I just finished reading Kem Meyer's book "Less Clutter. Less Noise." I would suggest that if your job has anything to do with communications that you go out and buy this book. There is a lot of practical wisdom in her solutions and principles. Here are some of the things that I took note of.
Good communication is not so much about sending the right message as it is releasing the right response.
Advertising doesn't create interest, at best, it creates awareness.
What people want is a promise they can trust, consistency, something worth telling their friends about-an experience.
Instead of investing efforts in promotions to get attention, we should be getting attention with what happens when people show up.
To attract is to cause to approach or adhere.
Clarity is the new creativity.
Take the time to learn what's effectively gaining credibility with people in today's culture.
The secret is for churches and other organizations to narrow their focus and reach fewer people more times.
Let people color outside the lines. You might just learn something.
Spend lots of time getting to know the people your trying to reach.
Identify the distraction and eliminate it.
Each communication piece is a valuable tool with the opportunity to unify all communications or dilute them.
People leave with the "actual" experience, and that's what they talk about.
Simplify the problem. Don't complicate the solution.
Everybody should find at least two image consultants in the workplace: one who helps process your effect on the individuals and another who helps process your effect on the crowd.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Interview with Adam Tarwacki
Adam Tarwacki is the Creative Director for St. Mark's Church, NC. He describes his job this way - Be creative! haha, it's pretty funny when all the pressure to be creative falls to one person. (I wouldn't recommend it) I am in charge of the weekend experience, and also very involved with the look and feel of graphics that are being created. I will also be working on the website for an overhall asap. Photography, video and anything else we might need.Adam,
What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Apple iMac 24 inch monitor. Canon EOS digital Rebel (I'm behind I know) No scanner but I've been eyeing a canon.
What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
Photoshop, Bridge and my new challenge is Final Cut.
Favorite Resource(s):
iStock ;) Who doesn't like help.
Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
TV is great, Disney Channel, MTV, Fuse, just anything that is showing you stage design, layout of graphics and it shows what's "hot". (what's up Paris "Thats hot"). Magazines, deviant art, and other creators.
If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
Canon 5d. Beautiful shots and AMAZING VIDEO!
What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
To create an experience when it comes to the weekend, as opposed to just elements thrown together.
What hindrances do you have to overcome?
The church has been around since 1860 something. So as you can imagine there is deep tradition and many "oldchool" thought processes. (not that there is anything wrong with that at all. It actually can be used) As churches progress and change and watch other churches and say I like how they did that, how can that work here or something like it, there are many challenges to work through.
What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
I'm still looking for tips and tricks of the trade, I'll be learning from this.
How did you get started in your profession?
I was actually laid off from a position at a church because of the economy. (I'm sure you are saying yeah right, but its true ;) My job was not a creative director where I came from, in fact far from it. This has just become a passion of mine and a church found me who was willing to take a chance and we jumped together. So as I am one month in, I am learning and loving it.
Readers can find out more about you by?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Free Magazine
I have an extra copy of the July/August issue of Photoshop User magazine. If you are interested in subscribing to Photoshop User and would like to try it out first, comment on this post and I will pick one lucky winner. All I ask, if you like it and want to subscribe - come back and use my link. Good luck.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Interview with Nathan Sutliff
Nathan Sutliff is the Director of Creative Arts for Grace Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, TN. His job description includes a variety of responsibilities including Lead Worship, Direct Choir, Manage Tech Teams, Manage Drama Ministry, Camera Ministry, Video Ministry, Maintain and Develop Website, Graphic Design, Marketing.Lets get this interview going.
What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)? Taylor 814ce, Parker Fly Classic, Vox AC30TBX, Vox Pathfinder, Apple Powerbook G4 (soon to be upgraded), Adobe CS3 Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign), Final Cut Pro, Twitter, Canon XL2, 10x20 Green Screen, Iphone 3G.
What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)? Think Tank Creative Meetings (not always considered a tool but oh so beneficial - this is the best tool i have - other creative minds).
Favorite Resource(s): Digital Juice, iTunes, Lynda.com, istockphoto, youtube, vimeo, books books and more books, friends, dvcreators.net, linkedin, videocopilot.net, creativemyk.com.
Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration? Books, conversations with friends, nature, music, silence.
If you could have one thing what would it be? Why? More Time... There is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done.
What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position? To share the love of God in new and creative ways to a community searching for truth.
What hindrances do you have to overcome? At times my lack of organization, being a perfectionist is one thing I constantly fight, lack of finances but creativity is more powerful than an empty wallet.
What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example? My Favorite trick is photoshop gradients. Even if it changes 2 shades it creates so much more depth than a flat color. Of course there is a lot of fun to have with multiple color gradients as well. I use it in film, design, and web whenever i can. I just feel it looks better cause in nature there are very few times you see solid color.
