Orange-Colored Glasses

Posted on December 17th, 2009 by Kindling Spirits and currently 5 commenting.

Note: This following post is from Shannon Kohn, who has been a part of the Brains on Fire movement (as a Kindred Spirit) for over 10 years. She formally joined us about three months ago and took on the role of Fiskateer Community Manager. We love the way way she bakes and cooks for us. And the way she looks at the world:

Orange. It might only be a “second-from-the-left” color in your world’s rainbow, but for me, it’s more.

Orange is the color that connects me with my client. It instantly summons the loudest, proudest voices in my client’s customers. It flies fast and frantic like an unfurled flag—high above the spectrum of mediocre colors (sorry, periwinkle) that are constantly battling for my visual attention. It has me, the anti-shopper, scouring after-Halloween sales in the hopes of grabbing some small quantity of cute, pumpkin-colored treasure. It’s a happy color…and it shines brighter than a mo fo up in this joint.

Two nights ago, my daughter wrote a cute little note to Twinkle, our “Elf” (the little critter who comes to life at night and wreaks havoc downstairs). One question she asked him was, “What is your favorite color?” Well, I’m no elf (although I’m as cute as one), but when I really step back and think about it, orange is my favorite color now. I see my world through orange-colored glasses (set inside uber-fashionable frames, of course). Did my sharp-edged client know that when I stepped back aboard the Fire train, I would be preaching the gospel of this secondary, color-wheel staple? I think the answer is “Yes.” It’s an easy thing to do when you feel empowered.

Truth be told, I’m a little late to the big, orange-lovin’ party. 6,700 other craftily creative folks beat me there (they saved me a beautifully-embellished seat, though). My tardiness does nothing to lessen my desire to spread my client’s gospel, though. So, if you meet me on the street, at the grocery, or in the carpool line…look out! I’ll have you seeing your world through orange-colored glasses in no time at all.

So, what’s your favorite color?