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.
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