Episode 467: The Surprising Power of Color: Why Your Brand Palette Might Be Holding You Back – Part 2
In this eye-opening episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp and branding expert Tenneil Register return to tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of author branding: color. If you’ve ever struggled to pick a color palette that feels like “you,” or worried that your colors might actually be confusing your readers, you’re not alone.
Kathi shares her own branding mishaps (including a memorable tea-party disaster), and Tenneil breaks down what color psychology really means for writers who want their brand to feel authentic, inviting, and memorable. You’ll get actionable advice on:
- How to identify colors that match the true feeling of your message and audience needs
- Why trendy palettes might be sabotaging your brand—and what to do instead
- How to avoid classic color combo fails (hint: not every red and gold pairing is inspired!)
- Which tools—like Canva and Lightroom—can make branding easier, even if you’re a design novice
- Where to find inspiration and ready-to-use resources to simplify the design process
Plus, you’ll hear real talk about balancing cozy vibes, bold statements, and faith-driven messages, all through the power of color.
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Your Host
About Our Guests
Promised Resources
- Coffee for Kathi
Link to support or treat the host; specifically given to listeners.
Resources Mentioned
- The Collective
Community or resource site mentioned in the episode as one of Kathi’s favorite things.
- Susy Flory
Author and resource recommended by Kathi.
- Tonya Kubo
Resource or guest recommended by Kathi.
- Kathleen Kerr
Literary professional highlighted by Kathi.
- Canva
Tool mentioned for writers and brand design.
- Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing software mentioned as a useful tool for branding.
- WhatTheFont
Online tool mentioned for identifying fonts.
- DaFont
Website mentioned for font downloads and inspiration.
Full Transcript
Episode Topics

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