IS IT BLACK AND WHITE OR WHITE AND BLACK?
Is “it” white and black or black and white? The answer is actually in the question!
We are all used to the hearing and using the phrase “black and white”. We get it. There is very little wiggle room and simply no grey to consider. (Although as a creative person I always look for the grey!) But, wonder if you changed the phrase to “white and black”? The mere act of reversing the words will give the listener pause.
You will set the stage for a more open ended conversation. Even more, when you add a visual element to the question and add a surprise like color, you can actually manipulate the conversation even further.
Look at the first photo. What color(s) do you see you first? I bet you saw red. As an Image Consultant I know that one’s eye naturally goes to color first. I intentionally added red to focus grab attention. The color and the question superimposed onto the pictures forces you to consider the question first Now look at the same picture in black and white. Your eye doesn’t know where to look first. You diminish the powerful question by eliminating the power of color in design.
Why should you care? Our current power to express ourselves has become two dimensional. Most of our conversations, interactions, presentations and entertainment are on a screen. And when we do get to see each other, our universal sign of welcome – our smile – is literally masked! Scents that identify us, the sound of footsteps that announce someone’s distinctive gate, embraces that comfort us, these things are few and far between (or considering this discussion, far and few between!)
Speaking of screens….You will notice what happens when you choose to limit your colors to black and white. In this case, the white top reflects all the energy and at the same time attracts all the attention. In so doing it balances the length of the (albeit fabulous!!!) pleated leather skirt. The model’s face is of secondary or tertiary consideration in this picture. That’s great for a fashion shoot but not great for you if you are on Zoom/Webinex/Facetime call. A bright white shirt without the addition of color by the face will overpower you!
Being creative in your approach to problem solving will lessen the fatigue of decision making. Try styling your world view as a way of managing your outlook and your capacity to solve problems. And, styling your world can be as simple as rephrasing questions to arrive at different solutions; like asking is a problem white and black or black and white!
Contact me or make an appointment for a free first impression consultation for brand development, personal styling, wardrobe editing, personalized color fans and much more!