Psychology is widely known as the study of how our minds influence our behaviors, but how often do we consider the effects that colors have on our emotions and decision-making? Colors, hues, and tones often create subconscious psychological and physiological reactions within our bodies, so it’s important to know which emotions your designs are evoking amongst current and future members. Embark on a colorful journey with us to discover the meanings behind these eight shades:
The vibrant hues of red are notorious for increasing our heart rate, blood flow, and body temperature, leaving lasting impressions like no other color. Its urgency and dominance are ubiquitous throughout the denomination— with many UMC organizations utilizing the rich shade commonly seen in our official insignia, the Cross and Flame. Looking to demand attention in your designs? Incorporating splashes of red is guaranteed to captivate and stimulate.
As the brightest color of the spectrum, yellow radiates positivity, optimism, and joy. With its connection to the sun, this color is known for stimulating our brains, boosting our memory, and improving our mood. Integrating the cheeriness of yellow into your designs can create the warmth and welcoming vibrations your ministry needs.
A powerful fusion of passionate red and positive yellow, orange exudes enthusiasm and creativity. Increasing oxygen supply to the brain and improving mood, this color is an excellent choice for ministries seeking to energize and engage their communities.
From bright skies to deep ocean waters, blue embodies serenity, sincerity, and security. Cool, calm, and collected, blues hues consistently reduce our heart rates, blood pressures, and body temperatures. If you’re seeking to set a calm and peaceful presence for your house of worship, sooth with blues.
Green blends cheerful sensations and calming effects to create an atmosphere of harmony, prosperity, and healing. The dominant color of nature is deemed stress-relieving because of its tendency to stimulate the pituitary gland. Is your ministry in need of some collaboration and synergy? It could be time to explore tones of green.
While seen as a feminine and romantic color, purple hues are known to stimulate the brain and improve problem solving. If your congregation is experiencing friction, purple could translate any over-active energy into peaceful and positive emotions.
Absorbing all light, black is a low-energy color that exudes power and authority. While this color can create an element of mystery and seriousness, it can also convey elegance. Since black is associated with death, mourning, and sorrow in our culture, you should always be cautious with usage.
The color of purity, clarity, and peace, white signifies new beginnings and reminds us of the endless possibilities to come. While often described as dull and bland, white provides us with much needed feelings of hope and comfort. If your ministry could use a resurgence of energy, try illuminating your designs with this white.
Now that our vivid expedition has come to an end, you’re now aware of the significant influence that colors have on your ministry. Ready to rebrand? UMC Support’s Communications and Marketing department can help your ministry develop a unique brand true to your ministry’s purpose.