Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
Catalina Blue, with the hexadecimal code #0F3A78, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and trustworthiness. It is composed of 5.9% red, 22.7% green, and 47.1% blue. In the RGB color space, it is a primary color mix, favoring blue. This color is often associated with corporate identities, financial institutions, and governmental organizations due to its serious and reliable nature. It’s a cool color that can create a sense of calm and focus, but also formality. In color psychology, darker blues like Catalina Blue are linked to knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness. This makes it a popular choice in sectors where credibility and trust are paramount.
The color #0F3A78, also known as Catalina Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. This deep blue shade may not be suitable for conveying important information if paired with mid-tone colors. Tools like contrast checkers can help designers and developers assess and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility requirements. Using this color sparingly and thoughtfully is key to creating inclusive and accessible designs. Providing alternative text options and ensuring proper semantic structure can further improve the user experience for individuals with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast with darker text, improving readability.
- #000080
A darker shade of blue that provides a strong, grounding presence, suitable for backgrounds when paired with light text.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention without overwhelming the design.
Applications
Web, Fashion, Interior & Art Applications
Catalina Blue is often utilized to create a sense of trust and stability. In web development, it can be applied to the header or sidebar of a website for financial institutions or governmental organizations. It may also be used to accentuate call-to-action buttons if they are designed with contrasting colors. In fashion, this color works best for formal wear such as evening gowns or business suits, offering a sophisticated and authoritative impression. For interior design, it can be used as an accent wall color or for furniture upholstery in studies or libraries, promoting a calm and focused environment. Artists may use this color to depict depth and mystery in landscape paintings or abstract works.
Corporate Branding
Catalina Blue offers brands a strong visual identity, representing reliability and sophistication. In web design, it helps establish a trustworthy online presence for financial institutions, insurance providers, or government agencies. Consider using it for a website's primary color scheme to cultivate a sense of security. For print marketing, it provides an elegant touch to business cards, brochures, and annual reports. Catalina Blue can also be used in packaging, especially for products needing to convey quality and tradition. Make sure to pair it with contrasting colors like gold or white for impactful branding.
User Interface (UI) Design
In the realm of User Interface (UI) design, Catalina Blue serves as an effective accent color, enhancing user engagement and directing attention to crucial elements. It can be incorporated into buttons, icons, and progress bars, particularly for applications aimed at finance, education, or professional settings. For data visualization, Catalina Blue can highlight key metrics and trends in charts and graphs, helping users quickly grasp information. In mobile apps, this color enhances the overall user experience by creating a sense of credibility. However, it's crucial to balance the usage of Catalina Blue with lighter shades to prevent visual fatigue.