Karen is a leading UK based applied Colour Psychologist and author of ‘The little book of Colour’. Her knowledge of colour and how it affects the way we respond to everything it touches makes her the perfect choice for the 2020 judging panel. Find out more about Karen and what motivates her life in colour.
What role does colour play in your life/work?
I can honestly say colour is my life, it runs through my veins. I live and breathe it every waking moment. I am fascinated how it impacts every part of our lives, how it influences how we think, feel and behave. Studying, researching and applying this to improve our life is my day long obsession.
Highest creative point in the past year?
It would have to be my book, The Little Book of Colour, published by Penguin Life and translated into 12 languages. The book is for the everyday person sharing ways they can bring colour into their everyday life – the feedback I get on a daily basis has brought great joy.
Hardest lesson learnt when you were starting out?
I thought everyone knew and used colour psychology. Boy was I in for a shock when I found out this wasn’t the case. For years I got “What the hell is that?” Getting the message out felt at times like pushing treacle up hill. I should have done my research.
However I didn’t let this deter me. I knew I had something really special and important to share. I’m thrilled that the interest in applied colour psychology is finally growing. I have to admit that there have been times when I’ve felt like the lone wolf trying to get the message out there that colour is a powerful, scientifically proven tool to influence positive behaviour, feelings and well-being. I thank my tenacity, grit and determination for seeing me through.
Colourful goal?
My goal is huge! The world I want to live in is one in which everyone loves colour, and no one is afraid of it, or uncertain of how to use it. I want to create a global colour revolution in which we are no longer oblivious to this marvel that surrounds us. I want everyone to be able to speak the language of colour fluently.
Best bit of advice for shiny new colourful creatives
Experiment, explore, experience the joy and wonder that is colour. Be brave. Be open. Be curious. Enjoy the wonderful journey that colour will take you on.
Favourite colour?
It’s always funny to be asked that because it’s a bit like a mother being asked to choose a favourite child! But, yes, I do have a favourite and it’s the tone of orange you see on a marigold flower – clear, bright, full of energy. It reminds me to not take life too seriously. It’s a playful, joyful colour – it makes me smile. It’s Marianne’s favourite colour too and we have been known to get up to mischievous fun together.
Website: https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/, https://karenhaller.co.uk/ and https://colour-training.com/
Contact: karen@karenhaller.co.uk
Social media:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/karenhaller