Yellow
I'm one of nature's favorite colors. From the shine of the summer sun to buttercups and daffodils in the fields, from the sands of a desert dune to the fruits of a lemon tree, you can find me almost anywhere outside if you look close enough.
I evoke warmth and happiness in many people. When I'm bright and sunny, my happiness seeps into those around me. I remind people of summer, of cool lemonade, of warmer weather and brighter days to come.
I vary in personality depending on my shade. I can range from sunny, happy lemon to deep, murky mustard. This change of shade also drastically impacts my popularity. Some love my cheerful lemon personality. Others despise my darker mustard side. Both are me, and I'm proud to call both my shades.
Where You Can Find Me
Lightbulbs use me as a soft, diffusing color to shade its harsh glow. My light is warmer and softer on the eye than white LED light.
Flowers like daffodils, tulips, sunflowers, buttercups, and many more bear my shade. In fruits, I'm found in lemons—highly acidic, hard to eat by themselves, but great when enjoyed in sugary lemonade or lemon meringue pie. Large quantities of it can be too much, just like me when I'm found in bright, acidic hues. Use just enough of me, and I can instantly brighten up a room.
In fashion, I'm a unique color to work with. I don't match all skin tones, but when I do, I can really bring out someone's quirky, outgoing, sunny personality.
Shades of Yellow
Image courtesy of Ingrid Sundberg
Testimonies About Me
About lemon yellow: "It's such a sunshine-y color."
"It's bright and joyful and beautiful."
"A lot of things in my life growing up were yellow: the color of Math t-shirts, the trumpet that I played in band, Pokemon (my favorite is Pikachu)."
"It reminds me of the sun and joy."
"It's happy and pleasing to the eye. When my eyes see yellow, they feel relaxed, which makes my body feel relaxed. It also has the ability wake people up, with its 'pop' of color."
"It reminds me to stand out."
About mustard yellow:
"It doesn't match anything—I wouldn't wear it."
"If I had to attribute a color to anxiety, it would be dark mustard yellow. After my experience in the army, it heightened my negative association with the color. It reminds me of dark, deep, twisted mustard gas."