Choosing the Right Brand Colors (Without Getting Stuck in Canva Purgatory)

Let’s be honest — picking brand colors can feel like falling down a rabbit hole of color palettes, hex codes, and endless scrolling on Canva. What started as “let me just grab some cute colors” quickly turns into two hours of comparing lilac and lavender while your to-do list glares at you.

But here’s the truth: choosing your brand colors doesn’t have to be overwhelming or overcomplicated. In fact, it should feel inspiring — not exhausting.

At Purposeful Press, we help brands show up boldly and beautifully. So today, let’s break down how to choose the right brand colors without losing your mind (or your time).

1. Know Your Brand’s Personality

Before you open Canva or Pinterest, ask yourself:

What does my brand feel like? Is it bold and energetic? Soft and nurturing? Elegant and refined? Your brand personality is the foundation for choosing colors that connect.

Use these moods as a guide:

• Warm, energetic brands: reds, oranges, bright yellows

• Trustworthy, calming brands: blues, greens, neutrals

• Luxurious or high-end brands: blacks, deep purples, golds

• Playful, creative brands: pinks, teals, vibrant hues

If your brand was a person, how would they show up in a room? Let that guide your palette.

2. Choose a Primary Color (This is Your Anchor)

Your primary color is the main vibe. It’s what your audience will associate with your brand — think Tiffany blue or McDonald’s red.

Choose one standout color that represents your brand’s core message. This is the color that will likely be on your logo, your website header, and your social graphics the most.

3. Add a Secondary Color (Your Support Act)

This is the color that compliments your primary without competing with it. It adds balance and visual interest.

Tip: Use a color wheel to find complementary or analogous shades to your primary color. Canva has a built-in tool for this, or you can use coolors.co for ready-made palettes.

4. Pick a Neutral (Your Background Player)

Think of your neutral as the canvas — white, black, beige, taupe, or gray. This keeps your content clean and lets your core colors shine.

Bonus: You can also choose an accent color — a bold pop you use sparingly to draw attention to buttons, call-to-actions, or headlines.

5. Test it in the Real World

Don’t just fall in love with colors on the screen — test them.

• Try them on a social media post

• See them on your website mockup

• Print them if you plan to use packaging or flyers

Sometimes colors look great digitally but feel totally different in print or when paired together in a layout.

6. Save Yourself from Canva Purgatory

Here’s your permission slip: Once you choose a palette, stick to it for 90 days. Revisit it after you’ve used it consistently and assess how it feels.

Too often, new business owners keep rebranding before their brand has had a chance to build recognition. Consistency > perfection.

And remember: your brand isn’t married to these colors forever. You can evolve. But you need a starting point to grow from.

Final Thought: Keep It Purposeful

Your colors should do more than look good — they should say something about your brand. Whether you’re bold and faith-driven, peaceful and intentional, or quirky and creative — let your color choices reflect the impact you want to make.

You don’t need a design degree or 30 open tabs to choose with confidence. Just clarity, consistency, and a little creativity.

Need Help Choosing?

At Purposeful Press, we help brands build strong visual identities that speak volumes. If you’re ready for brand clarity (minus the stress), book a Brand Starter Session with us — we’ll help you choose your colors, fonts, and vibe with purpose.