2009 Color Trends

The 2009 Spring color trends have been given by Pantone.  You can read what they have to say about them here and view the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2009 here.  What do you think about these or other color trends and how are you using them?

"Branding Faith" by Phil Cooke

I just finished reading Phil Cooke's book "Branding Faith" and it is filled with essential information for any Church, business, or non-profit that wants to understand and implement the power of branding.  Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me.

"... anyone who attempted to present the Christian message in a relevant way knew they had to recognize and understand the cultural framework of the time in order to be an effective communicator."

"For a visually oriented, media-savvy generation, it's about more than just the message; it's also about the medium.  And it's about the brand."

"Today it's about making a connection - the kind of connection that not only makes them want to hear what you have to say but also makes them respond."

"At its core, branding is simply the art of surrounding a product, organization or person with a powerful and compelling story."

"... a successful brand isn't what you say it os; it's what they say it is."

"The key is in understanding how the media works and using it with integrity and authenticity."

"God gave you unique DNA, so your job is to discover how your unique gifts and talents can differentiate  your ministry form everyone else's."

"The medium does indeed impact the message."

"... the power of design has influenced millions."

"... the three most dangerous areas of branding are (1) technology, (2) chasing relevance, and (3) a key conflict with the concept of marketing."

"Real branding is about creating and maintaining trust; and without delivery on that trust, the relationship is broken."

"Branding isn't an exact science.  It's organic, reflecting the changing culture, trends and ideas of each generation."

"Don't give your audience what you think they want.  Give them what they never dreamed possible."

If you are in the profession of design, communication, marketing, or media - you must have this book in your reference library.

LessAcounting.com

LessAccounting is a free, web-based app that was designed for small businesses. You can create proposals and invoices with your company's logo and track all business expenses. What is also great is that you are able to assign tax categories to your expenses that will help you at tax time. The best part I think is the weekly emailer. You can have LessAccounting send you a weekly email reminding you of upcoming bills as well as invoices that might be past due. This helps you get paid! If your looking for an easy to use, no fuss accounting software - this should be on the list of choices. For more information and to signup, visit LessAccounting.com

Interview with Scott Brannan

Each month we'll ask some questions to top graphic designers, media specialists, communication directors, and others about who they are, what they do, and to share tips and resources with us.

Up first, is Scott Brannan. We used to work together in Charlotte, NC and he is now the Minister of Media at First Baptist Church Merritt Island, Florida. He handles all production elements for worship services and major/minor productions.  So let's get started.

Scott, 

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Several macs, running fcp, after effects, photoshop, pro tools. You know the basic staples of the trade.

What is your favorite tool?
I have worked with several in my career, most were at my other church! Really, I would have to say I love after effects. I tried motion for a while, but I have found that AE pops so much better than motion. I know that it is all preference, but I'm sold.

Favorite Resource(s)?
videocopilot.net, collide mag, churchmarketingsucks.com

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I like to see what is going on with secular tv and print. They know how to distract people with "stuff". Why does the church not at that same level? Most churches use clip art and cheesy powerpoint presentations and then question why they are not being effective.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
An assistant! I have made too much work for lay people and for myself!

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
To provide technical excellence to our members and guests.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
Making a church choir sound bigger than they are. You would look like a hero in any church with a choir if people can hear them, understand them and they sound HUGE. I like to pan my choir hard left and right and have a praise team fill the middle.

How did you get started in your profession?
My wife was in a group in college that toured NC, when we got married, I was kind of roped into running sound for them. Nothing glamerous, I can not remember how bad it was, but I'm sure it was bad!