Why Clashing Colours Can Make Logos Unforgettable

Reading Time

8 minutes

Let’s be honest: logo design has never been about playing it safe. If it were, we'd all have navy blue logos with a tidy sans serif font, and every second business throughout Australia would look the same. But the brands that really stand out - especially in competitive or oversaturated markets - are often the ones that break a few design rules, particularly when it comes to colour.

At Outspoken Entourage, we’ve worked with clients across a spectrum of industries in Australia - from fashion and hospitality to finance and professional services - and we've seen first-hand how smart colour choices (even the bold, clashing, eyebrow-raising ones) can carve out space for a brand in a noisy market.

So let’s unpack the concept of “clashing colours” in logo design - why they work, when to use them, and how your industry might influence the strategy.

Colour Theory: Know the Rules Before You Break Them

Before we celebrate breaking colour conventions, it’s worth revisiting what those conventions actually are. Colour theory tells us that harmonious colour palettes - think analogous colours (next to each other on the colour wheel) or complementary colours (opposites that "balance") - tend to be pleasing to the eye. Most design software even helps us out with palettes that just go together. These palettes are safe. Elegant. Predictable.

But great branding? It's rarely predictable.

Clashing colours - like red and cyan, orange and hot pink, or lime green and purple - create tension. They grab attention. They’re hard to forget. And in branding, that memorability can be golden.

The Power of Visual Disruption

We live in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever. The average person in Australia sees thousands of ads and branded visuals each day, whether scrolling through Instagram, driving past billboards in Brisbane, or browsing websites for everything from takeaway to tax accountants.

Visually disruptive logos - often thanks to unusual or “clashing” colour combinations - can stop people in their tracks. And that's not just theory.

Think about brands like:

Jetstar – Their bold black and bright orange logo screams "budget but bold", and it’s unlike most airline identities.
Hungry Jack’s – Their red, yellow, and that unexpected warm bun-colour combo isn't exactly refined, but it’s loud, unmistakable, and highly effective.
Triple J – The red on red (logo on background) is intentionally flat and jarring—it’s not “pretty” in the traditional sense, but it’s iconic in the youth and alternative space.

These brands are recognisable not in spite of their colour choices, but because of them.

Why Unusual Colour Pairings Work

Here are a few reasons why odd or clashing colour combos can be a strategic asset in your logo:

1. Differentiation

If your competitors all use blue and white (we’re looking at you, finance and medical industries), coming in with a saturated lime green or electric purple immediately makes you different. Even if it causes a little aesthetic discomfort—it’s memorable.

2. Emotional Impact

Colours provoke emotion. Red signals urgency or passion, yellow grabs attention, green evokes freshness or growth. But when paired in unexpected ways, you’re creating emotional tension that can be intriguing. A harsh combo might signal boldness or a rebellious streak—perfect for challenger brands.

3. Modern Edge

Unusual colours often align with more modern or trend-forward brands. Fashion, tech, and creative industries in Australia (especially in Melbourne and Sydney’s design scenes) often embrace “clash” as a way to signal innovation and edge.

When Clashing Colours Don’t Work

Let’s be real: there’s a time and a place for design chaos. If you’re a boutique gin label launching in Byron Bay, you might be able to get away with fluorescent coral and chartreuse. But if you're running a corporate law firm in Canberra, you probably want to dial back the drama.

Consider your industry:

Professional services (law, accounting, consulting): Trust and clarity usually trump creativity here. You can still stand out, but a neon palette might send the wrong message.
Healthcare: Clashing colours can look unsanitary if not done carefully. Soothing, harmonious tones are often the better choice—though there’s room for a bolder accent.
Retail and hospitality: Here’s where clashing works really well. Think loud, fun, emotional, fast-paced.
Creative industries: Clash away. This is where visual confidence is a competitive edge.

So yes, it’s a strategy—but not always the right one. This is where good brand strategy trumps pure aesthetics. (And if you're not sure, that’s exactly where a creative agency comes in.)

It’s Not Just Colour - It’s Context

One thing we always bring up with clients is this: Your logo doesn’t live in a vacuum. A colour that looks awful on a white background might sing when placed over an image. A clashing combo might look too much on its own, but when balanced across a brand identity—website, packaging, socials—it becomes a signature.

In our article “Logo Design: Choosing the Best Colour for Repeatable Results”, we discussed how repeatability is one of the keys to brand recognition. Unusual colour pairings only work if they can be used consistently and coherently across all brand touchpoints—from your business cards to your Instagram tiles. (Yes, even that QR code on your coffee van.)

The Australian Design Landscape

The Australian market has its own flavour. We tend to favour boldness, informality, and a bit of cheek. Our brands often wear their personalities on their sleeves, and colour is one of the most direct ways to communicate that.

But even within Australia, cultural expectations vary:

Brisbane and Gold Coast audiences lean toward warm, bright palettes.
Melbourne often favours more understated or editorial colour use.
Regional brands sometimes succeed by exaggerating “Aussie” tones - earthy reds, desert ochres, eucalyptus greens.

A smart logo doesn’t just stand out - it resonates locally.

Wrapping It Up

Clashing or “odd” colours in logo design are no longer taboo. In the right context, they’re a statement - a way to say, We’re not like everyone else. Used well, they create instant recognition, spark emotion, and help carve a unique space in the market.

But as with anything in branding, it’s not about being different for the sake of it. It’s about being different with purpose.

So, if you're considering a rebrand - or building your brand identity from the ground up - ask yourself not just “What looks good?” but “What will make us unforgettable?”

And if you want to chat about how to make bold design choices that actually work in your market, we’re all ears. Let’s talk.

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