An Empirical Investigation Into the Role of Colour in Eliciting Emotional and Thematic Responses to 2D Animation

Colour in 2D animation is a fundamental storytelling tool that extends beyond mere aesthetics to influence audience perception, emotion, and thematic interpretation. This study investigates the emotional and thematic impact of specific colour schemes in 2D animated scenes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collected qualitative data through semistructured interviews and quantitative data via structured surveys from participants who viewed a curated selection of animated clips. The findings reveal a strong and consistent correlation between specific colours and emotional responses; for instance, blue was overwhelmingly associated with sadness, yellow with happiness, and red with anger. The results validate foundational principles of colour theory, such as the RYB colour model, demonstrating that primary colours evoke distinct, highintensity emotions while secondary and neutral tones elicit more nuanced or context-dependent feelings. The study concludes that colour is a vital and powerful component of visual language, serving as a critical bridge between narrative design and audience engagement. These insights hold significant implications for animators, content creators, and branding strategists seeking to purposefully shape the viewer's experience.