Neon is a vivid and eye-catching color that can instantly add energy to a design. But did you know that there’s more to this color than meets the eye?
When a neon sign is lit, it emits a reddish-orange light that gives off that iconic glow that’s known to the world. This is because pure neon gas only glows in that shade. But it’s possible to get other colors when making signs by combining it with noble gases such as Argon or using powder coated tubes.
Like its “siblings” helium, argon, krypton, and xenon, neon is found in Earth’s atmosphere in very low concentrations. It’s also very light, has a high vapor pressure at very low temperatures, and is nonreactive, making it useful in scientific research and manufacturing when an inert environment is required.
Adding neon accents to your designs can be tricky because they can look jarring if used in the wrong places. To make your neon pop, it’s best to use them sparingly and strategically. For example, a bright neon pink can be used as the H2 subtitle of a page or as a call-to-action button in an email. This selective usage keeps your designs looking purposeful rather than cluttered and chaotic.
Before you start designing with neon, it’s important to understand your project’s needs. This means identifying what emotions or reactions you want to evoke and determining how your color scheme will align with your theme or brand.