Plutchik’s Model of Emotions
Color and emotion go hand in hand. Different shades, tones, and hues can greatly alter the mood of any visual experience. While a message in bright red would emulate an intense sense of urgency, attract immediate attention, and oftentimes stir an energized action, the same content in a soft blue would evoke a feeling of peace, stir a calm response, and leave the viewer with a sense of relief and trust.
This symbiotic relationship between color’s strong influence on emotion and how an audience interprets content makes it impossible for color to be overlooked or viewed as anything other than a primary consideration of any design. This delicate experience of emotion and color is rigorously considered and studied by professionals in many disciplines. This study of an emotional response to color is referred to as color psychology.
Color psychology is grounded in the blending of color and emotion. Its rules are based on the emotional and mental effects that colors can have. While there are generally accepted and proven aspects of color psychology, there remain variations and interpretations for each person based on their personal experiences with color.
Whether it be in reference to art therapy, psychological responses, or environmental impact, color psychology is prevalent. Because individuals can experience an seemlingly infinte amount of distinct emotions, organizing and interpreting these emotions is oftentimes overwhelming and subjective. However, American psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik developed a model to compartmentalize and organize these so-called “variable” emotions into a singluar model known as the Emotion Wheel.
Plutchik theorized the concept of eight core emotions: joy, sadness, acceptance, disgust, fear, anger, surprise, and anticipation. These basic emotions can intensify and minimize on their own, or blend with other core emotions to produce the abstract emotional experiences that we encounter each day.
By combining the concepts of color theory with Pluthcik’s Emotion Wheel, my design of Plutchik’s Model of Emotions came to life. After researching, studying, and pondering Plutchik’s theory, I developed a unique color palette for each of the eight core emotions based on my own experience with them. While the basic rules of color theory as outlined above are observed, personal interpretation plays a large factor with the extensive color palette of this piece.
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Anticipation: Something big is coming — The unknown is dark and overwhelming // Change is happening — Change is a sudden shot of blue // Something useful might come — The unknown and the change has settled.
Anger: I’m blocked from something vital — The block is heavy and strong // Something is in the way — Only red can be seen // Something is unresolved — Yellow is out of place, unknown, and uncomfortable.
Disgust: Fundamental values are violated — Neutral and neon invade the same space // Wrong; rules are violated — Decision is made // The potential for this situation isn’t being met — Color fades as the potential drains.
Sadness: Love is lost— There is no color but depth // Love is going away — What remains is pale // Love is distant — It is soft but seen.
Surprise: Something is totally unexpected — Shock is blended // Something new happened — There is a reflection of the unexpected // I don’t know what to prioritize — Attention is split.
Fear: There is big danger — Danger is looming but unidentified // Something I care about is at risk— Limited clarity // There could be a problem — The unknown is identified but not understood.
Trust: I want to support the person or thing — Deep feelings of want // This is safe —Warmth is apparent // We are in this together — Feelings are settled and blended.
Joy: This is better than I imagined— Dizziness of light and opportunity // Life is going well — Rich and steady // Something is happening that’s essential, pure, or purposeful— There is warmth and diversity that is yet to be known.
