
– Bright and luminous – It has high brightness and luminance that makes it seem to “glow”. Darker or muted shades appear less “electric”.
– Cool blue tone – It leans towards a vibrant cyan/blue, not greenish or purplish. Warm or muted tones give a different look.
– High contrast – Electric blue offers strong visual contrast with its high saturation. Low contrast with surrounding colors makes it seem less vibrant.
So in summary, electric blue is defined as a saturated, bright, cool cyan-blue with high contrast. This gives it that vivid glowing colorfull pop associated with electricity.
Electric Blue in Branding
Electric blue’s high-energy color has made it popular for technology and energy companies seeking bright, vibrant brand colors:
| Company | Industry |
|---|---|
| IBM | Technology |
| AT&T | Telecommunications |
| GE | Conglomerate/Energy |
| ACCIONA | Renewable Energy |
As the examples show, electric blue’s tech association and energizing qualities make it a good brand color for technology, telecom, and energy companies that want to communicate innovation, energy, and bold vision.
Shades of Electric Blue
Within the electric blue family, many shades and variations exist. Each has its own characteristics, including:
Azure Blue
A lighter, softened tone of electric blue, azure blue is brighter and less saturated than traditional electric blue. It has a tranquil, relaxing effect.
Hex Code: #007FFF
Cerulean Blue
Cerulean blue mixes electric blue tones with azure blue, resulting in a bright, vibrant shade halfway between the two. It’s energetic but slightly muted.
Hex Code: #007BA7
Blue Cola
Blue cola is a deeper electric blue, amping up the saturation. This creates a very vibrant, glowing shade still recognizable as electric blue.
Hex Code: #00A2E8
Shocking Blue
A fitting name, shocking blue is an ultra-vibrant, heavily saturated and brightened take on electric blue. It packs the maximum punch.
Hex Code: #002FA7
Tufts Blue
Tufts blue is darker while retaining the signature electric blue glow. The deeper shade gives it a rich, luxurious appeal.
Hex Code: #417DC1
YInMn Blue
YInMn blue is named after its chemical composition. It reflects light very evenly to create a vivid, eye-catching electric blue.
Hex Code: #2E5090
French Blue
French blue is a grayish, muted electric blue. The lower saturation makes it feel more subtle but still energetic.
Hex Code: #0072BB
So electric blue covers a wide range from the bold saturation of shocking blue to the muted tones of French blue. But all retain that characteristic blue electric glow.
Electric Blue in Nature
In nature, some animals have evolved electric blue colors as well, usually for signaling or mating displays:
Peacock Feathers
The iconic eye-shaped markings on peacock tail feathers bear a striking electric blue color. This coloration helps attract mates.
Poison Dart Frogs
Poison dart frogs display neon electric blue coloring on their bodies as a warning to predators of their toxicity.
Morpho Butterfly
These butterflies flash vivid blue underwings when flying to startle predators. Their blue matches the vibrant electric blue color.
Pavonis Mons
This Martian mountain has slopes that appear an electric blue color due to mineral content, as photographed by satellites.
So while not the most common natural color, electric blue stands out dramatically when it does appear in animals, minerals, and plants.
Electric Blue Pigments
Creating electric blue color requires specific pigments that provide the needed properties:
Phthalocyanine Blue
A synthetic blue pigment that produces a shade very close to electric blue. It has a vibrant cyan tone and high tinting strength.
Cobalt Blue
Made by combining cobalt oxide with aluminum oxide, this pigment produces a rich, saturated blue ideal for mixing electric blue tones.
Ultramarine Blue
A natural pigment made from the mineral lapis lazuli that has been used since the Renaissance. It adds luminosity and brightness to electric blue.
Prussian Blue
An early synthetic pigment discovered around 1704 that contains ferrocyanide. It is useful for darkening down intense blues.
Pigment choice affects the resulting blue tone. But combinations of these pigments allow creating vibrant electric blues.
Electric Blue in Art
Many iconic artworks feature electric blue shades to create contrast and draw the eye:
The Starry Night
Van Gogh used cobalt blue mixed with other shades to create the swirling electric blue sky in his legendary painting.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Hokusai’s woodblock print depicts towering blue waves in a vivid electric blue that leaps off the page.
The Scream
Munch used blue and orange contrasts, with an electric blue sky swirl helping the scene burst with anxiety.
Campbell’s Soup Cans
Warhol’s famous pop art paintings use bright electric blue labels against red cans for maximum contrast.
Throughout art history, electric blue has been liberally applied to create dynamism, contrast, and drama within artworks.
Electric Blue in Fashion
Electric blue works well in fashion because it commands attention and makes outfits pop:
Dresses
Electric blue dresses catch the eye, especially sleek cocktail and evening dresses in satin, chiffon, or lace.
Heels
Pointed stiletto pumps in patent electric blue leather make a vibrant style statement.
Bags
Small electric blue handbags or purses inject bold color into daytime outfits.
Jewelry
Electric blue gems like tanzanite or blue topaz shine when cut for statement jewelry pieces.
Fashion loves using electric blue as an accessory or accent shade against neutrals like black, white, and nude. Just a splash electrifies an entire look.
Psychology of Electric Blue
Why does electric blue have such impact on us psychologically? A few reasons:
Attention-Grabbing
The high luminance draws eyes immediately to electric blue items. Our vision senses the contrast.
Energizing
Bright cool blues are associated with vigor, speed, and directness – energizing qualities.
Clean/Futuristic
Electric blues feel sharp, clean, and progressive like technology, lightning, or neon.
Youthsul/Vibrant
The youthful appeal of electric blue creates a vibrant, contemporary impression.
So electric blue taps into energies, technologies, and qualities we associate with electricity and the future. This lively shade has enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Electric blue is a versatile shade that spans the color spectrum from muted azure tones to shocking cyan hues. It creates lively contrast and energizing impact. This electrifying color first lit up the 1950s, but still retains a futuristic appeal that makes it a perfect representation of technology, energy, and vibrant spirit. Electric blue will continue shocking and aweing for decades to come.
