If you’re going into business or wanting to re-fresh an ageing brand, do not try and do it  yourself. Having the ideas is one thing, but having the skills, knowledge and tools to bring  them to life is another. Leave it to the professionals (like me!) here’s why:

• Artistic Ability; you don’t get to be a graphic designer in the first place if you don’t  have any. 
• Graphic Design principles; These are the laws of graphic design, the things you  learn when studying to be a designer, the things that separate the amateur from the  professional. Things like typography, colour balance, page layout, white space (good use of it), alignment and so on.
• Technical knowledge; Once you’ve learnt the rules of graphic design, you need to  learn how to drive the tools that will do the job. Not just the computer (quick keys, file  management etc) but the software that produces the quality of file required for print or  the web. The graphic designer must know all about correct image resolution, Vector vs  Pixel based images, PMS colours, differing paper qualities, colour systems (RGB vs  CMYK), file formats (.ai, .eps, .jpg, .tif etc) and which one to use...all of this knowledge  and more goes into the production of something as seemingly simple as a business card.
• Supplier Relationships; A good graphic designer should have a relationship with a  printer they trust in order to successfully complete the project. When the designer and  printer are in regular contact and the printer knows what is expected from him,  potential problems can be avoided. This relationship also allows for better and faster  pricing. The same is true for website development.

A key aspect of any design is colour, especially with branding. Colours give off their own messages that the viewer is often unaware they are receiving because we all have instinctive physical or emotional responses to colour. So by carefully choosing the right colour or combination of colours, your graphic designer (me!) can tap into these responses and add another voice to the message you want to get across.

Here are some examples of what colours mean:

Blue: Most peoples favourite colour, it generates feelings of trust, dependability, commitment and calm but at opposite ends of the spectrum it can range from cool and uncaring to dynamic and dramatic. In branding design it is most commonly used in the 'serious' professions of finance, law and business.

Branding examples: Ford, The National/Conservative Party, IBM, BNZ, ANZ

Green: Our 2nd most favourite colour, greens are interpreted as tranquil, refreshing and peaceful. It represents newness or re-birth and is associated with nature and the environment for obvious reasons. In branding design it is most commonly used with those wanting to appear environmentally aware or who deal in natural, 'earth' based products or services.

Branding examples: BP (ha!) Heineken, Steinlager, The Green Party, National Bank, Sprite.

Yellow: Yellow says bright, bubbly, cheerful, optimistic and creative. It will standout amongst surrounding other colours, reaching the eye first (blue is last) and it is supposed to help with memory recall and encourage communication. Hence the 'yellow pages'. Used in branding design when you want to scream out 'look at me!' can look sickly and tacky if not used properly.

Branding examples: MacDonalds, the AA, Yellow Pages, Ray White, Midas.

Red: The next colour down after yellow for getting noticed. Red is sexy and passionate, it is energetic, confident and bold. It instills a sense of protection from our fears because of its boldness. In branding red is used to appear bold, dynamic, energetic and strong.

Branding examples: Coke, Red Bull, The Labour Party/Communist Party, The Red Cross, Virgin, Fire engines.

To learn more about the meanings of other colours, visit:
http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-messages-meanings/color-meaning-symbolism-psychology/all-about-the-color-blue.html