I have written before about proper feedback to make a business better, whether it is about business practices, marketing, or treatment. Just the other day, I posted in Facebook asking my “friends” to take a look at my website and give me some constructive criticism to make it better. Many of the replies were positive and complimentary, however; I received a message indicating concerns about logo and website layout.
It is said that when you are designing a logo to represent your business, you want it to be strong and informative. I took this information to heart and invested time into research and meaning. DEFINED: Therapeutic Massage logo and name means a lot to myself and I would like to take this time to clarify this to you all.
I’d like to start by explaining the reason behind the name DEFINED: Therapeutic Massage. In the over 9 years I have been around this profession in the area of Charleston, I have experienced much confusion about what “Therapeutic” massage really is all about. The type of work that D:TM provides is much different than that found in your average massage “spa” or “studio”. The name of DEFINED: Therapeutic Massage was chosen to clarify and express what is provided and the understanding that massage can be used to make a difference just like more clinical treatments.
Let’s move on to the logo. Many people have complimented on the logo, but the other day, I had someone bring to my attention that they interpreted my logo as a “stop” sign or message of “halt”. I was very glad that this was presented to me so that I could have the opportunity to clarify the symbolism behind the shield and hand. One of the main reasons that I chose the hand is that Massage is a profession that utilizes the hands as the main tools of the trade. The multitude of logos that I have seen never contained a hand or hands which made it confusing as to what is offered by the logo alone. An open hand has had much symbolism through out history, the most important being protection. Blessings, power, and strength against “evil” are among the other symbolic characteristics of an open hand. I can see where it looks like a “halt” suggestion, but by no means was it meant that way. If any hint of “stop” is in the logo, it’s to “stop” the physical aches, pains, and problems my clients have or to simply “stop” by and feel better! The second part of the logo is the shied which by definition is “a protective covering or structure” designed to “protect, hide, or conceal from danger or harm. ” D:TM’s goal is to allow clients to move, feel, & BE better and in doing that, they are protecting themselves from unnecessary harm.
Color plays a big role in marketing as well as the atmosphere you set for your clientele. The color blue was selected for D:TM for many reasons including the calming aspect. Several people have made the comment that there aren’t “warm” colors on the website or in the office and the reason behind this is that most “warm” colors such as red, orange, or even brown can also represent anger, pain, and depression. Blue is associated with depth and stability as well as trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, and truth. These are all qualities that D:TM stands behind and promotes to the community. On another note, “Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness.” When viewing the color blue on a website or as soon as you walk into a treatment room it can start the process of setting a client at ease and stimulate the process of recovery.
If you would like to take a moment to visit the website and leave your constructive criticism, I would greatly appreciate it and hopefully you can now understand the symbolism behind the name, logo, and color that makes up DEFINED: Therapeutic Massage.