Visual Arts

We absorb images as fast as the eye can see, sometimes zipping right past consciousness. Just too much to process too quickly. We may get an impression. A feeling.

Graphics & Symbols

ZAP! POW! High energy, bold colors, angular images are often used to promote boys’ toys and games as well as adult tools.

Flowers, rainbows, cute animals and muted colors sell girls’ toys.

Color-coded Genders

In many cultures, the importance of gender is magnified from birth. Baby boys are put in blue in the hospital, girls in pink, ensuring that even passers-by can tell. It is that important.

And it continues. Toy aisles for girls knock you over with pink dolls, pink roller blades and even pink shovels. The boys’ aisles – no pink – but lots of dark colors – black, brown, army green – and camouflage.

Because girls see so much pink in their lives, they often decide it is their favorite color. Everything they see tells them they are more feminine the more they wear pink. It’s a reinforcing loop.