Neon colors are bright, vivid, and seem to glow. They are eye-catching and used frequently in advertising, graphic design, fashion, and more to attract attention. But what exactly makes a color look “neon”? Here we’ll explore the science and perception behind neon colors.
What is a neon color?
The term “neon color” is used to describe any color that appears exceptionally bright, intense, and often has a glow to it. Technically, true neon colors are ones that are achieved using neon lighting – neon signs or neon art installations. However, the term is more broadly used to refer to any fluorescent, high intensity shade.
Some examples of neon colors include:
– Neon yellow
– Neon green
– Neon orange
– Neon pink
– Neon blue
These shades appear almost radioactive in their brightness. They seem to “pop” against darker backgrounds. Neon colors are most vibrant when placed side by side with neutral or black backgrounds.
What makes neon colors so bright?
There are a few key factors that give neon colors their exceptionally intense appearance:
High luminance
Luminance refers to the brightness of a color. Neon colors have very high luminance, meaning they reflect a lot of light. A color’s luminance is measured on a scale from 0 (perfect black) to 100 (pure white light). Most neon shades have a luminance value of at least 60. This makes them stand out, especially alongside darker shades.
High saturation
Color saturation refers to the intensity and purity of a color. Neon colors are highly saturated, meaning they have very little black or gray mixed in. The more saturated a color is, the more vivid and bright it appears. Neon shades are often the most saturated version available of that particular hue.
Contrast
Neon colors by nature provide a stark contrast against most backgrounds. Placing a neon color alongside a muted, dark, or gray tone makes the neon shade pop even more. This contrast makes the neon color seem even brighter by comparison. Using neon shades sparingly helps them stand out against more neutral backdrops.
The science of neon color perception
Our perception of neon colors has to do with the way our eyes and brains process color stimuli. Here’s a look at some of the science behind why neon shades look so distinct to us:
Cones in our eyes
The retina in our eyes contains cones with photopigments that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. There are cones that respond most to blue, green, and red. When a neon color wavelength hits our eyes, it hyper-stimulates the cones for that specific hue. This makes that color seem exceptionally intense compared to other shades.
Opponent process theory
The opponent process theory of color vision states that our eyes transmit information about colors in opposing pairs: red/green and blue/yellow. Neon colors hyper-stimulate one half of an opposing pair, without stimulating the other. This increases the apparent vibrancy of that color.
Adaptation and fatiguing
Staring at an intense neon color for too long can cause adaptation and color fatiguing. This is when the cones that detect that wavelength get overloaded and start to respond less. This is why neon colors seem to “glow” – they fatigue the eye quickly so the color appears to flicker or radiate energy.
Cultural associations with neon colors
Humans also have certain cultural associations with neon colors that impact how we perceive them. Here are some common associations that make neon colors feel bright, youthful, and fun:
Advertising and branding
Neon is strongly associated with attention-grabbing advertising and branding. Bold neon shades are used for logos, signage, website graphics, and more. Over time, we’ve learned that neon = high visibility.
Fashion and trends
In fashion, neon colors are often associated with young, cutting edge styles. Neon shades were popular in the 1980’s and have had periodic resurgences since, giving them associations with youth culture.
Nightlife
The use of neon lighting in nightclubs and bars links neon colors to excitement and activity. Dark backgrounds make neon lighting really stand out in nightlife venues.
Art and design
Many artists and designers have incorporated neon shades into their visual work. The neon aesthetic has developed a connection to trendy, contemporary art styles.
Practical uses of neon colors
Beyond just being loud and eye-catching, neon colors have some useful applications:
Warning signs and hazards
Neon colors like safety orange and neon yellow are frequently used for high visibility warning signs and safety vests. Their brightness makes them easily noticeable.
Product displays
Retail stores often use neon signage and displays to draw customer attention to sales or featured products. Neon is useful for distinguishing special products or price discounts.
Sporting equipment
Sports equipment like balls, helmets, and jerseys sometimes come in neon shades to make them more visible during games where seeing the ball quickly is important.
Fun, novelty items
Novelty goods like toys, art supplies, and housewares utilize neon shades just for the playful, fun factor. The bright colors lend a lighthearted, whimsical feel.
How brands use neon colors
Many major brands and companies have incorporated neon shades into their logos, branding, and ads. Here are some examples:
| Brand | Use of Neon |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Bright red logo |
| Nickelodeon | Orange logo and branding |
| Gatorade | Neon green bottles |
| Payless | Bold yellow and pink in ads |
These brands use neon strategically as a key part of their visual identity. The bright colors help their marketing stand out. They also evoke fun, youthful associations.
Creating neon color effects
There are a few different strategies designers and artists use to generate that intense, glowing neon look:
Choosing inherently bright shades
Some paint colors, marker shades, etc. naturally have very high luminance and saturation. Choosing an already bold, intense color as your starting point enhances the neon look.
Using color filters
Photo editing apps like Instagram have filters specifically designed to boost color saturation. These can turn an average color into something super neon.
Layering and blending
Using translucent layers of highly saturated color on top of each other can intensify the perception of brightness. Blending neon with white also pumps up the luminance.
Using black backgrounds
Placing a neon color against a pitch black backdrop makes it seem to glow and stand out more than if it was against a white or lighter background.
Incorporating neon lighting
When possible, using actual neon tube lights is the most direct route to that bright neon visual effect. The colors directly emitted by neon gas are incredibly intense.
Psychology of neon colors
Research has revealed some interesting psychological and physiological effects related to looking at neon colors:
Increased heart rate and brain activity
Studies using EEG tests found that exposing people to neon colors causes a spike in brain wave activity. Heart rate also increases. This reflects a stimulated nervous system.
Creates arousal and excitement
The boosted neurological activity makes people feel more energized and enthused when interacting with neon colors. It provokes senses of excitement, passion, or anger.
Enhances mood
While neon colors are arousing, they also simply make many people feel happier when they encounter them. The brightness is uplifting and fun.
Feelings of aggressiveness or defiance
Along with passion and enthusiasm, some also report feeling irritable or aggressive after prolonged neon color exposure. It may provoke rebelliousness.
Youthful associations
As previously mentioned, neon shades feel fresh, energetic, and youthful. This can create nostalgia for younger years.
Gender differences in neon color perception
Some research indicates men and women may perceive neon colors differently:
Preference
Studies on color preference found that women generally like neon shades more than men. However, both genders tend to enjoy neon to some degree.
Fatiguing
One study found that a fuchsia neon color was more visually fatiguing for men than women. Women could stare at it longer without adapting.
Irritability
Men are more prone to feelings of irritation or aggressiveness after prolonged neon color exposure. Women don’t experience this effect as strongly.
Positive perceptions
While neon colors over-stimulate some men, research found women maintain more consistently positive perceptions of neon shades. They continue perceiving them as fun and happy.
Overall, both sexes seem receptive to neon colors. But women appear slightly more visually tolerant of intense neon hues.
Conclusion
Neon colors get their intense, glowy look thanks to having high luminance, high saturation, and contrast against darker backdrops. Our eyes and brains are evolutionarily designed to perceive these shades as bright and exciting. Neon colors take advantage of this hard-wired visual response.
Culturally, neon shades are now firmly associated with youth, energy, and vibrant flair. Brands and designers leverage neon’s ability to immediately capture attention. Using neon coloring is a way to stand out and get noticed.
While prolonged neon exposure can cause irritation for some, in general these colors elicit feelings of cheerfulness, nostalgia, and vigor. Their brightness catches our eye, sparks our interest, and draws us in. This makes neon colors perfect for commanding attention.
