Color in Graphic Design: An Analysis of Meanings and Trends Barbara Martinson and Carol Waldron, University of Minnesota This study analyzes the use of color communication on a symbolic level in graphic design. Business communications from 1985 to 2000 will be examined to determine if certain colors are used consistently for certain types of companies. The primary research questions are: Are certain colors associated with particular types of business? Do the colors used in business communications relate to color symbolism as described in color and design literature? Are there color trends in relation to time? Ethnographic content analysis will be used on fifteen years of Communication Arts graphic design annuals. Variables to be examined are dominant color, type of business, date of publication, and geographic source of client. These variables will be used to examine color frequencies within certain types of businesses, relationships to color meaning, and trends over time.