How did you get started in your profession? Started as a touring musicians with film, web, and design hobbies. God led me to the church i currently work at as a volunteer and now i work full time and love it. While still a volunteer I attended Belmont University in Nashville and received my Bachelors in "Religion and the Arts" and "Multimedia Productions" as a double major.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Interview with Kat Moore
Kat Moore is the Graphic Designer/Video Producer for Lompoc Foursquare Church in Lompoc, CA. Her job description is three-fold: 1) Graphic Design: Create communication materials. 2) Video Production: Develop and produce video announcements, document church events and teams, develop and produce short videos for special events, and 3) Creative Arts Team Leader: Organize and direct a volunteer-based team of writers, video crew, actors, stage crew and fine artists in the development and execution of creative materials that help communicate the message of the Gospel.So Kat,
What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
I have an iMac that is partitioned. I use the Mac side for all video production utilizing Finalcut and Garage Band. Our team has two Canon XL2s and one Canon GL2 that we use for all video production. All of my design work is done on the Windows partition. [We decided to partition the Mac so that we wouldn't have to repurchase the Adobe Creative Suite (CS3) when we upgraded to the Mac]. I use and love CS3 and my Wacom tablet.
What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
I don't know what I'd do without CS3. I am daily figuring out new ways to integrate Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign with each other. What I love about these programs is that the possibilities are endless...which makes for good creative flow.
Favorite Resource(s):
Whenever I can get my hands on a copy of Collide Magazine, I am in heaven. Between the articles and the amazing design (thank you, Barton Damer), I find this to be an endlessly valuable resource whether it's for video production, team development or graphic design. I also utilize iStockPhoto for design, and digitaljuice elements for video work.
Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from anything and everything. Basically, as I encounter different scenarios in life or process different thoughts, my mind will often ask itself, "How can I take this to design? or film?" I've been inspired by the appearance of a valley at dusk while driving and I've been inspired while exploring the past use Art Nouveau in book designs. My mind has just been wired to go off in mental tangents and I think the way I bring some sanity to those thoughts is by bringing it to my work.
If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
At this point, I'd really love to have a beautiful digital SLR camera with a trunk full of lenses. I think that having the luxury of staging and executing professional quality photos would elevate the level of work that I currently produce.
What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
The heart behind what Lompoc Foursquare Church (LFC) believes is that People Matter to God and that when we are "Doing Church As A Team", we are living out God's design for effective and fulfilling ministry. The graphic design, video and Creative Arts Team work is geared toward communicating the message and power of Christ, as well as communicating the heart of LFC to the congregation and community. We want to help illustrate the Word of God and clearly show people how they have been specifically designed to come along side other believers in worshipping and serving Christ.
What hindrances do you have to overcome?
I think the two main hindrances in working with a ministry are budget and volunteers. I am constantly trying to find ways to create effective communication materials and keep costs low. This often means having to design purely grey-scale, without a bleed, for an in-house printer/copier. Also, I have been blessed with an AMAZING team of volunteers who are passionate about creativity and ministry. There are times, however, where you realize you are working with people who have their own full time jobs and busy lives. So, executing a volunteer-heavy project can get very tricky very fast. The plus side is that I am constantly reminded to be grateful for the time and efforts of volunteers.
What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
Blending modes in Photoshop. It's really simple, but when I first learned and starting playing around with them I think it pushed my design abilities to the next level. This is one of the areas that really makes design possibilities endless.
How did you get started in your profession?
My bachelor's degree is in Child Development and Psychology. It wasn't until after college that I began pursuing art and design. I was doing some missionary work and didn't have a guitar or piano by my side to get some creative energy out, so I picked up a sketch pad and went from there. I worked in my original field while going back to school full time to study design and prayed for the opportunity to combine ministry and art. As God is faithful, He provided that exact thing. I've been working at LFC for the past two years and have grown in my understanding of both design and ministry.
Readers can find out more about you by?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Interview with Eddie Siceloff
Eddie Siceloff is the Communications Director for Crossroads Church in Concord, NC. His responsibilities include ensuring church brand/identity continuity across various media platforms, graphic and web design for the various ministries of the church and it's campus', as well as the marketing and advertising of events and activities throughout the community.Eddie,
What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Macbook Pro 17" running Leopard, iMac G5 17" running Tiger, HP DesignJet 130 NR- large format printer, and Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR- (try to abstain from stock photography).
What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
Adobe Creative Suite- one package, works on the fly with each of the individual programs.
Favorite Resource(s):
Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I'm inspired by what 'catches my eye'; as anyone in the graphics/art industry knows you get accustomed to seeing the best-of-the-best, so if something is able to reel me in and read about it then I feel that to be an inspiring source.
If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
A large monitor to connect say, a 30" Apple Display.
What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
To reach people with the most effective and easiest-to-understand message as possible.
What hindrances do you have to overcome?
Technology know-how of the general public, foremost.
What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
No favorite per say, I have to say the creation of style sheets both for print and web have greatly increased production and symmetry in media over the years. 'Theming' is a great tool for the web.
How did you get started in your profession?
Working for an apparel manufacturer as a graphic artist.
Readers can find out more about you by?
visiting Crossroads Church, Facebook or following me on Twitter!
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