Major companies have used a signature color scheme for years to help consumers identify their businesses. Using a consistent color scheme in all your marketing materials, from brochure printing, to signage, to business card printing, can help build brand recognition for your company too.

Yellow and Red - Analogous Colors
The color scheme of red and yellow is analogous meaning that the colors are not far apart on the color wheel. McDonald’s has effectively used red and yellow as its color scheme for years. Other analogous color combos are blue and purple, blue and green, yellow and green, orange and yellow, and red and purple.

Although they provide a smooth blend, analogous combinations can be tricky to use in signage and for business card printing because there is not much contrast. If you really like this type of color scheme, use white or black lines between the background color and the color of the text to help the words stand out.

Blue, White, and Yellow - Complimentary Colors
Blue and yellow are complimentary colors because they are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complimentary colors provide a lot of contrast. Wal-mart has used blue as its signature color for a long time. This company often uses yellow or white for contrast on signs, commercials, and on its website.
Other complimentary color combos are orange and blue, yellow and purple, and green and red.

Complimentary colors are great to use in print materials such as business card printing, brochures, and signage because of the strong contrast, making materials stand out and making reading easier.

Red and White - High Contrast
Red is the brightest color with a high contrast to white. Black and white have the most contrast, but after that combination, red and white are the next best choice for signs or banners. Coca-cola has used the famous color combination of red and white for a long time, and customers instantly identify that brand’s products by those colors.

Red, White, and Blue - Patriotic
Red and blue are complimentary colors. Used in combination with white, the color scheme is seen as patriotic in several countries. Bank of America has used the fitting color scheme in its logo, on its website, and in its signs.

Pink and Black - Sexy
Pale pink and black contrast nicely. Victoria’s Secret uses this combination to signify femininity and sex appeal; pale pink also works well as a background for black because the black stands out. Most pastel colors work well with black printing because the black type is easy to read.

Studying successful color schemes from the big companies will help you make a better choice for your brand colors. Just keep in mind your target consumer base and choose something that will both appeal to them as well as give your company the image you want.