I’ve been working on presenting myself online in a way that truly reflects who I am, and that means figuring out the right colors, logo elements, and overall aesthetic. After all, a personal brand should feel exactly that: personal.

You might notice that I rely heavily on deep purple (#59344F) as my main color, use soft yellows (#DCC48E or #EFE2C5) as secondary tones, and occasionally sprinkle in a minty teal (#8BBF9D) for added flair. I didn’t just throw darts at a color wheel, I promise. My choices come from a mix of color psychology and the feeling I want people to associate with me. Below, I’ll walk you through how these specific shades came together to form my personal brand story.

The Logic Behind Deep Purple (#59344F)

Royal, Creative, and a Little Bit Bold

First up, let’s talk purple. A deep shade like #59344F often evokes feelings of royalty, creativity, and luxury according to color theory. It’s got this sophisticated yet imaginative energy that I really gravitate toward. My brand isn’t about being flashy, but I would still like to be suggestive about my ambition and high standards, without screaming it from the rooftops. Purple does that for me in a subtle way.

Standing Out Without Shouting

Another big perk of purple? It’s not super common in personal branding, at least compared to the standard blues or reds. That means it helps me stand out right off the bat. By going deeper (instead of a bright grape shade), I can keep it from overwhelming my site or overshadowing the other colors in my palette. It’s a neat way to stand out in a more relaxed manner.

The Role of Warm Yellow (#DCC48E and #EFE2C5)

Optimism and Warmth

I like to use two muted yellow tones, #DCC48E and #EFE2C5, as secondary colors because yellow in general is known for optimism, clarity, and a friendly feeling. Even a small splash can add a sense of warmth to a brand. When someone spots this color in my graphics or text highlights, I want them to feel like they’re seeing a more approachable side of my otherwise deep-purple palette.

Balancing the Palette

Too much purple can get heavy pretty quickly. The soft yellows act like a gentle spotlight, creating contrast and drawing attention to important content without feeling harsh. So if purple is the anchor for depth and imagination, the yellows balance it by bringing a warm, approachable tone that subtly brightens everything up.

Adding Minty Teal (#8BBF9D)

A Rare, Yet Impactful Accent

Now, let’s talk about the accent color I occasionally sprinkle throughout my branding: minty teal (#8BBF9D). This shade is often linked to calmness, freshness, and a hint of nature, perfect if you want to break up a heavy or dark color scheme. I love using it sparingly for small highlights, like clickable buttons or subtle background sections, because it brings a cool burst of energy that complements both purple and yellow.

Encouraging Curiosity and Growth

One of the cool things about teal (or greenish-teal colors) is how it suggests renewal and growth. On the spectrum of color theory, greens and teals often convey a sense of harmony and exploration, which feels right up my alley. If purple provides a spark of creativity and depth, and yellow injects warmth, minty teal infuses clarity and renewal, completing the color trio.

Mountains in the Logo: Personal Significance and Symbolism

Even if you’re totally on board with the color choices, you might be wondering about the actual design of my logo. Why mountains? Well:

It’s a Personal Touch
I’m an outdoorsy person who loves breathing in fresh air, and spending time in nature. Mountains remind me of that sense of adventure, freedom, and peace that grounds me, fueling much of my creativity. Check out About me page for more information on that
It’s a Metaphor
On a more symbolic level, mountains speak to resilience, ambition, and the idea of rising above challenges. No matter the weather, mountains stay put, standing tall against the elements. That’s something I deeply admire and aim to emulate in my own life, both personally and professionally.
Handwritten Script
I pair the mountain outline with a cursive, signature-like font for my name, “Cody Benson.” The handwritten feel says, “This is me, for real,” rather than a stiff, corporate identity. Personal branding, for me, should be an invitation for people to get to know the real person behind the website.

My Website: A Colorful Reflection of Who I Am

Consistent Colors
When you interact with my personal brand you’ll notice a cohesive blend of deep purple, subtle yellows, and the minty teal. This isn’t random, consistency helps anyone who visits quickly recognize my brand.

Straightforward Layout
I’m also a huge fan of keeping things simple. My site has direct navigation, so people can find what they need without rummaging through endless links. I want the focus to be on my story and my work, not a complicated and confusing menu.

A Personal Touch
You’ll find references to my passion for nature, my approach to creativity, and other small anecdotes sprinkled throughout. My website is a place where I can show I’m more than a brand, I’m a person with interests, dreams, and quirks, just like you.

Why All This Matters: A Quick Recap

Look, personal branding isn’t just about looking cool or chasing trends. It’s about presenting yourself in a way that feels real, while also nudging people to see you the way you want to be seen. For me, that means:

Deep Purple (#59344F): Suggesting depth, ambition, and a dash of luxury as my main color.
Warm Yellows (#DCC48E / #EFE2C5): Adding a layer of optimism and approachable warmth as my secondary colors.
Minty Teal (#8BBF9D): Bringing in a fresh, calm, and exploratory feeling as a rarely used accent.
Mountains in the Logo: Symbolizing both my personal love of the outdoors and the steadfast, resilient qualities I try to live by.

Put it all together, and you’ve got a brand palette that says, “I focus on personal growth, creativity, and optimism, always seeking meaningful progress in everything I do.”

Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Adventure

Branding is never really “done,” especially when it’s personal. Tastes evolve, circumstances change, and new insights come along. That said, having a color scheme and logo you actually believe in is huge, it saves you from second-guessing every design choice and gives people a reliable way to remember you.

If you’re reading this and thinking about your own personal brand, I’d say start with the story you want to tell. Then look into the colors, symbols, and overall style that can help you tell it. For me, it was about uniting my core values with the environment where I feel most at peace. For you, it might be something else entirely.

Either way, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. After all, the most important part of a personal brand is the “person” behind it. The colors just help the rest of us see a bit of who you are, before we even read a single word.

Thanks for hanging out and learning about the reasons behind my palette. If something here strikes a chord, feel free to drop me a note. I’m always down to talk colors, mountains, or whatever else makes your day brighter!

Using Symbolism and Color Theory to Create My Personal Brand