Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Pink In Marketing

This just in: pink is set to be the colour of summer 2023, with the release of the Barbie movie (out today!) meaning that colour schemes across the business world are set to get a whole lot rosier.

READ MORE:

Dripping in punchy pop culture references and with an A-list cast quite unlike any other, Barbie signals a shift in popularity from cool neutral shades to vibrant shades of baby, hot and candy pink. Prepare to see magenta and fuchsia everywhere, with pastel pinks woven in to keep the look punchy rather than garish.

So what does pink represent, and how can you incorporate in to your promotional marketing plans this summer and beyond? Read on to find out more...

Everything You Need To Know About The Colour Pink

According to reports, the word "pink" was first used to describe flowers back in the 17th century. Since then, it's gone on to bloom into a myriad of more specific shades, ranging from vibrant shocking pink to more delicate shades of baby and blush.

Whereas it was once a colour that was favoured exclusively by the European aristocracy, pink is now one of the most widely worn colours by all demographics. Whether it's brightening up a suit for the office or bringing some colour to a room in the home, pink can boldly make a statement as easily as it can blend into the background - it's entirely up to you whether you opt to ramp it up or dial it down.

Image: Chandler Walters via Unsplash

Each shade of pink tells its own story, with many businesses choosing the colour in one form or another for its branding.

As well as making a statement all of its own, pink is also perfectly paired with colours such as black and white for high-impact contrast, providing a statement canvas on which to layer up your branding. For example, a hot pink travel mug would look fantastic printed with a striking white or black logo.

What Does Pink Traditionally Represent?

Pink has many connotations and meanings, ranging from the subtle to the unavoidable.

Pink is commonly associated with femininity and romance. It stands in contrast to the boldness of red, which can also be linked with aggression and violence.
Pink is widely linked with childhood and nostalgia, and is commonly used in retro-inspired designs.
The colour is known for its calming properties. One shade, named "drunk-tank pink", has been used on prison walls to soothe angry inmates.
Pink is a happy colour, with phrases such as "rose-tinted glasses" and "tickled pink" giving a nod to its merry connotations.
The print edition of the Financial Times famously has pink pages, reportedly to ensure that it stands out on the newsstand.

From standing out from the crowd to its soothing properties, the 'good vibes only' appeal of pink means almost any business can benefit from weaving the colour into their marketing over the coming months.

Which Famous Companies Use Pink In Their Branding?

Global brands such as Airbnb, Instagram and T-Mobile all feature degrees of pink in their logo. Fashion and beauty brands such as Victoria's Secret, Kylie Cosmetics and Benefit also have pink variations of their logo, with the colour incorporated more widely into their branding and packaging.

Image: Souvik Banerjee via Unsplash

Strong female-centric brands often pair bold lettering with pink for an unmissable logo.

Cosmopolitan magazine, for example, boasts a blocky pink font, while, accessories brand Claire's boasts unmissable chunky lettering in its logo. And of course, while the Barbie logo has undergone various iterations over the years, the one thing it's always had is a hot pink palette at its core.

How Can I Incorporate Pink Into My Branding?

If the thought of all-pink-everything fills you with dread

Which Pink Promotional Products Could Your Business Consider?

We all know that life in plastic is fantastic - but life in pink could be even better.

Whether your branding is already pink or you're simply planning to embrace the colour for a pop culture tie-in over the summer months, we've got you covered with our wide range of pink products.

If you're viewing a product category page, simply use the colour picker tool (top left) to find the products that match your palette requirements - we've got a huge range of shades available, with soft pastel pinks and rainbow-bright pinks both available for many of our items. Take a look at all our promotional pink pens, for example.

The beauty of using pink as a base colour for your merchandise is that it can allow the right logo to truly pop, creating simple yet high-impact visibility for your design.

With that in mind, read on for our edit of think-pink promotional products, ready to order with your logo today.

500ml Active Water Bottles

Available from just 50 units, these popular water bottles are a great merchandise pick for everything from fitness companies to lifestyle brands.

They'll be exquisitely printed with your design in up to four colours, with the generous branding area ensuring that your logo is on display with every sip. Explore our full range of branded water bottles for more ideas.

Contour Frost Ballpens

Looking for a pen that can add a burst of promotional pink to any desk? The search is over: our Contour Frost Ballpens are here to make your pink pen dreams a reality.

These ballpens can be printed with your design in up to full colour, ensuring your brand is represented just how you want it to be. (Pink perhaps not your thing after all? This pen is available to order in a rainbow of other colours.)

Discover our full range of printed pens.

Debossed Silicone Wristbands

Planning an event or looking for a high-impact, low-cost charity merchandise item that you can sell on to supporters of your good cause? Our Debossed Silicone Wristbands have got you covered.

As well as standard debossing, you also have the option to have your debossed logo infilled with colour for an extra-special finishing touch.

Any Colour Sunglasses

Trust us: life in plastic is even more fantastic when you're wearing these fabulous printed sunglasses.

Printed with your design in one colour to both arms, these striking sunnies are a great way to add a stylish twist to your marketing this summer - especially if you want to add a nod to Barbie.

Fruit of the Loom Ladies Hoodies

Looking ahead to the cosier autumn months? Our super-soft Fruit of the Loom hoodies are available in both male and female fits, with a wide range of colours for you to choose from.

They're a stylish classic that your recipients can don over and over again, offering fantastic visibility for your logo with every wear. They're ideal for everyone from outdoor workers to university students, with the various print areas ensuring your branding is on clear display.

Tucson Edge Ruled Medium Notebooks

Looking for a classic merch idea - with a fun 2023 twist? Search no further than our Tucson Edge Ruled Medium Notebooks, which feature your colour of choice perfectly contrasted with a stylish black notebook.

Nail Varnish

If you're looking for a beauty-themed giveaway that can be used in event goodie bags or handed out in-store, then we've got the perfect promo product to help you nail your goals.

Each of our Nail Varnish pots will feature your design printed in full colour to the label, while the vibrant range of shades available (including the hottest of hot pinks) is guaranteed to appeal to any manicure fan.

XR Smart Watch

Finally, for a stylish and sporty accessory that can be printed with your artwork in up to four colours, search no further than our XR Smart Watch.

With the ability to take photos, monitor certain health factors and more, this is so much more than just a watch - and it's ready to order with your logo today. We think Barbie would approve.

Need help sourcing a specific item for your upcoming summer marketing campaign? Simply contact a member of our friendly and experienced Sales team on 01376 509092 or by emailing info@totalmerchandise.co.uk.