This post will be off topic from health and fitness, but it is related to my desire to communicate effectively with my readers. It is also important regarding my hopes to grow my readership beyond the bounds of my local CrossFit affiliate .
The topic relates to the title of my blog – “Defiant Wellness”, and colors for a logo, that align aesthetically and emotionally with that title.
We begin the conversation with a very deliberate disconnect with my title. The word Defiant conveys a sense of anger or rebelliousness. The word Wellness conveys a sense of calm, of being at peace, of being free of stress. These two words, and their meanings, are deliberately at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. So my title is already loaded with contradiction. Hey, what can I say? I’m conflicted!
The genesis of this essay was a conversation I was having with a web media mentor of mine. We frequently sit down over coffee and discuss blogs, social media, video, podcasts, etc. I sent him a proposed change to my red logo that is my Profile Pic on DW Facebook. He commented that the upheld fist looks too militant. I countered that the word “defiant” suggests rebellion, so the militant motif fits the theme. He countered that the red background is too harsh, and it may offend people. Gee, if they’re offended at the color red, wait ’til they read my essays, then they’ll see red!
Though I enjoyed our verbal sparring, I did take his comments to heart, at least enough to do some research on how colors can connote certain emotions. The more research I did, the more amused I became. I Googled: Colors and Emotions; Colors and Feelings; Colors and Energy; Colors for Meaning; Colors in Psychology, and on and on. FYI, they are all very inconsistent.
So after all my scientific analysis, I did what every modern researcher does. I picked the results that best aligned with my preferred hypothesis. So here is what I discovered about the color Red.
- Red is the warmest of all colors.
- Red is most chosen by extroverts.
- Red is one of the top picks of males.
- Red may suggest anger.
- Red is the color of prosperity and joy (in China).
- Red is the color of passion and love.
- Red is associated with warmth
- Red means danger
- Red is the color of blood and is symbolic of life and vitality
I believe the color red matches the purpose of my writing. I write to increase enthusiasm and interest in regards to health and wellness. I write to encourage my readers to be energized as they take action. I write so readers will grow in confidence as they transform their dreams into accomplishments.
At this time, my logo and my font may still be in question. But I think I am sticking with my color red, after all, I write about life and vitality. I guess it’s in my blood.
Note: Two generations of this website have evolved to a minimalist aesthetic. But as you can see from the photos, red is still a predominant part of my life.
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